Cardiac amyloidosis: A survey of current awareness, diagnostic modalities, treatment practices, and clinical challenges among cardiologists in selected Middle Eastern countries

BACKGROUND

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a chronic progressive disease caused by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in cardiac tissues. Diagnosis and management of CA are complicated and have developed over the years.

HYPOTHESIS

Middle Eastern countries have significant knowledge disparities in diagnosing, managing, and treating different subtypes of CA.

METHODS

An online survey was sent to cardiologists in four countries (Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iraq) interested in heart failure and practicing for more than a year. The survey questioned the characteristics of the participants and their institutions. It addressed their knowledge and practices in CA specifically diagnostic modalities, treatment options, and interest in education and knowledge exchange.

RESULTS

A total of 85 physicians participated in the survey. There was a variation in the participating cardiologists' knowledge, experience level, and readiness of their institutes to manage patients with ATTR-CM. Most participants believed that a high rate of ATTR-CM misdiagnosis existed. Participants' knowledge of the diagnostic modalities and "red flags" raising suspicion about ATTR-CM varied. Another challenge was the availability of essential diagnostic modalities among various cardiology centers. A knowledge gap was also observed regarding updates in ATTR-CM management. However, there was a high endorsement of the need for more education, physician networking, and knowledge exchange.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey highlighted the need for increasing awareness levels among cardiologists in the four selected Middle Eastern countries. Cardiologists are most likely to benefit from additional training and knowledge exchange on the latest management advances of this disease. Thus, measures must be taken to focus on the physician's awareness of ATTR-CM patient journey to achieve a better quality of care and outcome.

Three-dimensional printing in integrated multi-modality imaging approach for management of prosthetic valves infective endocarditis

After heart failure, infectious endocarditis is the second leading cause of death in patients with prosthetic valves. Aortic pseudoaneurysms are a serious complication of infective endocarditis in mechanical or bioprosthetic aortic prostheses. Diagnostic and management challenges are posed by aortic pseudoaneurysms. In these cases, a multi-modality imaging approach with a heart team is recommended. We described two cases of aortic pseudoaneurysms that developed as a result of infective endocarditis. The first case involved a TAVI patient who developed infective endocarditis as a result of diabetic foot complications. Because traditional echocardiography and computed tomography failed to show the anatomy of the lesion, we used 3D printing to show the anatomy, extension of the pseudoaneurysm, and proximity to the right coronary artery. The second case involved a patient who underwent Bentall's surgery with an aortic root and mechanical aortic valve and later developed infective endocarditis complicated by pseudoaneurysms. In this case, 3D printing was used for preoperative surgical planning.

The long term results of the Ross procedure: The importance of candidate selection

The Ross procedure has been considered in children as an optimal surgical procedure due to potential growth of the aortic annulus, lack of anticoagulation requirement, very low morbidity rate and excellent survival. Five-hundred-thirty-six (366 male, mean age 29.4 ± 11.1 years) underwent Ross procedure between 1990 and 2016 and had complete clinical and echocardiographic follow-up. Mean follow-up was 16.3 ± 4.9 years. Patients were divided in 2 groups according to age at surgery. Group 1 consisted of 320 (60%) patients less than 18 years old (223 male, mean age at surgery of 9.5 ± 5.6 years). Group 2 consisted of 216 (40%) patients older than 18 years of age (143 male, mean age at surgery of 26.3 ± 8.2 years). One-hundred-thirty (24%) patients had a redo procedure or surgery. Freedom from all re-operation and or percutaneous reintervention on either the aortic and pulmonary valves was 99% after 1 year, 94% after 5 years, 89% after 10 years, 83% after 15 years and 78% after 20 years. Freedom from redo surgery for AV 99% after 1 year, 94% after 5 years, 90% after 10 years, 81% after 15 years and 80% after 20 years. Freedom from redo surgery for PV was 100% after 1 year, 95% after 5 years, 89% after 10 years, 78% after 15 years and 76% after 20 years. The ideal candidate for Ross operation is a patient with congenital aetiology and an aortic root diameter ≤ 15 mm/m². A pulmonary fresh preserved homograft seems to perform better on the long term.

