Improved mid-term stability of MR reduction with an increased number of clips after percutaneous mitral valve repair in functional MR

Background

Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) has evolved to be a standard procedure in suitable patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) not accessible for open surgery. Here, we analyzed the influence of the number and positioning of the clips implanted during the procedure on MR reduction analyzing also sub-collectives of functional and degenerative MR (DMR).

Results

We included 410 patients with severe MR undergoing PMVR using the MitraClip® System. MR and reduction of MR were analyzed by TEE at the beginning and at the end of the PMVR procedure. To specify the clip localization, we sub-divided segment 2 into 3 sub-segments using the segmental classification of the mitral valve.

Results

We found an enhanced reduction of MR predominantly in DMR patients who received more than one clip. Implantation of only one clip led to a higher MR reduction in patients with functional MR (FMR) in comparison to patients with DMR. No significant differences concerning pressure gradients could be observed in degenerative MR patients regardless of the number of clips implanted. A deterioration of half a grade of the achieved MR reduction was observed 6 months post-PMVR independent of the number of implanted clips with a better stability in FMR patients, who got 3 clips compared to patients with only one clip.

Conclusions

In patients with FMR, after 6 months the reduction of MR was more stable with an increased number of implanted clips, which suggests that this specific patient collective may benefit from a higher number of clips.

Intracardiac amorphous tumor presenting in a patient with homocystinuria; a case report with literature review

Homocystinuria is a rare genetic disease with autosomal recessive pattern. It is reported to be highest in Arabian descend and could cause thrombosis, but mainly peripherally. Cardiac amorphous tumor has been recognized in the past 20 years and it is also a very rare cause primary benign tumor of the heart. Most of the cases reported to be associated with end-stage renal disease. Homocystinuria associated with Cardiac Amorphous tumor is extremely rare. Up to our knowledge, there has been only one other case has been reported. Our patient is a 14-year-old female known case of homocystinuria presented with dyspnea and leg edema. On workup was found to have a mass in the right atrium extending to superior vena cava and inferior cava. Surgery undertaken on cardiopulmonary bypass partial resection of the mass was done and result came back as cardiac amorphous tumor. We assume the cause of this sinister complication of her primary illness is calcification of thrombus as stated in literature. And also recommend further studies regarding issue on hand.

Transcatheter Valve Implantation in Reversed Potts Shunt in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Keeping the Shunt Reversed

The reversed Potts shunt is designed to offload the right ventricle in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. We present a case of bidirectional flow across a reversed Potts shunt leading to pulmonary edema, with clinical improvement after implantation of a transcatheter valve in the shunt to maintain unidirectional flow. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

A study of Clinical Profile and in Hospital Outcomes of patients undergoing Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy at a Tertiary Care Center of Nepal

Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), is a common cause of mitral stenosis (MS) in developing nations. As per current recommendation, Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC) is advised as a Class IA (I-Class Of Recommendation, COR; A-Level Of Evidence, LOE) indication in patients with symptomatic severe mitral stenosis. We aim to examine the clinical profile and in-hospital results of PTMC for mitral stenosis.

Methods

A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center from April 2020 to May 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and ethical approval for conducting the study was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC) of Institute of Medicine (IOM). The data was collected in Microsoft Excel (Ver. 2013). For statistical analysis, SPSS 21 (IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) Association was measured using a parametric and non-parametric test (depending upon the distribution of data) and p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 104 patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent PTMC during the study period. The mean age group of the patient was 41.7 ± 12.5 years, of which 23 (22.1%) were males and 81 (78.9%) were females. Mean mitral valve area prior to PTMC was 0.98 ± 0.19 mm2 that increased to 1.69 ± 0.19 mm2 after the procedure and it was statistically significant (p=<0.001). The post PTMC MVA varied with PTMC Wilkin's score with less than or equal to 8 having favorable outcomes.

Conclusion

Successful PTMC is highly influenced by the patients' increasing age, valve morphology (calcification, thickness, mobility), Left atrial dimensions, Pre PTMC mitral valve area, Degree of Baseline mitral regurgitation. Post procedure development of MR is usually well tolerated but rarely be severe enough requiring surgical valve replacement.

