Angulation and curvature of aortic landing zone affect implantation depth in transcatheter aortic valve implantation

In transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), final device position may be affected by device interaction with the whole aortic landing zone (LZ) extending to ascending aorta. We investigated the impact of aortic LZ curvature and angulation on TAVI implantation depth, comparing short-frame balloon-expanding (BE) and long-frame self-expanding (SE) devices. Patients (n = 202) treated with BE or SE devices were matched based on one-to-one propensity score. Primary endpoint was the mismatch between the intended (HPre) and the final (HPost) implantation depth. LZ curvature and angulation were calculated based on the aortic centerline trajectory available from pre-TAVI computed tomography. Total LZ curvature ( k L Z , t o t ) and LZ angulation distal to aortic annulus ( α L Z , D i s t a l ) were greater in the SE compared to the BE group (P < 0.001 for both). In the BE group, HPost was significantly higher than HPre at both cusps (P < 0.001). In the SE group, HPost was significantly deeper than HPre only at the left coronary cusp (P = 0.013). At multivariate analysis, α L Z , D i s t a l was the only independent predictor (OR = 1.11, P = 0.002) of deeper final implantation depth with a cut-off value of 17.8°. Aortic LZ curvature and angulation significantly affected final TAVI implantation depth, especially in high stent-frame SE devices reporting, upon complete release, deeper implantation depth with respect to the intended one.

Prognostic Significance of Flail Mitral Leaflet in Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Primary Mitral Regurgitation

Despite the growing experience with MitraClip in the broad spectrum of mitral regurgitation (MR), limited data are available regarding the independent prognostic role on survival of different mitral regurgitation etiology subtypes. We sought to evaluate the impact of flail leaflet etiology in a large series of patients with primary MR (PMR) who underwent MitraClip treatment. The study included 588 patients with significant PMR from the multicenter GIOTTO (Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology [GIse] registry Of Transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitaTiOn), stratified into 2 groups according to MR etiology: flail+ (n = 300) and flail- (n = 288). The primary end point was a composite of cardiac death and first rehospitalization for heart failure (HF). To account for the baseline differences, patients were propensity score-matched 1:1. Flail leaflet etiology was present in about a half of the patients. Acute technical success was achieved in 98% of the overall cohort, with no significant differences between the study groups (p = 0.789). At the 2-year Kaplan-Meier analysis, the primary end point occurred in 13% of flail+ patients compared with 23% in flail- (p = 0.009). The flail+ group presented lower rates of both cardiac death and rehospitalization for HF, whereas a similar overall death rate was observed between the groups. A multivariate Cox regression analysis identified flail leaflet etiology as an independent predictor of favorable outcome in terms of the primary end point (hazard ratio 0.141, 95% confidence interval 0.049 to 0.401, p <0.001). After propensity score matching, flail+ patients had confirmed lower rates of cardiac mortality and rehospitalization for HF but similar rates of overall death. In conclusion, flail leaflet-related etiology was common in patients with PMR who underwent MitraClip treatment and was an independent predictor of midterm favorable clinical outcomes.

Stress Echocardiography in Italian Echocardiographic Laboratories: A Survey of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging

Background

The Italian Society of Echography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey to understand the volumes of activity, modalities and stressors used during stress echocardiography (SE) in Italy.

Methods

We analyzed echocardiography laboratory activities over a month (November 2022). Data were retrieved through an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire, uploaded on the SIECVI website.