P860 Multimodality imaging of multiple recurrent myxomas: the role of three dimensional echocardiography

A 33-year-old lady who underwent left atrial myxoma resection was found to have on a 3 years follow up transthoracic echocardiography (E) a multilobular mass in the right atrium.

A 2D transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed. Two Multi-lobulated masses were seen in the right atrium(RA); one bigger attached by a peduncle to the atrial wall in between the interatrial septum (IAS) and the superior vena cava and one smaller attached to the inferior RA wall; a remnant likely a suture was seen on the right side of the fossa ovalis; another small mass was noted on the left atrial (LA) side of the IAS; a small mass attached close to the posteromedial commissure and P3 scallop of the mitral valve was also detected. The RA mass was partially protruding into the tricuspid valve during diastole with no significant obstruction to flow.

Three dimensional TEE allows an anatomical imaging able to identify the peduncles of two right atrial masses and three LA masses that were confirmed at surgery and consistent with cardiac myxoma at histopathology : one close the previous resection area, one at the opening of the LAA (panel A, white arrow) and one close to the posterior commissure of mitral valve (panel B, yellow arrow) and that were not seen by 2D. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast identified and showed opacification of : two masses in the RA with the pedicles ; - one mass on the LA side of interatrial septum; - one mass close to mitral valve posterior commissure ; however it was not able to detect the small mass close to the LAA.

In our case 2D Echocardiography and MRI were able to identify 4 of the 5 recurrences found at surgery. 3D TEE was the only technique able to identify all 5 lesions. MRI is considered the gold standard for detecting cardiac tumor masses; however, even after careful review, it was not possible to identify the presence of the mass close to LAA. In particular 3D TEE was able to image the left atrial masses by an "en face view" of the left atrium from above. In addition, the unique 2D planes in unconventional views allow a more clear identifications of the peduncles of the masses in the right atrium. The identification of the peduncles is mainstay for the diagnosis of recurrent myxomas and exclude other tumors like metastasis or sarcomas. In fact multiple recurrence are very rare in particular if we consider that are in the two atria. Genetic tests for Carney complex were negative. The MRI allowed to confirm the vascularization of the contrast and to identify the peduncles of two masses in the right atrium.

A multimodality imaging is able to correctly detect recurrent myxomas by identifying the anatomical features and the vascularization and lead to the diagnosis ; 3DE was the only technique able to correctly identify all the recurrent myxomas and and its use has the potential for being considered the key adjunctive modality for the anatomy when advanced surgical plan is required.

Abstract P860 Figure.

Age related structural and functional changes in left ventricular performance in healthy subjects: a 2D echocardiographic study

Left ventricular (LV) adaptation to aging is currently poorly understood. We aimed to characterize age related changes in LV structure and function by studying a large group of healthy subjects across a wide age range. Prospectively enrolled healthy volunteers (n = 778, 327 females; age 18 to 100 years, mean age 49.8 ± 18.1 years), were divided into 4 age groups: 18 to 34 years (n = 165); 35 to 49 years (n = 242), 50 to 79 years (n = 334) and ≥ 80 years (n = 40). All subjects underwent clinical examination, as well as comprehensive transthoracic echocardiogram [TTE]. Body mass index, systolic blood pressure (BP), and left atrial volume (p < 0.0001) increased with age while diastolic BP (p < 0.0001) decreased over time. LV mass/body surface area (BSA) and relative wall thickness increased with age (p < 0.0001) coincident with worsening parameters of diastolic function (E/A and E/Em, p < 0.0001). The ejection fraction and Sm did not change significantly. Stroke volume, ejection time index, flow rate and stroke work significantly increased with age (p < 0.01). The arterial elastance (Ea), a measure of ventricular afterload, and ventricular elastance (Ees), an index of LV systolic stiffness did not change with age nor did their ratio (Ees/Ea) the latter being an expression of ventricular-arterial coupling. Age, gender and LVM were the main independent variables associated with LV systolic function. In conclusion, LV adaptation to aging in a healthy cohort is characterized by concentric LV remodeling, increased contractility and preserved ventricular-arterial coupling.

