Relationship between patent foramen ovale anatomical features and residual shunt after patent foramen ovale closure

Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an effective strategy for preventing recurrence of paradoxical embolism. However, PFO closure is often associated with residual shunt, which is a risk of recurrent stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the anatomical features of PFO and residual shunt. The degree of residual shunt and its relationship with the anatomical features of PFO were evaluated in 106 patients who underwent PFO closure at our institution between March 2011 and January 2022 and in whom contrast transthoracic echocardiography was performed 1 year later. The mean PFO tunnel length was 9.3 ± 3.6 mm and the mean PFO height was 3.2 ± 2.2 mm. Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) was found in 37 patients. After PFO closure, residual shunt was observed in 28 patients (grade 1, n = 8; grade 2, n = 16; grade 3, n = 3; grade 4, n = 1). Univariate logistic analysis identified ASA to be associated with residual shunt (odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 6.79; p = 0.024). There was no association of residual shunt with the size of the PFO, the length of PFO tunnel, or the size of the device used for closure. Two of four patients with a large residual shunt of grade 3 or grade 4 were found to have device size mismatch. Residual shunt after PFO closure was observed in a quarter of patients and was related to the presence of ASA. A few patients had a large residual shunt due to the device size mismatch.

Association Between Aortic Valve Calcification and Severity of Concomitant Aortic Regurgitation in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) frequently have concomitant aortic regurgitation (AR), but the association between aortic valvular calcification (AVC) and the severity of AR remains unclear.Methods and Results: We retrospectively reviewed patients with severe AS who underwent transthoracic echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) within 1 month. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the degree of concomitant AR. The association between AVC and the severity of concomitant AR was assessed in patients with severe AS. The study population consisted of 95 patients: 43 men and 52 women with a mean age of 82±7 years. Of the 95 patients with severe AS, 27 had no or trivial AR, 53 had mild AR, and 15 had moderate AR. The AVC score (AVCS) and AVC volume (AVCV) significantly increased as the severity of concomitant AR increased (P=0.014 for both), and similar findings were obtained for the AVCS and AVCV indexes (P=0.004 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of AR correlated with AVCS and AVCV measured by MDCT in patients with severe AS. AVC may cause concomitant AR, leading to worsening of disease condition.

Long-term outcome and cardiac function after anatomic repair of congenitally corrected transposition

OBJECTIVES

There is limited information on long-term outcomes and trajectories of ventricular and valvular functions in patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries after anatomic repair according to the operative strategy with a median follow-up period of more than 10 years.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients who underwent anatomic repair in Okayama University Hospital between January 1994 and December 2020 were reviewed. Outcomes were compared between patients underwent a double switch operation (DS group) and patients with an atrial switch with a Rastelli operation (Rastelli-Seninng/Mustard group).

RESULTS

Fifteen (52%) were in the DS group and 14 (48%) were in the Rastelli-Seninng/Mustard group. The median follow-up period after anatomic repair was 12.7 (interquartile range 4.2-18.8) years. There were 3 (10%) early deaths and 3 (10%) late deaths. Survival rates for the entire cohort at 10 and 20 years were 86% and 71%, respectively and were not different between the two groups. Using competing risk analysis, risks of heart failure, cardiac rhythm device implantation, and atrial arrhythmia showed no significant differences between the two groups, whereas risk of reoperation was higher in the Rastelli-Seninng/Mustard group than that in the DS group. Four patients after a double switch operation and one patient after a Rastelli technique developed more than moderate aortic regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

During a median follow-up period of more than 10 years, mortality rate and ventricular and valvular functions after anatomic repair were acceptable, though the incidences of late complications were relatively high, especially in the Rastelli-Seninng/Mustard group.

Clinical significance of gastrointestinal bleeding history in patients who undergo left atrial appendage closure

Background and Aim

Anticoagulant users with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) sometimes suffer from gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and have difficulty continuing the medication. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been developed for such situations. We aimed to clarify the clinical significance of a history of GIB in comparison to other factors in patients who had undergone LAAC.

Methods

From October 2019 to September 2023, patients with NVAF who underwent LAAC at our hospital were enrolled. We investigated the percentage of patients with a history of GIB who underwent LAAC and compared the incidence of post-LAAC bleeding in these patients compared to those with other factors.

Results

A total of 45 patients were included. There were 19 patients (42%) with a history of GIB who underwent LAAC. In a Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative incidence of bleeding complications after LAAC was significantly higher in patients with a history of GIB in comparison to patients with other factors. There were eight cases of post-LAAC bleeding in total, and seven cases had GIB.

Conclusions

We need to recognize that GIB is a significant complication in patients who undergo LAAC. The management of GIB by gastroenterologists is essential to the success of LAAC.

Association of perivascular fat attenuation on computed tomography and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

AIMS

Heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with chronic inflammation. We aimed to investigate the association between pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATA) on coronary computed tomography angiography as a novel noninvasive marker of pericoronary inflammation and the presence of HFpEF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective study included 607 outpatients (median age, 65 years; 50% male) who underwent both echocardiography and coronary computed tomography angiography. Patients with obstructive coronary artery disease were excluded from this study. PCATA was compared between patients with and without HFpEF, which was diagnosed according to the Heart Failure Association (HFA)-PEFF score. PCATA was assessed at the proximal 40-mm segments of all three major coronary arteries on coronary computed tomography angiography. Patients with HFpEF had higher PCATA in all coronary arteries compared to the control participants: left anterior descending artery (LAD), -65.2 ± 6.9 Hounsfield units (HU) vs. -68.1 ± 6.7 HU; left circumflex artery (LCX), -62.7 ± 6.8 HU vs. -65.4 ± 6.6 HU; and right coronary artery (RCA), -63.6 ± 8.5 HU vs. -65.5 ± 7.7 HU (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, including conventional risk factors, revealed that PCATA per standard deviation in the LAD (odds ratio [OR], 1.449; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.152-1.823), LCX (OR, 1.634; 95% CI, 1.283-2.081), and RCA (OR, 1.388; 95% CI, 1.107-1.740) were independently associated with HFpEF. The association between PCATA and HFpEF was mostly consistent across various patient clinical characteristics. The left ventricular mass and left atrial volume index showed a mild correlation with LAD-PCATA (ρ = 0.13 [P < 0.01] and ρ = 0.24 [P < 0.01]) and LCX-PCATA (ρ = 0.16 [P < 0.01] and ρ = 0.23 [P < 0.01]).