Three-dimensional printing and virtual reconstruction in surgical planning of double-outlet right ventricle repair

Objectives

For more than a decade, 3-dimensional (3D) printing has been identified as an innovative tool for the surgical planning of double-outlet right ventricle (DORV). Nevertheless, lack of evidence concerning its benefits encourages us to identify valuable criteria for future prospective trials.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study involving 10 patients with DORV operated between 2015 and 2019 in our center. During a preoperative multidisciplinary heart team meeting, we harvested surgical decisions following a 3-increment step process: (1) multimodal imaging; (2) 3D virtual valvular reconstruction (3DVVR); and (3) 3D-printed heart model (3DPHM). The primary outcome was the proportion of predicted surgical strategy following each of the 3 steps, compared with the institutional retrospective surgical strategy. The secondary outcome was the change of surgical strategy through 3D modalities compared with multimodal imaging. The incremental benefit of the 3DVVR and 3DPHM over multimodal imaging was then assessed.

Results

The operative strategy was predicted in 5 cases after multimodal imaging, in 9 cases after 3DVVR, and the 10 cases after 3DPHM. Compared with multimodal imaging, 3DVVR modified the strategy for 4 cases. One case was correctly predicted only after 3DPHM inspection.

Conclusions

3DVVR and 3DPHM improved multimodal imaging in the surgical planning of patients with DORV. 3DVVR allowed a better appreciation of the relationships between great vessels, valves, and ventricular septal defects. 3DPHM offers a realistic preoperative view at patient scale and enhances the evaluation of outflow tract obstruction. Our retrospective study demonstrates benefits of preoperative 3D modalities and supports future prospective trials to assess their impact on postoperative outcomes.

Intraoperative challenges after induction therapy for non-small cell lung cancer: Effect of nodal disease on technical complexity

Objectives

Neoadjuvant therapy has been theorized to increase complexity of non-small cell lung cancer resections; however, specific factors that contribute to intraoperative challenges after induction therapy have not been well described. We aimed to characterize the effect of nodal involvement and nodal treatment response on surgical complexity after neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods

We identified patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy followed by anatomic lung resection for cN + non-small cell lung cancer between 2010 and 2020. Patients were categorized according to clinical N1 versus N2 disease. To evaluate the effect of nodal response to therapy, thoracic radiologists measured clinically suspected and pathologically involved lymph nodes before and after induction therapy. Operative reports were reviewed to identify technical challenges specifically related to nodal disease. Categorical outcomes were compared using Fisher exact test.

Results

One hundred twenty-four patients met inclusion criteria, among whom 107 (86.3%) were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, whereas chemoradiation (n = 8) and targeted therapy (n = 9) were less common. In cases with N1 disease, 8/38 (21.0%) required proximal pulmonary arterial control, whereas this was necessary in only 2/88 (2.3%) of N2 cases (P = .001). Likewise, sleeve resection and arterioplasty were needed more frequently during resection of N1 disease (7/38, 18.4%) versus N2 disease (0/88, P < .001). Increased nodal response to therapy was associated with greater likelihood of requiring change in vascular approach (P = .011).

Conclusions

After induction therapy, N1 disease was associated with greater need for complex surgical maneuvers than N2 disease. Likewise, substantial treatment response was associated with increased intraoperative technical challenges. Recognizing such factors enables surgical teams to engage in appropriate operative planning to ensure patient safety.

Alternative Hybrid Approach to Promote Native Pulmonary Artery Growth in Pulmonary Atresia VSD MAPCAs

We present a case of right ventricle to pulmonary artery hybrid perforation and stenting in a patient with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect major aortopulmonary collaterals and diminutive native pulmonary arteries, then discuss how it compares with established approaches. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Venous-Left Atrial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Configuration Use in Right Ventricular Failure and Tricuspid Ring

Mechanical circulatory support devices are used to support the heart in cardiogenic shock. We present a case of demonstrating the feasible use of left ventricular assistive device with reverse configuration to support severe right ventricular failure in a patient with recent tricuspid annuloplasty ring.

Successful Surgical Treatment for Ruptured Aneurysm of Coronary-Pulmonary Artery Fistula Complicated With Cardiac Tamponade

A 74-year-old woman with no past medical history showed cardiac tamponade caused by rupture of a coronary-pulmonary artery fistula-related aneurysm. Preoperative pericardial puncture and multidetector computed tomography imaging enabled patient condition optimization and accurate morphologic evaluation of fistula and aneurysm, leading to complete surgical resection of the aneurysm. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

A modified approach in the repair of type I and II truncus arteriosus to promote branch pulmonary arterial growth and limit early reoperation

Objective

Maintaining adequate branch pulmonary arterial growth is critical in preventing early (<3 years) right ventricular outflow tract reoperation after the repair of truncus arteriosus. We hypothesized that a modified truncus arteriosus repair keeping the branch pulmonary arteries in situ would promote branch pulmonary arterial growth and limit early right ventricular outflow tract reoperation.