Tricuspid stenosis: An emerging disease in cardiac implantable electronic devices era. Case report and literature review

Tricuspid valve dysfunction and in particular tricuspid stenosis has recently been described secondary to cardiac implantable electronic devices. The valve is subjected to different mechanisms of injury related to the endocardial lead passing through its plane. The lead can form a loop or perforate one of the leaflets and initiate inflammatory response and fibrotic changes. Multimodality cardiac imaging is required to diagnose this clinical entity and decide on the best treatment plan. Here we present a case of a young female who developed tricuspid stenosis secondary to permanent pacemaker lead that was implanted 24 years before. We performed a review for all cases reported in the literature with a similar condition and various treatment approaches. <Learning objectives: 1. Tricuspid valve dysfunction can develop secondary to cardiac implantable electronic devices. Tricuspid regurgitation is the most common valve lesion however, tricuspid stenosis is reported as well. 2. Endocardial leads can cause injury to the valve initiating a cascade of inflammatory response and fibrosis. 3. Trans-thoracic echocardiography is the initial diagnostic modality but visualization of lead injury requires further cardiac imaging such as cardiac computed tomography and trans-esophageal echocardiography. 4. Various treatment modalities are reported in the literature; medical therapy, percutaneous valvoplasty; and surgery.>.

Left Ventricular Mechanics in Patients with Abnormal Origin of the Left Main Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Trunk Late after Successful Repair

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) mechanics by using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in asymptomatic patients with abnormal origin of the left main coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk (ALCAPA), late after successful repair, in the presence of LV ejection fraction (EF) >50%.

METHODS

We studied 30 ALCAPA patients (median age 4 years, range 1-25 years, NYHA class I, LVEF >50%) and 16 healthy age- and sex-matched controls (median age 5 years, range 1-25 years). All underwent standard echocardiographic evaluation and STE.

RESULTS

LV dimensions and LVEF (63.6 ± 8.2% vs. 64.1 ± 5.1%, p = 0.826) were not different between patients and controls. Diastolic parameters were significantly abnormal in our patients versus controls (E/e' average: 11.9 ± 5.8 vs. 6.6 ± 3.0, p = 0.0014). Global LV longitudinal strain was significantly lower in ALCAPA patients versus controls (-17.6 ± 3.5% vs. -23.4 ± 3.1%, p < 0.0001). LV torsion (9.1 ± 4.9° vs. 11.9 ± 3.3°, p = 0.046) was significantly impaired in ALCAPA patients.

CONCLUSIONS

After successful repair in asymptomatic ALCAPA patients, despite an LVEF >50%, diastolic function, LV longitudinal deformation and LV torsion remain impaired. We suggest including a detailed study of the diastolic function and cardiac mechanics in the clinical follow-up of these patients to identify the subgroup of patients at higher risk.

An unusual cardiac mass: Echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging

Cardiac tuberculosis is rare. We report an unusual case of cardiac tuberculoma diagnosed in vitam in a 38-year-old woman, with end-stage renal disease and discovered to have mediastinal tuberculosis in 2013. She presented to the emergency department complaining of fever and chills during hemodialysis. A cardiac mass suggestive of tuberculoma was found in the right atrium using echocardiography, computed tomography scan, and cardiac magnetic resonance. Sputum culture was positive for acid fast bacilli. The patient received anti-tuberculosis therapy with improvement of symptoms and reduction of the mass. <Learning objective: Cardiac masses are not infrequently found in right atrium, especially in patients under hemodialysis. In patients known to have tuberculosis the differential diagnosis should include cardiac tuberculoma.>.

Tetralogy of Fallot, Down's Syndrome, Left Ventricular Noncompaction, and Multiples Thrombi

We report a unique case of left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC), tetralogy of Fallot, and multiples biventricular thrombi in a Down's syndrome. Of interest, speckle tracking analysis detected an abnormal LV myocardial longitudinal deformation, despite the normal ejection fraction and absence of NC at the baseline evaluation.

Strain Echocardiography and Myocardial Mechanics: From Basics to Clinical Applications

The aim of this review is to summarize the recent developments in strain imaging, an evolving technique – from tissue Doppler to 3D echocardiography – for resolving the complex left ventricular mechanics. Following a brief overview of the different used technique to extract myocardial deformation data, the authors summarize the role of the technique in the assessment of cardiac mechanics and its role in the clinical arena.