CONCLUSIONS

High PCATA score was significantly associated with the presence of HFpEF. Our results suggest that inflammation in the pericoronary artery adipose tissue is one of the underlying mechanisms of HFpEF.

Effects of Agalsidase Alfa Enzyme Replacement Therapy on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy on Electrocardiogram in a Female Patient with Fabry Disease

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by defective enzyme activity of α-galactosidase A and treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant α-galactosidase. ERT reduces left ventricular mass assessed by echocardiography or magnetic resonance imaging. However, electrocardiogram changes during ERT have not been fully elucidated. In the present case, ERT with agalsidase alfa for 4 years decreased QRS voltage and negative T depth along with a reduction of left ventricular mass and wall thickness and improvement of symptoms in a female patient with Fabry disease. Long-term observation of electrocardiogram changes might be useful for determining the efficacy of ERT in this case.

Diagnostic Performance of Cardiac Computed Tomography for Detecting Patent Foramen Ovale: Evaluation Using Transesophageal Echocardiography and Catheterization as Reference Standards

BACKGROUND

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with various diseases such as cryptogenic stroke, migraine, and platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for PFO detection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and who underwent catheter ablation with pre-procedural cardiac CT and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were enrolled in this study. The presence of PFO was defined as (1) the confirmation of PFO using TEE and/or (2) the catheter crossing the interatrial septum (IAS) into the left atrium during ablation. CT findings indicative of PFO included (1) the presence of a channel-like appearance (CLA) on the IAS and (2) a CLA with a contrast jet flow from the left atrium to the right atrium. The diagnostic performance of both a CLA alone and a CLA with a jet flow was evaluated for PFO detection.

RESULTS

Altogether, 151 patients were analyzed in the study (mean age, 68 years; men, 62%). Twenty-nine patients (19%) had PFO confirmed by TEE and/or catheterization. The diagnostic performance of a CLA alone was as follows: sensitivity, 72.4%; specificity, 79.5%; positive predictive value (PPV), 45.7%; negative predictive value (NPV), 92.4%. The diagnostic performance of a CLA with a jet flow was as follows: sensitivity, 65.5%; specificity, 98.4%; PPV, 90.5%; NPV, 92.3%. The diagnostic performance of a CLA with a jet flow was statistically superior to that of a CLA alone (p = 0.045), and the C-statistics were 0.76 and 0.82, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A CLA with a contrast jet flow in cardiac CT has a high PPV for PFO detection, and its diagnostic performance is superior to that of a CLA alone.

Prognostic value of the liver fibrosis marker fibrosis-5 index in patients with severe isolated tricuspid regurgitation: comparison with fibrosis-4 index

The fibrosis-4 index (FIB4), a liver fibrosis maker, has been shown to be associated with the prognosis in patients with severe isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Recent study showed that the fibrosis-5 index (FIB5), which was calculated by albumin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase and platelet count, had better prognostic value than FIB4 in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of FIB5 index for predicting prognosis in patients with severe isolated TR and compare the prognostic value between the FIB4 and the FIB5 in those patients. This was a dual-center, retrospective study. 113 consecutive outpatients with severe isolated TR (mean age, 65.8 years; 47.8% male) were analyzed. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke. During a median follow-up of 3.0 years, 41 MACEs occurred. Patients with MACEs had a lower the FIB5 than patients without MACEs. The multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the FIB5 < -4.30 was significantly associated with higher incidence of MACEs after adjusted by confounding factors. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses showed that prognostic values did not differ between the FIB5 and the FIB4 in whole patients and in patients aged ≥ 70 years; while, in patients aged < 70 years, the FIB5 had better prognostic value than the FIB4. The FIB5 may be a useful predictor of MACEs in patients with severe isolated TR.

Shear Wave Dispersion Slope of the Liver Can Predict Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) often causes right-sided heart failure (HF), inducing organ damage. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a novel ultrasound technique for characterizing tissue. Some studies have reported that shear wave dispersion slope (SWDS) enables the assessment of early hepatic damage in HF. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of SWDS in patients with PH.This single-center cohort study enrolled 36 patients with PH who underwent SWE at Okayama University Hospital between March 2018 and April 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of the median value of SWDS: low SWDS group (SWDS < 12.4 m/second/kHz, n = 18) and high SWDS group (SWDS ≥ 12.4 m/second/kHz, n = 18). The primary endpoint was the complex of all-cause death or hospitalization for HF. During the follow-up of 391 ± 288 days, all-cause death or hospitalization for HF occurred in 8 patients. One patient died in the low SWDS group. Three patients died and 4 patients were hospitalized for HF in the high group. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the event-free survival rate was significantly worse in the high SWDS group than in the low SWDS group (log-rank, P = 0.01). In univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, high SWDS was associated with the events (hazard ratio 10.8; 95% confidence interval 1.89-202, P = 0.005).An elevated SWDS was associated with a high rate of events in patients with PH. SWDS has the potential to predict adverse outcomes in patients with PH.