Methods

For infants requiring repair for type I and II truncus arteriosus, the truncal root was septated through a hockey stick incision keeping the branch pulmonary arteries in situ, the ventricular septal defect was closed, and a short aortic homograft was used to reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract. Echocardiograms measured preoperative and follow-up branch pulmonary artery diameter.

Results

Between 1998 and 2020, 41 infants were repaired using the modified approach (type I, 28; type II, 13). With a median follow-up of 11.6 (interquartile range, 3.1-15.5) years, there was no significant change between preoperative left pulmonary artery and right pulmonary artery Z-scores and their corresponding follow-up measurement (left pulmonary artery: 0.97, interquartile range, 0.6-1.6 vs left pulmonary artery: 1.4, interquartile range, -0.3 to 1.9) (right pulmonary artery: 0.6, interquartile range, -0.4 to 1.7 vs right pulmonary artery: 0.3 interquartile range, 0.5-0.9). Only 7.3% (n = 2) of follow-up right pulmonary artery Z-scores were less than 2.5 Z-scores below preoperative measurements. Four children (9.8%) required early right ventricular outflow tract reoperation. On multivariable analysis, larger conduit Z-scores were associated with greater time to right ventricular outflow tract reoperation (hazard ratio, 0.55, confidence interval, 0.307-0.984; P = .043).

Conclusions

Maintaining the branch pulmonary arteries in situ at initial truncus arteriosus repair allows for branch pulmonary arterial growth, limiting early right ventricular outflow tract reoperation.

Outcomes after heart transplantation in patients who have undergone a bridge-to-bridge strategy

Objectives

We compared posttransplant outcomes between patients bridged from temporary mechanical circulatory support to durable left ventricular assist device before transplant (bridge-to-bridge [BTB] strategy) and patients bridged from temporary mechanical circulatory support directly to transplant (bridge-to-transplant [BTT] strategy).

Methods

We identified adult heart transplant recipients in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database between 2005 and 2020 who were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, intra-aortic balloon pump, or temporary ventricular assist device as a BTB or BTT strategy. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regressions were used to assess 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival. Posttransplant length of stay and complications were compared as secondary outcomes.

Results

In total, 201 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (61 BTB, 140 BTT), 1385 intra-aortic balloon pump (460 BTB, 925 BTT), and 234 temporary ventricular assist device (75 BTB, 159 BTT) patients were identified. For patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, intra-aortic balloon pump, or temporary ventricular assist device, there were no differences in survival between BTB and BTT at 1 and 5 years posttransplant, as well as 10 years posttransplant even after adjusting for baseline characteristics. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation BTB group had greater rates of acute rejection (32.8% vs 13.6%; P = .002) and lower rates of dialysis (1.6% vs 21.4%; P < .001). For intra-aortic balloon pump and temporary ventricular assist device patients, there were no differences in posttransplant length of stay, acute rejection, airway compromise, stroke, dialysis, or pacemaker insertion between BTB and BTT recipients.

Conclusions

BTB patients have similar short- and midterm posttransplant survival as BTT patients. Future studies should continue to investigate the tradeoff between prolonged temporary mechanical circulatory support versus transitioning to durable mechanical circulatory support.

Location matters: Offset in tissue-engineered vascular graft implantation location affects wall shear stress in porcine models

Objective

Although surgical simulation using computational fluid dynamics has advanced, little is known about the accuracy of cardiac surgical procedures after patient-specific design. We evaluated the effects of discrepancies in location for patient-specific simulation and actual implantation on hemodynamic performance of patient-specific tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) in porcine models.

Methods

Magnetic resonance angiography and 4-dimensional (4D) flow data were acquired in porcine models (n = 11) to create individualized TEVGs. Graft shapes were optimized and manufactured by electrospinning bioresorbable material onto a metal mandrel. TEVGs were implanted 1 or 3 months postimaging, and postoperative magnetic resonance angiography and 4D flow data were obtained and segmented. Displacement between intended and observed TEVG position was determined through center of mass analysis. Hemodynamic data were obtained from 4D flow analysis. Displacement and hemodynamic data were compared using linear regression.