Results

Data were obtained from 228 echocardiographic laboratories, and SE examinations were performed in 179 centers (80.6%): 87 centers (47.5%) were in the northern regions of Italy, 33 centers (18.4%) were in the central regions, and 61 (34.1%) in the southern regions. We annotated a total of 4057 SE. We divided the SE centers into three groups, according to the numbers of SE performed: <10 SE (low-volume activity, 40 centers), between 10 and 39 SE (moderate volume activity, 102 centers) and ≥40 SE (high volume activity, 37 centers). Dipyridamole was used in 139 centers (77.6%); exercise in 120 centers (67.0%); dobutamine in 153 centers (85.4%); pacing in 37 centers (21.1%); and adenosine in 7 centers (4.0%). We found a significant difference between the stressors used and volume of activity of the centers, with a progressive increase in the prevalence of number of stressors from low to high volume activity (P = 0.033). The traditional evaluation of regional wall motion of the left ventricle was performed in all centers, with combined assessment of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) in 90 centers (50.3%): there was a significant difference in the centers with different volume of SE activity: the incidence of analysis of CFVR was significantly higher in high volume centers compared to low - moderate - volume (32.5%, 41.0% and 73.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). The lung ultrasound (LUS) was assessed in 67 centers (37.4%). Furthermore for LUS, we found a significant difference in the centers with different volume of SE activity: significantly higher in high volume centers compared to low - moderate - volume (25.0%, 35.3% and 56.8%, respectively, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This nationwide survey demonstrated that SE was significantly widespread and practiced throughout Italy. In addition to the traditional indication to coronary artery disease based on regional wall motion analysis, other indications are emerging with an increase in the use of LUS and CFVR, especially in high-volume centers.

Organization and Activity of Italian Echocardiographic Laboratories: A Survey of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging

Background

The Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey to understand better how different echocardiographic modalities are used and accessed in Italy.

Methods

We analyzed echocardiography laboratory activities over a month (November 2022). Data were retrieved via an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire, uploaded on the SIECVI website.

Results

Data were obtained from 228 echocardiographic laboratories: 112 centers (49%) in the northern, 43 centers (19%) in the central, and 73 (32%) in the southern regions. During the month of observation, we collected 101,050 transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) examinations performed in all centers. As concern other modalities there were performed 5497 transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examinations in 161/228 centers (71%); 4057 stress echocardiography (SE) examinations in 179/228 centers (79%); and examinations with ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) in 151/228 centers (66%). We did not find significant regional variations between the different modalities. The usage of picture archiving and communication system (PACS) was significantly higher in the northern (84%) versus central (49%) and southern (45%) centers (P < 0.001). Lung ultrasound (LUS) was performed in 154 centers (66%), without difference between cardiology and noncardiology centers. The evaluation of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was evaluated mainly using the qualitative method in 223 centers (94%), occasionally with the Simpson method in 193 centers (85%), and with selective use of the three-dimensional (3D) method in only 23 centers (10%). 3D TTE was present in 137 centers (70%), and 3D TEE in all centers where TEE was done (71%). The assessment of LV diastolic function was done routinely in 80% of the centers. Right ventricular function was evaluated using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion in all centers, using tricuspid valve annular systolic velocity by tissue Doppler imaging in 53% of the centers, and using fractional area change in 33% of the centers. When we divided into cardiology (179, 78%) and noncardiology (49, 22%) centers, we found significant differences in the SE (93% vs. 26%, P < 0.001), TEE (85% vs. 18%), UCA (67% vs. 43%, P < 0001), and STE (87% vs. 20%, P < 0.001). The incidence of LUS evaluation was similar between the cardiology and noncardiology centers (69% vs. 61%, P = NS).

Conclusions

This nationwide survey demonstrated that digital infrastructures and advanced echocardiography modalities, such as 3D and STE, are widely available in Italy with a notable diffuse uptake of LUS in the core TTE examination, a suboptimal diffusion of PACS recording, and conservative use of UCA, 3D, and strain. There are significant differences between northern and central-southern regions and echocardiographic laboratories that pertain to the cardiac unit. This inhomogeneous distribution of technology represents one of the main issues that must be solved to standardize the practice of echocardiography.

891 EARLY EVOLUTION OF CARDIAC DAMAGE STAGING FOLLOWING TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT: PREVALENCE, CLINICAL PATTERNS AND PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE

Background

The early evolution of extravalvular cardiac damage following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as assessed by a previous validated score system remains unstudied. We sought to assess the patterns of early cardiac damage change among patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing TAVR and its prognostic implications.