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula in a rare location: The importance of excluding patent foramen ovale

A 46-year-old woman with a history of repeated thromboembolic stroke and anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome was referred to our hospital. Saline contrast transthoracic echocardiography showed that microbubbles appeared in the left atrium within 4 heartbeats. Thus, she was initially suspected as having a patent foramen ovale with associated paradoxical embolism. However, no evidence of patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect could be found using transesophageal echocardiography. Saline contrast transesophageal echocardiography showed that microbubbles flowed into the left atrium through the left superior pulmonary vein. Ultimately, she was diagnosed as having a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation located at the upper left pulmonary lobe using contrast computed tomography and pulmonary artery angiography. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are typically located in the lower lobe of either lung and, in bubble studies, contrast appears in the left atrium after 4 heartbeats. Here, the pulmonary arteriovenous malformation was in the upper lobe, and contrast appeared in the left atrium at an earlier time point: one associated with patent foramen ovale. These findings made it difficult to differentiate the two diseases initially. This case suggests that pulmonary arteriovenous malformation should be carefully considered, even if microbubbles appear in the left atrium early on a saline contrast transthoracic echocardiograph.

Learning objective

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation occasionally appears in the upper lobe. In these cases, microbubbles may appear in the left atrium after detection in the right atrium with a time-course that is suggestive of a patent foramen ovale. Therefore, diagnosis should be carefully confirmed by using other multimodal imaging tests, such as transesophageal echocardiography, contrast computed tomography, or pulmonary artery angiography.

Association between Cardiovascular Disease and Liver Disease, from a Clinically Pragmatic Perspective as a Cardiologist

Cardiovascular diseases and liver diseases are closely related. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has the same risk factors as those for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and may also be a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on its own. Heart failure causes liver fibrosis, and liver fibrosis results in worsened cardiac preload and congestion. Although some previous reports regard the association between cardiovascular diseases and liver disease, the management strategy for liver disease in patients with cardiovascular diseases is not still established. This review summarized the association between cardiovascular diseases and liver disease. In patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the degree of liver fibrosis progresses with worsening cardiovascular prognosis. In patients with heart failure, liver fibrosis could be a prognostic marker. Liver stiffness assessed with shear wave elastography, the fibrosis-4 index, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score is associated with both liver fibrosis in patients with liver diseases and worse prognosis in patients with heart failure. With the current population ageing, the importance of management for cardiovascular diseases and liver disease has been increasing. However, whether management and interventions for liver disease improve the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases has not been fully understood. Future investigations are needed.

Temporary balloon occlusion test can overestimate the risk of acute pulmonary edema after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure

BACKGROUND

Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure can cause acute pulmonary edema. Before transcatheter closure is performed, temporary balloon occlusion test (BOT) is recommended in patients with left ventricular dysfunction to predict the risk of pulmonary edema. However, the accuracy of BOT has not been verified. This study aimed to compare hemodynamic differences between BOT and transcatheter closure.

METHODS

A total of 42 patients with a single ASD over age 18 years who underwent BOT before transcatheter ASD closure between October 2010 and May 2020 were analyzed. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was measured using a Swan-Ganz catheter placed in the pulmonary artery at baseline, after 10 min of BOT, and after transcatheter closure. Amplatzer septal occluder was used for all transcatheter closures.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 64 ± 18 years (range, 18-78). Mean ASD diameter and pulmonary to systemic flow ratio were 18 ± 5 and 2.8 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. Mean PCWP at baseline, during BOT, and after transcatheter closure was 8.9 ± 2.9, 13.5 ± 4.2, and 9.5 ± 2.6 mmHg, respectively. The difference between BOT and after transcatheter closure values was significant (p < 0.001). During BOT, PCWP increased ≥18 mmHg in 7 patients, whereas after ASD closure, PCWP was <18 mmHg in all 7 and none developed acute pulmonary edema.

CONCLUSION

Temporary balloon occlusion of an ASD and transcatheter ASD closure result in different hemodynamic change. BOT overestimates increase of PCWP after transcatheter ASD closure and requires careful interpretation. Well-designed, larger studies in higher-risk patients are warranted to verify the clinical implications of BOT in more detail.

Left atrial appendage morphology with the progression of atrial fibrillation

Left atrial appendage (LAA) size is crucial for determining the indication of transcatheter LAA closure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in LAA morphology according to the types of atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 299 patients (mean age: 67 ± 13 years) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were included. Patients were classified into non-AF (n = 64), paroxysmal AF (n = 86), persistent AF (n = 87), or long-standing persistent AF (n = 62). LAA morphology, including LAA ostial diameter and depth, was assessed using TEE. Patients with long-standing persistent AF had larger LAA ostial diameter and depth and lower LAA flow velocity. The maximum LAA ostial diameter was 19 ± 4 mm in patients with non-AF, 21 ± 4 mm in patients with paroxysmal AF, 23 ± 5 mm in patients with persistent AF, and 26 ± 5 mm in patients with long-standing persistent AF. LAA ostial diameter was increased by 2 or 3 mm with the progression of AF. LAA ostial diameter was correlated with LA volume index (R = 0.37, P < 0.01) and the duration of continuous AF (R = 0.30, P < 0.01), but not with age or the period from the onset of AF. In conclusion, LAA size was increased with the progression of AF.

Overview of the 86th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Circulation Society - Cardiology Spreading Its Wings

The 86^thAnnual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Circulation Society was held in a web-based format on March 11-13, 2022. In accordance with the internationalization policy of the JCS, the meeting was held with the Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology Congress 2022. The main theme was "Cardiology Spreading its Wings". The number of patients with heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases is increasing dramatically, and the fields dealt with by cardiovascular medicine are also greatly expanding. This conference was both intellectually satisfying and exciting for all participants, who numbered over 14,900. The meeting was completed with great success, and the enormous amount of cooperation and support from all involved was greatly appreciated.