Pressure reflection in the pulmonary circulation by echocardiography in patients with left heart disease indicates reactive pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVES

The two hemodynamic profiles in left heart disease (LHD) with pulmonary hypertension (PH), passive PH with increased pulmonary venous pressure and reactive PH with increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR > 3 Wood units, WU), are difficult to distinguish non-invasively. We hypothesized that echocardiographic signs of pressure reflection (PR) in the pulmonary circulation can be used to diagnose reactive PH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study comprised 122 patients divided into three groups: patients without PH (No PH, n = 61), patients with LHD, PH and normal PVR (passive PH, n = 29) and patients with LHD, PH and increased PVR (reactive PH, n = 32). Echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed within 24 h. Three parameters were selected related to PR [the acceleration of flow in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), the interval and the augmentation of pressure between peak RVOT flow and peak RV pressure]. Cutoff values aiming at ruling in (high positive likelihood ratio, PLR) and ruling out (low negative likelihood ratio, NLR) increased PVR were determined using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

The proportions of the patients with PH and PVR > 3 WU were 50% and 29%. Twenty-one percent had both increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and PVR. The area under the ROC curve for the PR parameters was 0.82-0.89. The PLR with ruling in cutoff values ranged from 4.7 to 9.4. The NLR with ruling out cutoff values ranged from 0.20 to 0.12.

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiographic assessment of PR in patients with LHD can be used to identify or exclude reactive PH.

Is the ross procedure a suitable choice for aortic valve replacement in children with rheumatic aortic valve disease?

BACKGROUND

Ross procedure is the aortic valve replacement of choice in children. Nonetheless, late autograft reoperation for dilatation and/or regurgitation is concerning. We examine whether Ross procedure is suitable in children with rheumatic fever.

METHODS

Medical records of 104 children with rheumatic fever who underwent Ross procedure were reviewed (1991-2004). Competing risks methodology determined time-related prevalence and associated factors for two mutually exclusive end states: autograft reoperation and death prior to subsequent reoperation.

RESULTS

Mean age was 13.8 ± 2.7, 83 (80%) were males. Hemodynamic dysfunction was primarily regurgitation (n = 92, 88%) and stenosis/mixed (n = 12, 12%). Competing risks analysis showed that in ten years after the Ross procedure, 1% of patients died, 32% underwent autograft reoperation, and 67% were alive and free from reoperation. Ten-year freedom from aortic regurgitation greater than or equal to moderate was 63%. Ten-year freedom from autograft reoperation was 65% for regurgitation versus 90% for stenosis/mixed disease. Risk factors for autograft reoperation were earlier surgery year (PE: 0.26 ± 0.06 per year; P < .001), additional surgery (PE: 0.82 ± 0.39, P = .04), no annular stabilization (PE: 1.21 ± 0.61, P = .05). Ten-year freedom from homograft replacement was 83%. Risk factors were fresh homografts (PE: 1.36 ± 0.71; P = .06) and aortic homografts (PE: 1.15 ± 0.59; P = .05). Ten-year freedom from any cardiac reoperation was 53%. Concomitant cardiac surgery was risk factor (PE: 1.37 ± 0.47; P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Ross procedure in children with rheumatic fever is associated with excellent survival but results are plagued by aortic regurgitation and frequent autograft reoperation. Risk factors include preoperative regurgitation, concomitant surgery, dilated annulus, and earlier surgery era. Better patient selection in later era has mitigated autograft reoperation risk. Continued, improved candidate selection, along with modifications in autograft implantation and root/sinotubular stabilization techniques, may further decrease late autograft failure.