Methods

The RECOVERY-TAVR is a multi-center, international retrospective registry including all consecutive patients undergoing TAVR in thirteen high-volume centers. All the enrolled patients with available paired echocardiography assessment pre- and post TAVR were included in this sub-analysis. Patients were categorized according to the extension of cardiac damage based on a previous published and validated classification (stage 0, no damage; stage 1, left ventricular damage; stage 2, left atrial or mitral valve damage; stage 3, pulmonary vasculature or tricuspid valve damage; and stage 4, right ventricular damage). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or first heart failure hospitalization at 1 year. The association of cardiac damage stage evaluated prior and following TAVR along with the staging evolution was assessed with multivariate Cox regression model (that include hemoglobin, NYHA class and max aortic valve gradient) for the primary outcome.

Results

Of 1331 Patients included in the RECOVERY-TAVR registry with a full echocardiographic pre-TAVR assessment, 892 patients with available paired echocardiography exams were finally included in this analysis (pre-TAVR assessment: median 8 days prior to TAVR; post-TAVR assessment: median 7 days post-TAVR). 63 (7.1%) had stage 0/1, 433 (48.2%) had stage 2, 235 (26.3%) had stage 3 and 161 (18%) had stage 4 myocardial damage. Pre-TAVR myocardial damage staging was associated with the primary outcome (Adj-HR for myocardial stage increase: HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01–1.93). Following TAVR 274 (30.7%) patients experienced myocardial damage improvement and 161 (18.1%) myocardial damage worsening. Post-TAVR myocardial damage staging was more strongly associated with the primary outcome (HR 1.55, 95%CI 1.14–2.10) as compared to pre-TAVR assessment. Male Sex (p = 0.044) and post-procedural permanent pacemaker implantation (p = 0.044) was associated with myocardial damage worsening, while the use of a balloon-expandable valve (p = 0.011) was associated with myocardial damage improvement. Early myocardial damage worsening (HR 1.89, 95%CI 1.12–3.21), but not early myocardial damage improvement (HR 0.86, 95%CI 0.54–1.37) was associated with the primary outcome.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing TAVR, the extent of extravalvular cardiac damage prior to and early after TAVR has an independent prognostic value while early myocardial damage worsening following TAVR portends a poor prognosis. Whether strategies to improve procedural success and treatments addressing extravalvular myocardial damage early following TAVR may improve outcomes has to be prospectively assessed.

Predictors of optimal procedural result after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in secondary mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Procedural success after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) is defined as a reduction of mitral regurgitation (MR) degree to <moderate (2+). However, post-procedural MR 0/1+ was found to be associated with a better outcome and a lower rate of MR recurrence compared to post-procedural MR 2+.

AIM

To evaluate predictors and prognostic impact of optimal procedural result (MR 0/1+) after TEER.

METHODS

The Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (GIse) Registry of Transcatheter Treatment of Mitral Valve RegurgitaTiOn (GIOTTO) is a large multicenter registry including patients undergoing TEER in 19 Italian centers between January 2016 and March 2020. For the purpose of this analysis, only patients with secondary MR and successful TEER were included.

RESULTS

Among 950 patients enrolled, 637 (67%) had an optimal procedural result (MR 0/1+) and 313 (33%) had an acceptable procedural result (MR 2+) after TEER. Moderate-to-severe, rather than severe, MR, left ventricular end-systolic diameter <70 mm at baseline, and treatment in centers performing ≥20 procedures/year were independent predictors of the optimal procedural result. Compared to patients with acceptable procedural result, those with optimal result had shorter device time and length of stay and better outcomes with lower rates of all-cause and cardiac deaths (25.7% vs. 40%, p < 0.001 and 16.3% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.003, respectively) and HF hospitalizations (24% vs. 30%; p = 0.035) at 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with secondary MR undergoing TEER, an optimal procedural result is associated with favorable outcomes and can be achieved by selecting patients with moderate-to-severe MR, without severe left ventricular dilatation, and treated in high-volume centers. CLASSIFICATIONS: mitral regurgitation, mitral valve repair, chronic heart failure.

Prognostic significance of right ventricle to pulmonary artery coupling in patients with mitral regurgitation treated with the MitraClip system

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prognostic impact of baseline tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio, as an expression of the right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling, in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) treated with the MitraClip.

BACKGROUND

Impaired RV to PA coupling is considered a marker of RV dysfunction.

METHODS

From February 2016 to February 2020, a total of 165 patients were evaluated and stratified in two groups according to a prespecified value of TAPSE/PASP ratio ≤ 0.36.