Impact of shear wave dispersion slope analysis for assessing the severity of myocarditis

This study aimed to elucidate the utility of a novel ultrasound-based technique, shear wave dispersion slope (SWDS) analysis, which estimates tissue viscosity, for evaluating the severity of myocardial inflammation. Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) at different disease phases [3-week (acute phase): n = 10, 5-week (subacute phase): n = 9, and 7-week (late phase): n = 11] were developed in male Lewis rats. SWDS was measured in the right and the left ventricular free walls (RVFW and LVFW) under a retrograde perfusion condition. Histological myocardial inflammation was evaluated by CD68 staining. The accumulation of CD68-positive cells was severe in the myocardium of the EAM 3-week group. The median (interquartile range) SWDS of RVFW was significantly higher in the EAM 3-week group [9.9 (6.5-11.0) m/s/kHz] than in the control group [5.4 (4.5-6.8) m/s/kHz] (P = 0.034). The median SWDS of LVFW was also significantly higher in the EAM 3-week group [8.1 (6.4-11.0) m/s/kHz] than in the control group [4.4 (4.2-4.8) m/s/kHz] (P = 0.003). SWDS and the percentage of CD68-positive area showed a significant correlation in RVFW (R2 = 0.64, P < 0.001) and LVFW (R2 = 0.73, P < 0.001). This study showed that SWDS was elevated in ventricular walls with acute inflammation and also significantly correlated with the degree of myocardial inflammation. These results suggest the potential of SWDS in estimating the histological severity of acute myocarditis.

Efficacy of shear wave elasticity for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of shear wave (SW) elasticity for assessing clinical outcomes in patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Significant TR develops right heart failure (HF) with organ congestion, resulting in adverse outcomes, but appropriate therapeutic strategies remain unclear. The assessment of the degree of hepatic congestion using SW elasticity may be effective for determining therapeutic strategies. We prospectively enrolled 77 patients with moderate or severe TR who underwent SW elastography. Patients were divided into three groups according to the value of SW elasticity: low group (SW elasticity < 6.4 kPa, n = 26), medium group (6.4 ≤ SW elasticity < 9.5 kPa, n = 26), and high group (SW elasticity ≥ 9.5 kPa, n = 25). The endpoint was cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF. During the median follow-up period of 17 months (range 7-39 months), cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF occurred in seven patients of high group, in three patients of medium group, and in no patients of low group. In high group, three patients died and seven patients were hospitalized for HF. In medium group, two patients died and one patient was hospitalized. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the event-free survival rate was worse in high group than in other groups (log-rank test, p = 0.02). High SW elasticity was independently related to cardiac events as well as right ventricular and left ventricular dysfunction. SW elasticity was a predictor of cardiac events in patients with significant TR by assessing hepatic congestion. SW elasticity can be valuable for determining therapeutic strategies for TR.

Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defect Requiring Transcatheter Closure Following Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system has been established in selected high-risk patients. The MitraClip procedure results in a relatively large iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical course of iASD requiring transcatheter closure following the MitraClip procedure.Methods and Results: This study was conducted at all 59 institutions that perform transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system in Japan. The data of patients on whom transcatheter iASD closure was performed were collected. Of the 2,722 patients who underwent the MitraClip procedure, 30 (1%) required transcatheter iASD closure. The maximum iASD size was 9±4 mm (range, 3-18 mm). The common clinical course of transcatheter iASD closure was hypoxemia with right-to-left shunt or right-sided heart failure with left-to-right shunt. Of the 30 patients, 22 (73%) required transcatheter closure within 24 h following the MitraClip procedure, including 12 with hypoxemia and 5 with right-sided heart failure complicated with cardiogenic shock. Of the 5 patients, 2 required mechanical circulatory support devices. Twenty-one patients immediately underwent transcatheter iASD closure, and hemodynamic deteriorations were resolved; however, 1 patient died without having undergone transcatheter closure.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter iASD closure was required in 1% of patients who underwent the MitraClip procedure. Many of these patients immediately underwent transcatheter iASD closure because of hypoxemia with right-to-left shunt or right-sided heart failure with left-to-right shunt.

Assessment of congestion and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure using shear wave elasticity

Aims

The relief of congestion is essential for the prevention of worsening heart failure (HF) resulting in hospitalizations. Assessment of the degree of organ congestion in the chronic phase of HF is important for determining therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of shear wave (SW) elasticity for assessing congestion and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic HF.

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled 345 consecutive patients with chronic HF who underwent SW elastography at outpatient clinic. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median value of SW elasticity: low group (SW elasticity <6.4 kPa, n = 176) and high group (SW elasticity ≥6.4 kPa, n = 169). The endpoint was cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF. During the median follow‐up period of 19 months (range: 7–36 months), cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF occurred in 4 patients of low group and 27 patients of high group. In high group, 8 patients died, and 19 patients were hospitalized for HF. In low group, 3 patients died, and 1 patient was hospitalized. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the event‐free survival rate was worse in high group than in low group (log‐rank test, P = 0.004). After adjusting for variables, high SW elasticity was independently related to cardiac events. In multivariate regression analysis, SW elasticity was correlated with left atrial volume index, early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to mitral annular velocity ratio, and inferior vena cava diameter.

Conclusions

The SW elasticity reflected haemodynamic congestion in patients with chronic HF, which was related to cardiac events.

Clinical outcomes of patients with isolated cardiac sarcoidosis confirmed by clinical diagnostic criteria

BACKGROUND

Although isolated cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is not uncommon, little is known about the prognosis. We aimed to clarify clinical features and clinical outcomes in patients with isolated CS.