Myocardial Deformation Imaging and Rare Cardiomyopathies with Hypertrophic Phenotype: A Review Focused on Fabry Disease, Friedreich Ataxia and Amyloidosis

Tissue Doppler and deformation imaging, including Doppler-derived strain and speckle tracking, have significantly improved our understanding of cardiac mechanics in both physiological and pathological states. The various modes of left ventricular deformation (longitudinal, circumferential, radial and twist) leading to systolic contraction can nowadays be quantified. One of the best applications of deformation imaging is in the area of hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. Deformation imaging allows the evaluation of global and regional myocardial performance and the noninvasive characterization of abnormal intramural myocardial mechanics. In this review, we discuss the role of myocardial deformation imaging derived by echocardiography in the assessment of rare hypertrophic phenotype including Fabry disease, Friedreich ataxia and amyloidosis. Deformation imaging allows for early identification of myocardial dysfunction in many hypertrophic disorders, at an earlier stage than that provided by standard imaging or echocardiographic techniques. This allows for the implementation of appropriate therapy before significant disease progression has occurred and prior to the development of advanced myocardial fibrosis. Thus therapy would likely be more effective and may potentially lead to improvement in patient outcome. Additionally strain imaging allows to better monitoring the efficacy of therapy by assessing the progression and regression of myocardial involvement. Finally, findings on strain imaging carry important prognostic information in many hypertrophic disorders.

Superior results following the Ross procedure in patients with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

The Ross procedure is a versatile operation that can be applied for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), including small infants and those with complex left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Herein, the clinical outcome is reported following the Ross procedure in patients with CHD at the authors' institution.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent the Ross procedure for CHD between 1991 and 2007 were reviewed. A competing-risks methodology was used to determine the time-related prevalence and associated factors for three mutually exclusive end states after the Ross procedure, namely death prior to subsequent cardiac reoperation, cardiac reoperation, and survival without subsequent reoperation.

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients (98 males, 53 females) was identified. The median age at the time of surgery was 8.6 years (range: 4 days to 33 years). Previously, 103 patients (68%) had undergone cardiac interventions, and 43 (28%) required LVOT enlargement (modified Ross-Konno procedure). A competing-risk analysis showed that, at 10 years after the Ross procedure, 8% of patients had died without subsequent reoperation, 26% underwent cardiac reoperation, and 66% remained alive without further reoperation. The 10-year freedom from autograft and homograft reoperation was 95% and 71%, respectively. Factors associated with early risk of mortality were age < 1 year and no prior surgical/percutaneous intervention at the time of the Ross procedure. Surgical factors associated with cardiac reoperation were concurrent cardiac surgery and the use of fresh homografts. There were no bleeding or thromboembolic complications, and the 15-year freedom from endocarditis was 95%. Ultimately, 99% of the survivors were in NYHA class I or II.

CONCLUSION

The Ross procedure remains the authors' procedure of choice for AVR in patients with CHD. Outcomes in infants aged < 1 year may improve with better patient selection and palliative surgical/percutaneous interventions prior to valve replacement. The late survival was excellent and valve-related complications were minimal. The high autograft longevity led to few patients requiring late reoperation for graft replacement.

Mitral valve replacement with the Quattro stentless pericardial bioprosthesis: mid-term clinical and echocardiographic follow up

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Preservation of the subvalvar apparatus during mitral valve replacement (MVR) is associated with improved ventricular function and patient outcome. The Quattro valve is a chordally supported stentless mitral valve bioprosthesis that undergoes anticalcification treatment and is sutured to both annulus and papillary muscles heads, thus preserving annuloventricular continuity. The study aim was to assess the mid-term hemodynamic and functional results following MVR using the Quattro valve.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2005, a total of 76 patients received the Quattro valve at the authors' institution. A competing-risks methodology was used to determine the time-related prevalence of four mutually exclusive end-states: death; subsequent valve removal for dysfunction; subsequent valve removal for endocarditis; and survival without valve reoperation. Serial echocardiograms (n = 321) were collected, and regression models adjusted for repeated measures were used to model the longitudinal progression of the prosthesis mitral valve area (MVA), peak gradient (PG), mean gradient (MG), mitral regurgitation (MR) and ejection fraction (EF) over time.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 33 years, and the most common underlying pathology rheumatic fever (46%). Of the patients, 35 (46%) had undergone a prior mitral surgery. A competing-risks analysis showed that, at 10 years after Quattro implantation, 11% of patients had died without subsequent replacement, 57% underwent valve replacement for dysfunction, 7% for endocarditis, and 26% remained alive without reoperation. Overall, 24 valves were explanted (five for endocarditis and 19 for valve malfunction). On multivariable analysis, risk factors for reoperation were prior mitral surgery (p = 0.03), especially prior MVR (p = 0.04). Serial echocardiographic data showed progressive increases in PG and MR, a decrease in MVA, and stable MG and EF.