RESULTS

The median patients' age was 79 (men: 62.4%). Sixty-three patients (38.1%) presented TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.36 and were then compared with patients with TAPSE/PASP > 0.36. Functional MR etiology was more frequent in TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.36 (71.4%; p = 0.046). Acute technical success was achieved in 92.7% of the population, without any significant difference between the two groups of study and with sustained results at 30-day (device success: 85.5%; procedural success: 84.8%). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, after correction for body mass index, chronic kidney disease and left ventricle ejection fraction ≥30% but <50%, TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.36 remained a sustained predictor of mortality and hospitalization for heart failure at one year after MitraClip (hazard ratio: 3.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.83-8.22; p ≤ 0.001). Kaplan-Meier all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization rates at one year were consequently higher in patients with TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.36 (39.4% vs. 14.8%; log-rank p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Baseline TAPSE/PASP ratio seems independently associated with all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization after MitraClip both in functional and degenerative MR.

Impact on clinical outcomes of right ventricular response to percutaneous correction of secondary mitral regurgitation

AIMS

In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR), impaired right ventricular function (RVF) may negatively influence the prognosis. Percutaneous mitral valve repair (pMVR) can promote the recovery of RVF. We sought to characterize the response of the right ventricle to pMVR in HFrEF with SMR and to assess the association between improved RVF after pMVR and outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Overall, 221 patients with HFrEF and SMR ≥3+ successfully treated with pMVR in four tertiary care centres for heart failure were included. Improved RVF was defined as Δ right ventricular fractional area change (ΔRVFAC) ≥5% at early follow-up (median time 4 months). The primary endpoint was a composite of death/heart transplantation (D/HT). Mean age was 69 ± 11 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 31 ± 8% and mean RVFAC was 34 ± 9%. ΔRVFAC ≥5% occurred in 88 patients (40%) and was independent of the measures of left ventricular reverse remodelling. During a median follow-up of 29 months (interquartile range 12-46), 81 patients (37%) reached the primary endpoint. After adjustment for other significant covariates, ΔRVFAC ≥5% was significantly associated with lower risk of D/HT (hazard ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.29-0.94, P = 0.030). In the secondary outcome analysis exploring the risk of heart failure hospitalizations, ΔRVFAC ≥5% confirmed the prognostic association with the endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HFrEF and SMR, about 40% of patients improved RVF after pMVR. RVF improvement was associated with better long-term survival free from HT and lower risk of heart failure hospitalization.

In-hospital outcomes and predictors of paravalvular leak and deep implantation with the Evolut-R 34 mm device: A comparison with smaller Evolut-R sizes

PURPOSE

To compare in-hospital outcome of Evolut-R 34 mm vs. smaller Evolut-R devices and to identify predictors of paravalvular leak (PVL) and deep implantation specific for Evolut-R 34 mm.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study included 359 consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with Evolut-R 34 mm (N = 84,23.4%) and Evolut-R 23/26/29 mm (N = 275,76.6%) between 2016 and 2019.

RESULTS

Patients in Evolut-R 34 mm group were more frequently males, had lower STS score, ejection fraction, and mean aortic gradient compared to the Evolut-R 23/26/29 mm group. Horizontal aorta and large LVOT were more frequent findings in the Evolut-R 34 mm group, whereas calcium volume was comparable among the groups. During TAVR, mean implantation depth and contrast volume were greater in the Evolut-R 34 mm group, compared to the Evolut 23/26/29 mm group. Post-procedurally, 30-day mortality, ≥moderate PVL, device success and pacemaker implantation (PM) rates were comparable between groups. Among independent predictors of ≥moderate PVL, calcium volume (OR:1.04; p < 0.001) was predictive with different thresholds in both groups, whereas aortic angulation (OR:1.40; p = 0.005) was predictive only in Evolut-R 34 mm group at a cutoff of 60° (AUC:0.73; p = 0.043). Body weight (OR:1.03; p = 0.027), left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter (OR:1.34; p = 0.001), and mean aortic gradient (OR:0.96; p = 0.006) were independent predictors of deep implantation (mean depth ≥ 6 mm), with LVOT>27 mm being predictive specifically for Evolut-R 34 mm (AUC:0.66; p = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

TAVR with Evolut-R 34 mm and Evolut-R 23/26/29 mm showed comparable in-hospital outcome. Aortic angulation >60° and LVOT >27 mm were predictive respectively of ≥moderate PVL and deep implantation specifically in Evolut-R 34 mm patients.

Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (GIse) registry Of Transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitaTiOn (GIOTTO): impact of valve disease aetiology and residual mitral regurgitation after MitraClip implantation

AIMS

The Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (GIse) registry Of Transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitaTiOn (GIOTTO) was conceived in order to assess the safety and efficacy of MitraClip therapy in Italy. The aim of this study was to assess procedural and mid-term outcomes, and clinical and echocardiographic predictors of mid-term mortality after MitraClip therapy, stratifying the results according to the diagnosis of functional and degenerative mitral regurgitation (FMR vs. DMR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between January 2016 and March 2020, 1659 patients were prospectively included in the GIOTTO registry (FMR 59.4% vs. DMR 40.6%). Acute Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium (MVARC) technical success was achieved in 97.2% of patients, without differences between FMR and DMR and with sustained results at 30 days. In the study population, all-cause mortality was 4.0%, 17.5% and 34.6% at 30 days, 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Cardiovascular death was the most frequent cause of mortality. Overall hospitalization rates were 6.3%, 23.4% and 31.7% at 30 days, 1 year and 2 years, respectively. The most frequent cause of hospitalization was heart failure, particularly in the first 30 days. FMR and MVARC structural and functional failure were strongly associated with 1-year mortality. Residual mitral regurgitation 1+ (rMR) was independently related to a reduced risk of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 0.62; P = 0.005). Coherently, at 2-year follow up, FMR was associated with worse outcomes than DMR, and Kaplan-Meier all-cause mortality was related to rMR.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional mitral regurgitation aetiology affects 1-year mortality after MitraClip implantation, and differences in mortality and hospitalization rates between FMR and DMR can be observed within 2 years. Optimal rMR 1+ was correlated to a more favourable mid-term outcome, particularly in FMR.

Acute changes in mitral valve geometry after MitraClip procedure assessed by 3D transoesophageal echocardiography

Background

MitraClip procedure is a treatment option in patients with symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) and prohibitive surgical risk. Echocardiographic evaluation of mitral valve (MV) is of paramount importance for the correct identification of patient eligibility and procedural success. Our aim is to assess the acute effect of device implantation on mitral annular geometric parameters still little explored with the use of three-dimensional (3D) transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and to investigate its relationship with residual MR at discharge.

Methods

67 consecutive patients (mean age78.7±7.2 yrs, 41 males) undergoing percutaneous MV repair with MitraClip in our Centre were enrolled. Patients eligibility was evaluated according to the EVEREST criteria and current guidelines. Four groups were identified on the base of MR aetiology: 22 were degenerative (DMR), 19 ischemic functional (IFMR), 19 non-ischemic functional (NIFMR) and 7 atrial functional (AFMR). 3D TEE was performed before and immediately after clip deployment with MV anatomical quantification by PHILIPS® QLAB MVQ and GE® 4D-AUTO-MVQ software.

Results

Severe MR (4+) was found in 17 pts, and moderate-severe MR (3+) in 50 pts. Thirteen cases were unsuccessful because of unchanged or residual MR&gt;2+. Immediately after device positioning, almost all the evaluated parameters showed a significant modification within each group with a reduction of anterior-posterior (AP-D) and bi-commissural (CC-D) MV diameters, MV annulus area and perimeter and an increase in tenting volume, tenting height and posterior mitral leaflet angle (PML α). Anterior mitral leaflet angle (AML α), sphericity index and aorto-mitral angle remained unchanged. We observed no significant difference in the sub-analysis between degenerative and all functional MR groups, although a different trend of parameters variation could be evidenced. Post-procedural tenting height with cut off of 5.5 mm was a predictor of procedural success (see fig.), while at univariate analysis basal AP-D in DMR group and sphericity index, PMLα and annulus height at baseline in the FMR group were all significantly correlated to the entity of MR reduction at discharge.