METHODS

Two-hundred eighty-six patients with suspected CS were enrolled. Systemic CS (SCS) was diagnosed by histological or clinical confirmation of sarcoidosis according to the guidelines. Isolated CS was diagnosed by histological or clinical confirmation in the heart alone. The endpoint was cardiac death, hospitalization for heart failure, or fatal ventricular arrhythmia.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were diagnosed with isolated CS, and 63 were diagnosed with SCS. The frequencies of diagnostic criteria, such as high-grade atrioventricular block or fatal ventricular arrhythmia, basal thinning of the ventricular septum, left ventricular contractile dysfunction, positive myocardial uptake of gallium-67 citrate scintigraphy or fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, and delayed contrast enhancement of cardiac magnetic resonance, were higher or equivalent in patients with isolated CS, compared to those with SCS. Over a median follow-up of 31 months (range: 1-175 months), cardiac death, hospitalization for heart failure, or fatal ventricular arrhythmia occurred in 14 (67%) patients with isolated CS, 24 (38%) patients with SCS, and 63 (31%) patients without CS. The rate of cardiac events was higher in patients with isolated CS (log-rank test, p = 0.01). Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that isolated CS, age, and New York Heart Association functional class were independently associated with cardiac events.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with isolated CS have clinical features compatible with SCS, and have cardiac events at a higher rate.

Prognosis and Outcomes of Clinically Diagnosed Cardiac Sarcoidosis Without Positive Endomyocardial Biopsy Findings

Background

Diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is sometimes difficult due to a low positive rate of epithelioid granulomas by endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). Accordingly, Japanese guidelines can allow the CS diagnosis using clinical data alone without EMB results (clinical CS) since 2006. However, little is known about prognosis and outcome of clinical CS.

Objectives

Purpose of this study was to analyze the prognosis, outcomes, and response to corticosteroid of clinical CS using large-scale cohort survey.

Methods

Overall, 422 CS patients (mean age 60 ± 13 years, 68% female, median follow-up period of 5 years), including 345 clinical CS and 77 EMB-positive patients, histologically diagnosed CS (histological CS) by Japanese guidelines, were enrolled and examined.

Results

Clinical profile (age, sex, initial cardiac arrhythmias, and abnormal uptake of gallium-67 scintigraphy or ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in heart) was similar in both groups. Although clinical CS had better prognosis (P = 0.018) and outcome (all-cause death, appropriate defibrillator therapy, and heart transplantation; P = 0.008), multivariate Cox hazard analysis revealed that left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and sustained ventricular tachycardia history were independently associated with outcome (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively), but not with the diagnosed CS category. Moreover, similar LVEF recovery after corticosteroid was observed in both groups with low LVEF (≤35%) at the 1-year follow-up period (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In clinical CS according to the Japanese guideline, prophylactic implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator and immunosuppressive therapy are important in patients with low LVEF or ventricular tachycardia history, similar to histological CS.

Efficacy of shear wave elasticity for evaluating myocardial hypertrophy in hypertensive rats

Shear wave (SW) imaging is a novel ultrasound-based technique for assessing tissue characteristics. SW elasticity may be useful to assess the severity of hypertensive left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SW elasticity for assessing the degree of myocardial hypertrophy using hypertensive rats. Rats were divided into hypertension group and control group. SW elasticity was measured on the excised heart. Myocardial hypertrophy was assessed histologically. LV weight was greater in hypertension group. An increase in interventricular septum and LV free wall thicknesses was observed in hypertension group. SW elasticity was significantly higher in hypertension group than in control group (14.6 ± 4.3 kPa vs. 6.5 ± 1.1 kPa, P < 0.01). The cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes was larger in hypertension group than in control group (397 ± 50 μm2 vs. 243 ± 14 μm2, P < 0.01), and SW elasticity was positively correlated with the cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes (R = 0.96, P < 0.01). This study showed that SW elasticity was higher in hypertensive rats and was closely correlated with the degree of myocardial hypertrophy, suggesting the efficacy of SW elasticity for estimating the severity of hypertensive LV hypertrophy.

Importance of direct right-to-left shunt as high-risk patent foramen ovale associated with cryptogenic stroke

BACKGROUND

Because transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has become effective for preventing cryptogenic stroke (CS), it is necessary to determine high-risk PFO associated with CS. This study aimed to clarify the importance of direct right-to-left (RL) shunt through the PFO for identifying high-risk PFO.

METHODS

We analyzed 137 patients with and without CS who were confirmed to have PFO. The timing of RL shunt through the PFO was evaluated by cardiac cycles after right atrium (RA) opacification on saline contrast transesophageal echocardiography. Direct RL shunt was defined as microbubbles crossing the PFO before and at the same time of RA opacification.

RESULTS

Cardiac cycles of microbubbles crossing the PFO were shorter in patients with CS than in those without CS (2.0 ± 2.2 vs .5 ± 1.1, p < 0.01). Direct RL shunt was more frequently observed in patients with CS than in those without CS (77% vs 29%, p < 0.01), with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 71% for the association with CS. Multivariate analysis revealed that direct RL shunt was related to atrial septal aneurysm and low-angle PFO. Regarding functional features of PFO, the detection rate of CS was 50% for large RL shunt alone, and was increased to 83% when direct RL shunt was added.

CONCLUSION

Direct RL shunt was associated with CS and had the incremental value in detecting PFO associated with CS for large RL shunt. The timing of RL shunt can be valuable for identifying high-risk PFO.

Fragmented QRS as a predictor of cardiac events in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple spikes within the QRS complex, known as fragmented QRS (fQRS), are associated with the occurrences of ventricular arrhythmic events (VAEs) in patients with Brugada syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, the association between fQRS and occurrence of VAEs in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) has not been elucidated.

METHODS

We evaluated the associations between fQRS and cardiac events including VAEs [non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ventricular fibrillation (VF)], hospitalization for heart failure, and all-cause death in 68 patients with CS (30 patients with fQRS vs. 38 patients without fQRS) over a 5-year period.

RESULTS

Cardiac events occurred in 22 patients with fQRS and 18 patients without fQRS (73% vs. 47%, p=0.009). Of the cardiac events that occurred in CS patients, VAEs occurred more frequently in patients with fQRS than in patients without fQRS (VAEs: 70% vs. 45%, p=0.017; NSVT: 70% vs. 45%, p=0.010; VT: 43% vs. 18%, p=0.011, and VF: 6.7% vs. 2.6%, p=0.34), whereas there was no significant difference in hospitalization for heart failure or all-cause death between patients with and those without fQRS (hospitalization for heart failure: 6.7% vs. 5.3%, p=0.75; all-cause death: 6.7% vs. 5.3%, p=0.64). Multivariate analysis showed that fQRS in the baseline electrocardiogram was independently associated with VAEs (hazard ratio: 2.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.15-4.25, p=0.017).