CONCLUSION

In a fairly young population, the longevity of the Quattro valve was limited by a high risk of endocarditis and reoperation requirement. In addition to valve degeneration, malfunction without structural change was a frequent cause of prosthesis replacement. This may be due to an unpredictable geometric ventricular adaptation to the prosthesis, with subsequent development of prosthesis insufficiency or subvalvar stenosis. Further evaluation is required to identify the best candidates to receive the Quattro bioprosthesis.

Simultaneous aortic and mitral valve replacement in children: time-related outcomes and risk factors

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Valve replacement in children is problematic, and associated with high anticoagulation-related complications and increased reoperation requirements. Multiple valve replacement may further increase morbidity and worsen outcome. The results are reported of combined aortic valve replacement (AVR) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) in children.

METHODS

The medical records of children who underwent simultaneous AVR and MVR between 1984 and 2004 were reviewed, and the short-term and long-term results and variables affecting outcomes explored. The mean duration of follow up was 9.7 +/- 6.6 years.

RESULTS

A total of 84 patients (62 males, 22 females; mean age 15.0 +/- 2.2 years) was identified. The underlying pathology was mainly rheumatic (94%) and endocarditis (4%). Among the patients, 21 (25%) had undergone a prior cardiac surgery. The implanted valves were either mechanical (n = 71) or bioprosthetic (n = 13). The average aortic and mitral valve sizes were 22 mm and 29 mm, respectively. In total, 21 patients had concomitant cardiac surgery, most commonly tricuspid valve repair (n = 18). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time and ischemic time were 142 +/- 47 min and 107 +/- 33 min, respectively. Survival at 30 days and at one year was 96% and 94%, respectively. The overall 15-year survival was 78% (bioprosthesis 92% versus mechanical 76%; p = 0.4). The 15-year freedom from cardiac reoperation was 59%, and 68% and 75% for mitral and aortic reoperation, respectively. Significant risk factors for reoperation were the use of a bioprosthetic valve (p = 0.003) and female gender (p = 0.03). Freedom rates from endocarditis, thromboembolic and bleeding complications at 15 years were 90%, 92%, and 96%, respectively. Among survivors, 95% were in NYHA class I/II.

CONCLUSION

Children with rheumatic fever and endocarditis may require simultaneous AVR and MVR. Although the operative mortality is acceptable, patients continue to have constant attrition with time, especially those who have received mechanical prostheses. The risk of cardiac reoperation requirement is high in all patients. Despite the greater need for reoperation, bioprosthetic valves could be offered to selected patients, such as females and those who are non-compliant with anticoagulation regimens.

Long-term (up to 18 years) clinical and echocardiographic results of mitral balloon valvuloplasty in 531 consecutive patients and predictors of outcome

OBJECTIVES

The study aim was to assess the long-term results (up to 18 years) of mitral balloon valvuloplasty (MBV) and to identify predictors of restenosis and event-free survival.

METHODS

The immediate and long-term results for 531 consecutive patients (mean age 31 +/- 11 years) who underwent successful MBV and were followed up for a mean of 8.5 +/- 4.8 years (range: 1.5-18 years) are reported.

RESULTS

The mitral valve area (MVA) increased from 0.92 +/- 0.17 to 1.95 +/- 0.29 cm(2) (p < 0.0001). Restenosis was 31 and 19% in patients with mitral echocardiographic score (MES) < or =8. Actuarial freedom from restenosis at 10, 15 and 18 years was 77 +/- 2, 46 +/- 3 and 18 +/- 4% and 86 +/- 2, 62 +/- 4 and 31 +/- 7% for MES < or =8, respectively (p < 0.001). Event-free survival (death, redo MBV, mitral valve replacement, NYHA class III or IV) at 10, 15 and 18 years was 88 +/- 1, 53 +/- 4, and 21 +/- 5% and 93 +/- 2, 65 +/- 5 and 38 +/- 8% for MES < or =8, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified MES >8 (p < 0.0001) and previous surgery (p = 0.043) as predictors of restenosis, and MES >8 (p < 0.0001) and baseline atrial fibrillation (p = 0.03) as predictors of combined events.