Conclusions

Percutaneous edge-to-edge repair with MitraClip acutely changes the MV annular geometry in degenerative and both ventricular and atrial functional MR, with a different trend within each group. Post-procedural tenting height correlates with significant MR reduction at discharge, a promising marker that could be used in clinical practice for identification of MitraClip procedure success.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Cardiac Tumors

Cardiac tumors (CTs) are extremely rare, with an incidence of approximately 0.02% in autopsy series. Primary tumors of the heart are far less common than metastatic tumors. CTs usually present with any possible clinical combination of heart failure, arrhythmias, or embolism. Echocardiography remains the first diagnostic approach when suspecting a CT which, on the other side, frequently appears unexpectedly during an echocardiographic examination. Yet, cardiac tomography and especially magnetic resonance imaging may offer several adjunctive opportunities in the diagnosis of CTs. Early and exact diagnosis is crucial for the following therapy and outcome of CTs.

The Additional Value of Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Unusual Complication of Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve

Primary tissue failure of bioprosthetic mitral valves due to cusp perforations or ruptures is an unusual complication on short-term follow-up. An 88-year-old male with a known history of mitral regurgitation (MR) treated with bioprosthetic valve replacement in 2016 was referred to our center for recurrent heart failure. The two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography documented an intraprosthetic jet of regurgitation without identifying a clear morphological mechanism, nor quantifying precisely the mitral insufficiency. 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) with the tool FlexiSlice added relevant information by providing insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of MR. The present case emphasizes the importance of 3D TOE as a fundamental tool for the diagnostic algorithm of bioprosthetic valves failure, even in the more demanding cases.

[What role for transcatheter mitral valve replacement?]

Despite the safety and efficacy of transmitral valve repair techniques, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has emerged as a potential treatment option for patients with severe mitral regurgitation at high or prohibitive surgical risk. To date, over 250 high-risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation have been treated with 10 different TMVR devices, demonstrating the feasibility of this technique. Parallel to the potential advantages of this procedure (reproducible mitral regurgitation reduction, possibility of targeting all potential anatomic variations), many challenges has emerged during the design and implantation phases. Further larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to evaluate safety and efficacy of TMVR.

[Valve-in-valve with Portico valve for a degenerative bioprosthetic surgical valve (Biocor)]

In the last years, a general shift toward the use of surgical bioprosthetic aortic valves rather than mechanical valves with subsequent less use of anticoagulant therapy has been observed. However, bioprosthetic valves have limited durability. Reoperation, the current standard of care for these patients, carries a high surgical risk, especially because patients are elderly and with numerous comorbidities. Recently, transcatheter aortic valve replacement within a failed bioprosthetic valve (valve-in-valve procedure) has proven feasible. We here describe a case of valve-in-valve procedure with a Portico valve placed in a purely insufficient bioprosthetic valve (Biocor).

Altered glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in a mouse line with activated polyamine catabolism

Ubiquitous activation of polyamine catabolism has been demonstrated to have protective effects in mice on fat accumulation and insulin sensitivity/glucose tolerance in, both, normal conditions and after a high fat diet. We have analyzed the endocrine pancreas functionality in four months-old male mice overexpressing the rate limiting enzyme in the polyamine catabolism, spermidine/spermine N¹-acetyltransferase (SSAT). The pancreatic SSAT activity was 37-fold elevated in the transgenic mice, which reduced the total pancreatic and islet pools of spermidine (71%) and spermine (69%), and increased putrescine and N¹-acetyl spermidine. Reduction in the islet ATP levels (65%) was accompanied with increased transcription of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) (1.5-fold) and Foxa2 (2.7-fold), and reduced HNF4α (67%) and HNF1α (92%), insulin 1 (47%), insulin 2 (50%), and Glut2 (57%). Moreover, the SSAT transgenic mice also presented increased beta cell area, decreased insulin production, and altered glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. It has been hypothesized that the acute activation of the polyamine catabolism produces a futile cycle that greatly decreases the energy reserves of the cell. The lower energy status would activate the energy expenditure regulator, AMPK, which would consequently repress the PI3K/Akt pathway, and activate the transcription factor Foxa2.