CONCLUSION

fQRS is a predictor of VAEs in patients with CS.

Usefulness of cardiac fusion imaging with computed tomography and Doppler echocardiography in the assessment of conduit stenosis in complex adult congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive assessment of stenotic lesions in patients with complex adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is challenging due to its complex morphology. The simultaneous two-screen display of multidetector-computed tomography (MDCT) and real-time echogram (STDME) technology can display a virtual multi-planar reconstruction from MDCT corresponding to the same cross-sectional image from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). We investigated the usefulness of the STDME technology for stenosis severity assessment in complex ACHD patients.

METHODS

Twenty-four complex ACHD patients with stenotic lesions were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent TTE and the STDME technology within a week after MDCT. Peak velocity and pressure gradient (PG) across the stenotic site were measured using continuous wave Doppler. Cardiac catheterization was performed in 17 patients.

RESULTS

Nine out of the twenty-four patients had undergone repair with a conduit. Peak velocity and PG from the STDME technology were higher than those from TTE (peak velocity: 3.1 ± 1.1 vs. 2.8 ± 1.0 m/s; peak PG: 43 ± 28 vs. 34 ± 21 mmHg; both p < 0.01). Peak PG from the STDME technology showed significant correlations with those from catheterization in patients with a conduit (n=7) and those without a conduit (n=10) (r = 0.795 and 0.880, respectively; both p < 0.05), while peak PG from TTE was correlated with catheterization measurements only in patients without a conduit (r = 0.850, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The STDME technology enables more accurate assessment of conduit stenosis severity than does TTE in complex ACHD patients.

Efficacy of treat-and-repair strategy for atrial septal defect with pulmonary arterial hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Therapeutic strategies for atrial septal defect (ASD) with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PAH-specific medications and subsequent transcatheter closure (ie, treat-and-repair strategy) on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We enrolled 42 patients who were referred to 13 institutions for consideration of ASD closure with concomitant PAH and underwent the treat-and-repair strategy. The endpoint was cardiovascular death or hospitalisation due to heart failure or exacerbated PAH.

RESULTS

At baseline prior to PAH-specific medications, pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio (Qp:Qs), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were 1.9±0.8, 6.9±3.2 Wood units and 45±15 mm Hg. Qp:Qs was increased to 2.4±1.2, and PVR and mean PAP were decreased to 4.0±1.5 Wood units and 35±9 mm Hg at the time of transcatheter ASD closure after PAH-specific medications. Transcatheter ASD closure was performed without any complications. During a median follow-up period of 33 months (1-126 months) after transcatheter ASD closure, one older patient died and one patient was hospitalised due to heart failure, but the other patients survived with an improvement in WHO functional class. PAP was further decreased after transcatheter ASD closure.

CONCLUSIONS

The treat-and-repair strategy results in low complication and mortality rates with a reduction in PAP in selected patients with ASD complicated with PAH who have a favourable response of medical therapy.

Low-Angle Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): High-Risk PFO Morphology Associated with Paradoxical Embolism

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Identification of high-risk PFO associated with stroke is important.

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Low-angle PFO is reported to be one of the high-risk PFO morphologies.

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Low-angle PFO can allow venous blood to flow directly from the IVC to the LA.

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The case showed direct blood flow from the IVC to LA through the low-angle PFO.

Papillary-ventricular complex tugging for ischemic/functional mitral regurgitation

Surgical restoration of subvalvular geometry is very important to prevent recurrence of ischemic/functional mitral regurgitation (MR). We evaluated an approach to the radical repair of left ventricular (LV) remodeling for three different cases with responsible coronary lesions. Leaflet tethering was corrected by tugging of the papillary-ventricular complex, which consists of the base of papillary muscles and posterior LV wall. The main lesion of the postinfarction scar was concomitantly excluded. Restoration of LV remodeling diminished MR with minimal leaflet tethering and improved systolic LV function. This technique may be an aggressive and encouraged approach for patients with ischemic/functional MR.

Feasibility of transcatheter closure for absent aortic rim in patients with atrial septal defect

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in patients with absent aortic rim.

BACKGROUND

The indication of transcatheter closure for ASD with absent aortic rim is controversial.

METHODS

We enrolled 547 patients with ASD who were scheduled for transcatheter closure. Morphologies of aortic rim were evaluated using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

RESULTS

Aortic rim of <5 mm was observed in 396 (72%) patients; 128 (23%) had absent aortic rim of 0 mm, and 268 (49%) had deficient aortic rim of >0 to <5 mm. Patients with absent aortic rim frequently had aortic rim absence at an angle of 0° on TEE and septal malalignment. Of the 128 patients with absent aortic rim, 126 (98%) successfully underwent transcatheter closure, while 2 (2%) failed transcatheter closure due to a large defect with severe septal malalignment. The success rate of transcatheter closure was similar between patients with absent aortic rim and those with deficient aortic rim (98% vs. 99%, p = .45). After the procedure, no patients had erosion or device embolization during a median follow-up of 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter closure was successfully performed without adverse events in patients with absent aortic rim, as well as in those with deficient aortic rim. Our findings can be valuable to determine the indication of transcatheter closure in patients with ASD.