CONCLUSION

MBV provides excellent long-term results. The baseline clinical and MES characteristics are predictors of outcome.

Long-Term Results (Up to 16.5 Years) of Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty in a Series of 518 Patients and Predictors of Long-Term Outcome

OBJECTIVES

To assess the long-term results (up to 16.5 years) of mitral balloon valvuloplasty (MBV) and to identify predictors of restenosis and event-free survival.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We report the immediate and long-term clinical and echocardiographic results in 518 patients, mean age 31 +/- 11 years, who underwent successful MBV for severe mitral stenosis (MS) and were followed up for 0.5-16.5 (mean 6 +/- 4.5) years. After MBV, mitral valve area (MVA) increased from 0.84 +/- 0.2 to 1.83 +/- 0.53 cm(2) (P < 0.0001) as measured by catheter and from 0.92 +/- 0.17 to 1.96 +/- 0.29 cm(2) (P < 0.0001) as measured by two-dimensional echo. Restenosis occurred in 111 patients (21%) and it was less frequent in patients with low echo score (11%). Actuarial freedom from restenosis at 5, 10, 15 years was 85 +/- 1%, 70 +/- 3%, and 44 +/- 5%, respectively, and was significantly higher in patients with low echo score. Event-free survival (death, redo MBV, mitral valve replacement, New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class III or IV) at 5, 10, 15 years was 89 +/- 1%, 79 +/- 2%, 43 +/- 9%, respectively, and was significantly higher for patients with low echo score. Cox regression analysis identified mitral echocardiographic score (MES) > 8 (P < 0.0001), postprocedure mitral valve area (MVA) (P = 0.0015), and preprocedure functional class (P = 0.014) as predictors of restenosis and MES (P < 0.0001) and age (P < 0.0001) and postprocedure MVA (P = 0.015) as predictors of event-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

MBV provides excellent long-term results for selected patients with MS. The long-term outcome after this procedure can be predicted from baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics.

Favorable effect of balloon mitral valvuloplasty on the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients with severe mitral stenosis

BACKGROUND

The long-term effect of balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) on the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with severe mitral stenosis (MS) remains undetermined.

AIMS

To assess the effect of successful BMV on the incidence of chronic AF in patients with severe MS, compare the results with historical controls, and identify factors associated with AF in such patients.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 382 consecutive patients with severe MS and in sinus rhythm (SR) who underwent successful BMV (post procedure mitral valve area (MVA) > or =1.5 cm(2), mitral regurgitation (MR) < or =2/4) at our hospital and followed-up for 1-15.6 (mean 5.6 +/- 3.9) years with clinical and echocardiographic examination.

RESULTS

Thirty-four (8.9%) patients developed AF at follow-up (group A) and 348 patients (group B) remained in SR. At baseline, and in comparison with group B, patients who developed AF (group A) were older, had higher mitral echo score but equal MVA and left atrial (LA) size. The postprocedure MVA was smaller in group A (1.7 +/- 0.3 cm(2)) than in group B (2.0 +/- 0.2 cm(2;) P = 0.002). At follow-up, and in comparison to group B, group A had smaller MVA (1.5 +/- 0.4 cm(2) vs 1.8 +/- 0.4 cm(2) P <0.0001), larger LA dimension (49.4 +/- 6.5 vs 42 +/- 6.5 mm; P <0.0001) and higher restenosis rate (35% vs 14%; P = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age at follow-up (P < 0.0001), LA size at follow-up (P = 0.004), and MVA at follow-up (P = 0.006) as predictors of AF.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated favorable effect of BMV on the incidence of AF (8.9%) in patients with severe MS in comparison with reported series (29%) of patients with severe MS with similar baseline characteristics who were not submitted to any intervention. The predictors of AF were age, larger LA, and smaller MVA, at follow-up.