[The "Appropriatezza ECO Milano" project. Assessment of appropriateness of indications, prescriptions and clinical utility of two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography among inpatients and outpatients of Milan, Italy]

BACKGROUND

The value of echocardiography in the diagnosis and follow-up of most cardiovascular diseases is well established, even though the ever-increasing demand for the use of this technique is not always justifiable. The "Appropriatezza ECO Milano" project was developed among hospitals in Milan (Italy) to foster a rational use of echocardiography. The aim of this study was to evaluate and improve appropriateness of requests for two-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography, considering indications, prescription behaviors and clinical utility in both the outpatient and inpatient settings.

METHODS

Following several meetings, a consensus was reached whereby a multicenter, observational study would be undertaken. We assessed the value of each request in agreement with the 2003 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. An ad hoc Microsoft Access database was developed to collect study data, which refer to May 2007. Eleven hospitals participated in the study.

RESULTS

4130 echocardiographic examinations were considered (2300 performed in men and 1830 performed in women; mean age 64 +/- 16 years); 1701 examinations were performed in hospitalized patients and 2429 in outpatients. The incidence of pathological findings was higher in hospitalized patients (73%) than in outpatients (53%) (Pearson chi2 = 29, p<0.001). A higher additional clinical value was found in hospitalized vs non-hospitalized patients (48 vs. 35%, Pearson chi2 = 99; p <0.001). In both settings, the majority of echocardiographic examinations were requested by cardiologists (inpatients 36%, outpatients 54%). The most appropriate examinations were performed more frequently in class I or class IIA hospitalized patients (73%) than in outpatients (52%) (Pearson chi2 = 277, p<0.001). Furthermore, the least accurate the indication, the less the clinical utility found in examinations requested from hospitals and outpatient clinics (64 vs 61% in class I patients, Pearson chi2 = 413, p<0.001; 5 vs 11% in class III patients, Pearson chi2 = 584, p<0.001). Conclusions. Our data confirm an inadequate level of appropriateness of requests for two-dimensional color Doppler examinations in either inpatients or outpatients. After over 10 years of passively observing and recording this trend, a timely resolution of these issues is topical in order to improve the implementation of criteria and to guarantee cost-effective and high-quality cardiovascular care.

[Therapy of acute non-tubercular bronchopulmonary infections with josamycin]

Thirty-five patients with acute pneumonia of bacterial etiology were treated with josamycin at the dose of 2 g/day (adults) or 50 mg/kg/day (children). Therapeutic results were completely satisfactory (100% recovery) and the incidence of side-effects was very low (one case of urticaria).

Severe reversible cardiac failure associated with methanol intoxication

Methanol intoxication produces a well recognized clinical picture characterized by gastrointestinal, ocular and nervous system symptoms. The effect of poisoning on the cardiovascular system has not been well documented. We report the case of a 55 year old man whose acute methanol intoxication caused severe reversible cardiac failure. This represents the first description of an association between methanol toxicity and acute cardiac dysfunction in man.

Two false-negative responses to the ajmaline test in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Anterograde block in the accessory pathway with a short effective refractory period was observed after intravenous (IV) injection of 1 mg/kg of ajmaline in two patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. The possibility of a false-negative response to this test is discussed. Ajmaline is proposed as an emergency drug in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in the setting of atrial fibrillation with a very high ventricular rate.

Acute hypotensive and renin-stimulating actions of captopril before and during treatment with a beta-blocking drug

There is no general agreement on the relation between the hypotensive effect of captopril and the pretreatment plasma renin levels of hypertensive patients. To determine whether the hypotensive effect of captopril was directly related to plasma renin, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor was administered acutely to 10 essential hypertensive patients with normal or suppressed plasma renin activity before and after inhibition of renin secretion with propranolol. Captopril was equally effective in reducing blood pressure both when administered alone (25 mg: -29/-17; 50 mg: -37/-23 mm Hg) and after chronic treatment with propranolol (25 mg: -33/-20; 50 mg: -30/-20 mm Hg). The increase in renin induced by captopril was not decreased by propranolol therapy. The persistence of the hypotensive effect of captopril after renin suppression by propranolol suggests that this drug has some blood pressure decreasing properties independent of plasma renin.