Efficacy of shear wave elastography for assessment of liver function in patients with heart failure

AIMS

Liver dysfunction is important for prognosis in heart failure (HF). Shear wave elastography (SWE), which is a novel ultrasound technique for charactering tissues, has been used in liver diseases. However, clinical implication of SWE, including dispersion slope, remains unknown in heart diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SWE assessing liver function in the severity of HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled 316 consecutive patients with or suspected heart diseases, who were classified according to the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association stage of HF, including 37 with Stage A, 139 with Stage B, 114 with Stage C, and 26 with Stage D, and 45 normal subjects. Elasticity and dispersion slope of shear wave were assessed according to the HF stage. Elasticity and dispersion slope were not elevated in normal subjects and patients with Stage A. Elasticity was slightly increased from Stage A to Stage C and was remarkably elevated in Stage D (normal: 5.2 ± 1.1 kPa, Stage A: 5.4 ± 1.2 kPa, Stage B: 6.4 ± 1.8 kPa, Stage C: 7.8 ± 3.5 kPa, and Stage D: 17.7 ± 12.7 kPa), whereas dispersion slope was gradually increased from Stage A to Stage D (normal: 9.7 ± 1.7m/s/kHz, Stage A: 10.4 ± 1.6m/s/kHz, Stage B: 11.7 ± 2.4m/s/kHz, Stage C: 13.2 ± 3.4m/s/kHz, and Stage D: 17.6 ± 5.6 m/s/kHz). In the early HF stage, dispersion slope was elevated. In the advanced HF stage, both elasticity and dispersion slope were elevated. Liver function test abnormalities were observed only from Stage C or Stage D.

CONCLUSIONS

Dispersion slope could detect early liver damage, and the combination of elasticity and dispersion slope could clarify the progression of liver dysfunction in HF. SWE may be valuable to manage therapeutic strategies in patients with HF.

Efficacy of shear wave elastography for evaluating right ventricular myocardial fibrosis in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension rats

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular (RV) function is important for outcomes in pulmonary hypertension. Evaluation of RV myocardial characteristics is useful to assess the disease severity. Shear wave elastography (SWE) provides information of shear wave (SW) elasticity, which is related to tissue hardness, and SW dispersion slope, which reflects tissue viscosity. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that SW elasticity is increased and SW dispersion slope is decreased in the right ventricle of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension rats.

METHODS

Rats were divided into MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). SW elasticity and SW dispersion slope were measured on excised hearts. Myocardial fibrosis was evaluated histologically.

RESULTS

RV hypertrophy was observed in the MCT group. SW elasticity of right ventricle was higher in the MCT group than in the control group (3.5 ± 0.9 kPa vs. 2.5 ± 0.4 kPa, p < 0.01). SW dispersion slope of right ventricle was lower in the MCT group than in the control group (5.3 ± 1.7 m/s/kHz vs. 7.7 ± 1.5 m/s/kHz, p < 0.01). The fibrosis area of right ventricle was increased in MCT group compared with control group (18 ± 5% vs. 8 ± 3%, p < 0.01), and was positively related to SW elasticity and negatively related to SW dispersion slope.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher SW elasticity and lower SW dispersion slope were observed in the fibrotic myocardium of right ventricle in MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension rats. SWE may have the potential to evaluate RV function by assessing myocardial characteristics.

Chemical constituents and their biological activities from Taunggyi (Shan state) medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are essential aspects of readily available primary healthcare remedies. Phytochemical constituents of medicinal plants cover a broad variety of chemical fields to explore medicines. This review highlights selected empirical data on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of Taunggyi medicinal plants, Andrographis paniculata, Physalis peruviana, and Cassia fistula. Historically, these plants have been used for many infections and diseases in Taunggyi. More than 361 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified from the selected plants. Some of the chemical constituents have substantial pharmacological properties. It is clear that these herbs have significant potential for useful natural supplements in many contemporary diseases. Thus, the aim of this review compiles an ethnobotanical survey and documentation of medicinal plants in Taunggyi (Myanmar). This review will also inspire Myanmar researcher's to further investigate the potential of these plants in their future work into new compound and new drugs.

Efficacy and safety of atrial septal defect closure using Occlutech Figulla Flex II compared with Amplatzer Septal Occluder

Few studies have reported the efficacy of Occlutech Figulla Flex II (FFII) device compared with Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) device. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of FFII compared with ASO for transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. We retrospectively evaluated 190 patients using FFII and 190 patients using ASO who underwent transcatheter ASD closure. ASD characteristics were evaluated by transesophageal echocardiography. The prevalence of procedural complications, including erosion, device embolization, stroke, and new-onset atrial arrhythmia, and the presence of a residual shunt were evaluated between the two groups during 12-month follow-up. FFII was used more frequently than ASO in patients with a deficient aortic rim or septal malalignment (P = 0.02, P < 0.01, respectively). The procedural complications of erosion, device embolization, and stroke did not occur in any patients. New-onset atrial arrhythmia occurred in 3 patients of the FFII group and 4 patients of the ASO group, and the difference between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.70). A large residual shunt (≥ 3 mm) was observed in 6 patients of the FFII group and 5 patients of the ASO group, and the difference between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.76). FFII was used frequently in patients with high-risk ASD morphology; however, there was no difference in the prevalence of procedural complications or efficacy between patients using FFII and those using ASO.

Morphological assessments of deficient posterior-inferior rim for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine morphological characteristics of deficient posterior-inferior rim for transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure success.

BACKGROUND

The feasibility of transcatheter closure of ASD with deficient posterior-inferior rim remains unclear.

METHODS

Of 869 patients with ASD who were scheduled transcatheter closure, 121 with posterior-inferior rim of <5 mm were included. Posterior-inferior rim morphologies were evaluated by transesophageal echocardiography.