[Surveillance of infections in chronic hemodialysis patients]

OBJECTIVE

To confirm rates of infections from a previous survey in chronic hemodialysis patients; to get information about incidents and manipulations of vascular access-site, number and reasons of hospitalisation; to asses a relationship between the frequency of vascular access-site infections (VASI) and quality of care during the procedures of vascular access-site use.

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter survey performed from February 2000 to January 2001, including all patients underwent chronic hemodialysis in 5 participating centers. Standardized definitions used and different clinical and biological risk factors recorded.

RESULTS

429 patients for a total of 4273 dialysis months (DM) were enrolled. 245 infections in 164 infected patients were reported. The overall rate was 5.73 infections per 100 DM (18 VASI, 25 bacteraemia, 84 respiratory, 29 urinary tract, 1 endocarditis and 88 other infections). 50% of infections were microbiologically documented. 19 of 21 antibiotics resistant microorganisms were meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Compared to the incidence rate of fistula (0.05 per 1000 days of follow-up) or prosthesis related VASI (0.11), the incidence rate of catheter related VASI (0.65) was significantly higher. Poor hygiene and duration of catheter use were the significant risk factors for VASI showed by logistic analysis regression. VASI and bacteraemia occurred more frequently after incident or manipulation of the vascular access-site. The decrease of VASI between the 2 periods of survey was significantly higher in centers having reduced the catheter use and implemented written protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

This second period of surveillance has confirmed the frequency of infections rate in chronic hemodialysis patients and particularly bacteraemia and VASI. This study has allowed to establish risk factors for infections and showed that VASI in hemodialysis are related to factors in part preventable.

Meta-analysis of trials comparing beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and nitrates for stable angina

CONTEXT

Which drug is most effective as a first-line treatment for stable angina is not known.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the relative efficacy and tolerability of treatment with beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and long-acting nitrates for patients who have stable angina.

DATA SOURCES

We identified English-language studies published between 1966 and 1997 by searching the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and reviewing the bibliographies of identified articles to locate additional relevant studies.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized or crossover studies comparing antianginal drugs from 2 or 3 different classes (beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and long-acting nitrates) lasting at least 1 week were reviewed. Studies were selected if they reported at least 1 of the following outcomes: cardiac death, myocardial infarction, study withdrawal due to adverse events, angina frequency, nitroglycerin use, or exercise duration. Ninety (63%) of 143 identified studies met the inclusion criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two independent reviewers extracted data from selected articles, settling any differences by consensus. Outcome data were extracted a third time by 1 of the investigators. We combined results using odds ratios (ORs) for discrete data and mean differences for continuous data. Studies of calcium antagonists were grouped by duration and type of drug (nifedipine vs nonnifedipine).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Rates of cardiac death and myocardial infarction were not significantly different for treatment with beta-blockers vs calcium antagonists (OR, 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-1.38; P = .79). There were 0.31 (95% CI, 0.00-0.62; P = .05) fewer episodes of angina per week with beta-blockers than with calcium antagonists. beta-Blockers were discontinued because of adverse events less often than were calcium antagonists (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.86; P<.001). The differences between beta-blockers and calcium antagonists were most striking for nifedipine (OR for adverse events with beta-blockers vs nifedipine, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47-0.77). Too few trials compared nitrates with calcium antagonists or beta-blockers to draw firm conclusions about relative efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

beta-Blockers provide similar clinical outcomes and are associated with fewer adverse events than calcium antagonists in randomized trials of patients who have stable angina.

Mouse Col18a1 is expressed in a tissue-specific manner as three alternative variants and is localized in basement membrane zones

We have isolated overlapping cDNAs encoding the N-terminal non-triple-helical region of mouse alpha 1(XVIII) collagen and shown that three different variants of alpha 1(XVIII) collagen exist. Each of the three variants shows characteristic tissue-specific expression patterns. Immunohistochemical studies show positive staining for alpha 1(XVIII) collagen along the basement membrane zones of vessels in the intestinal villi, the choroid plexus, skin, liver, and kidney. Thus, we conclude that alpha 1(XVIII) collagen may interact (directly or indirectly) with components in basement membrane zones or on the basal surface of endothelial/epithelial cells.