RESULTS

One hundred six patients successfully underwent transcatheter closure, while 15 patients failed. These 15 patients had complete deficient posterior-inferior rim of 0 mm and/or a large defect of ≥38 mm. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that transcatheter closure failure was independently related to complete deficient posterior-inferior rim and a large defect of ≥38 mm. Incomplete deficient posterior-inferior rim of >0 to <5 mm was observed in 84 patients. All these patients successfully underwent transcatheter closure, except two patients with a large defect of ≥38 mm. Complete deficient posterior-inferior rim was observed in 37 patients. The frequency of complete deficient posterior-inferior rim was higher in patients who failed transcatheter closure (87% vs. 23%, p < .01), but transcatheter closure was performed successfully if the range of complete deficient rim was ≤30°. After the procedure, no adverse events occurred during a median follow-up of 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with deficient posterior-inferior rim successfully underwent transcatheter closure. Transcatheter closure could be performed even in patients with complete deficient posterior-inferior rim if the range was partial. Our findings can help to identify candidates for transcatheter closure.

Current Treatment Strategies and Nanoparticle-Mediated Drug Delivery Systems for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

There are three critical pathways for the pathogenesis and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): the prostacyclin (prostaglandin I₂) (PGI₂), nitric oxide (NO), and endothelin pathways. The current approved drugs targeting these three pathways, including prostacyclin (PGI₂), phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, and endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), have been shown to be effective, however, PAH remains a severe clinical condition and the long-term survival of patients with PAH is still suboptimal. The full therapeutic abilities of available drugs are reduced by medication, patient non-compliance, and side effects. Nanoparticles are expected to address these problems by providing a novel drug delivery approach for the treatment of PAH. Drug-loaded nanoparticles for local delivery can optimize the efficacy and minimize the adverse effects of drugs. Prostacyclin (PGI₂) analogue, PDE5 inhibitors, ERA, pitavastatin, imatinib, rapamycin, fasudil, and oligonucleotides-loaded nanoparticles have been reported to be effective in animal PAH models and in vitro studies. However, the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle mediated-drug delivery systems for PAH treatment in humans are unknown and further clinical studies are required to clarify these points.

Impact of Disease Complexity on Cardiovascular Events after the Transition to an Adult Congenital Heart Disease Specialized Medical Unit

The follow-up of patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) at a specialized medical unit is necessary for the patients' appropriate medical care. However, limited information is available about cardiovascular events among ACHD patients. Here we investigated the type and frequency of cardiovascular events in ACHD patients in relation to disease complexity. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 535 patients (median age 35 years) referred to our ACHD center between 2014 and 2017. We divided the patients into 3 groups based on their disease complexity. To evaluate the relationship between disease complexity and cardiovascular events, we performed univariate and multivariate survival analyses. The Simple, moderate, and complex disease groups accounted for 62%, 19%, and 19% of the patients, respectively. Apart from events related to atrial septal defect (ASD) trans-catheter treatment, the frequency of cardiovascular events was dependent on the disease complexity (event-free survival rates at 3 years were 85%, 65%, and 58%, respectively). The hazard ratios were 4.0 and 5.1 in the moderate and complex groups, respectively. With the exception of scheduled transcatheter intervention, cardiovascular events were strongly related to the disease complexity of original heart disease. However, cardiovascular events were not rare even in the simple ACHD group.

Efficacy of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with atrial septal defect: a comparison with transcatheter closure alone

Aims

There is no valid treatment strategy for addressing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with unclosed atrial septal defect (ASD). We aimed to assess the efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) compared with transcatheter ASD closure alone for treating pre-existing paroxysmal AF in patients with ASD.

Methods and results

Among 908 patients who underwent transcatheter ASD closure, we evaluated 50 consecutive patients (63 ± 12 years) with paroxysmal AF. We compared the AF outcomes of these patients after transcatheter ASD closure between those with and without CA prior to ASD closure. Thirty (60%) patients underwent CA. During the follow-up period after ASD closure (mean: 49 ± 23 months), recurrence of AF was observed in 6/30 (20%) patients with upfront CA and 12/20 (60%) patients with ASD closure alone. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the AF-free survival rate was significantly higher for patients with CA than for those with ASD closure alone (79% vs. 37% at 5 years, P = 0.002). Upfront CA and previous heart failure hospitalization were associated with recurrence of AF after ASD closure [hazard ratio (HR) 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.53; P = 0.002 and HR 4.64, 95% CI 1.60–13.49; P = 0.005, respectively].

Conclusion

In ASD patient with paroxysmal AF, transcatheter ASD closure alone demonstrated high AF recurrence rate after ASD closure. On the other hand, upfront CA prior to ASD closure substantially suppressed AF recurrence over the long term. A combination of CA and transcatheter ASD closure may be a feasible treatment strategy for paroxysmal AF in patients with ASD.

Identification of High-Risk Patent Foramen Ovale Associated With Cryptogenic Stroke: Development of a Scoring System

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has become an effective therapeutic strategy for cryptogenic stroke (CS). The identification of high-risk PFO is essential, but the data are limited. This study aimed to clarify the factors related to CS and to develop a score for high-risk PFO.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 57 patients with prior CS and 50 without CS who were scheduled for transcatheter closure. PFO characteristics were evaluated by transesophageal echocardiography. Based on factors related to CS, we estimated the risk score.

RESULTS

Patients with CS had a greater frequency of large-size PFO (≥2 mm in height), long-tunnel PFO (≥10 mm in length), atrial septal aneurysm, hypermobile interatrial septum, prominent Eustachian valve or Chiari's network, the large right-to-left shunt at rest and during Valsalva maneuver, and low-angle PFO (≤10° of PFO angle from inferior vena cava), compared with patients without CS. Multivariate analysis showed that long-tunnel PFO, the presence of hypermobile interatrial septum, the presence of prominent Eustachian valve or Chiari's network, the large right-to-left shunt during Valsalva maneuver, and low-angle PFO were independently related to CS. When the score was estimated based on 1 point for each factor, the proportion of CS was markedly elevated with a score of ≥2 points. The probability of CS was markedly different between scores of ≤1 or ≥2 points.

CONCLUSIONS

PFO risk can be assessed with a score based on high-risk features. The presence of two or more high-risk PFO features is associated with CS.