Results

Patient-specific TEVGs were displaced between 1 and 8 mm during implantation compared with their surgically simulated, intended locations. Greater offset between intended and observed position correlated with greater wall shear stress (WSS) in postoperative vasculature (P < .01). Grafts that were implanted closer to their intended locations showed decreased WSS.

Conclusions

Patient-specific TEVGs are designed for precise locations to help optimize hemodynamic performance. However, if TEVGs were implanted far from their intended location, worse WSS was observed. This underscores the importance of not only patient-specific design but also precision-guided implantation to optimize hemodynamics in cardiac surgery and increase reproducibility of surgical simulation.

Fulminant Giant Cell Myocarditis Requiring Bridge With Mechanical Circulatory Support to Heart Transplantation

Giant cell myocarditis is a rare cause of cardiogenic shock requiring a high index of suspicion, rapid immunosuppressive therapy, and mechanical circulatory support. We present the case of a patient with giant cell myocarditis who underwent a successful bridge with four different types of mechanical circulatory support devices to heart transplantation. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Retrograde Transseptal Pulmonary Vein Transcatheter Plug Closure for Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) may manifest with bleeding or embolic events necessitating intervention. Transcatheter coil embolization through the pulmonary artery (PA) is an established approach. We present a case of recurrent PAVMs despite numerous PA coil embolizations. PAVM occlusion was achieved through plug placement by a transseptal and pulmonary venous approach. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

H2 Inhibits the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

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NETs have been implicated as therapeutic targets to address inflammation and thrombotic tissue damage in conditions such as sepsis, acute respiratory disease syndrome, COVID-19, and CVDs.

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H₂ has been clinically and experimentally proven to ameliorate inflammation; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive.

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Compared with control neutrophils, PMA-stimulated human neutrophils exposed to H₂ exhibited reduced citrullination of histones and release of NET components; mechanistically, H₂-mediated neutralization of HOCl produced during oxidative bursts suppresses DNA damage.

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Inhalation of H₂ inhibited the formation and release of NET components in the blood and BAL of the LPS-induced sepsis in mice and aged mini pigs.

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H₂ therapy is potentially a new therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases involving NETs associated with excessive neutrophil activation.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contribute to inflammatory pathogenesis in numerous conditions, including infectious and cardiovascular diseases, and have attracted attention as potential therapeutic targets. H₂ acts as an antioxidant and has been clinically and experimentally proven to ameliorate inflammation. This study was performed to investigate whether H₂ could inhibit NET formation and excessive neutrophil activation. Neutrophils isolated from the blood of healthy volunteers were stimulated with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) or the calcium ionophore A23187 in H₂-exposed or control media. Compared with control neutrophils, PMA- or A23187-stimulated human neutrophils exposed to H₂ exhibited reduced neutrophil aggregation, citrullination of histones, membrane disruption by chromatin complexes, and release of NET components. CXCR4^high neutrophils are highly prone to NETs, and H₂ suppressed Ser-139 phosphorylation in H2AX, a marker of DNA damage, thereby suppressing the induction of CXCR4 expression. H₂ suppressed both myeloperoxidase chlorination activity and production of reactive oxygen species to the same degree as N-acetylcysteine and ascorbic acid, while showing a more potent ability to inhibit NET formation than these antioxidants do in PMA-stimulated neutrophils. Although A23187 formed NETs in a reactive oxygen species–independent manner, H₂ inhibited A23187-induced NET formation, probably via direct inhibition of peptidyl arginine deiminase 4-mediated histone citrullination. Inhalation of H₂ inhibited the formation and release of NET components in the blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in animal models of lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis (mice and aged mini pigs). Thus, H₂ therapy can be a novel therapeutic strategy for NETs associated with excessive neutrophil activation.

Surgical pulmonary embolectomy on VA-ECMO

Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is a procedure that is often used to rescue patients with massive pulmonary embolism (PE) and circulatory collapse that have failed or may not be ideal candidates for other systemic and endovascular treatment modalities. This procedure typically involves a sternotomy and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), which requires full systemic anticoagulation. Here, we report the case of a surgical pulmonary embolectomy performed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) rather than CPB to minimize systemic anticoagulation. The patient had suffered a cardiac arrest due to a saddle PE and required VA-ECMO which was complicated by a concomitant intracranial hemorrhage. The patient tolerated the surgical pulmonary embolectomy performed on VA-ECMO without procedure-related complications, and the ECMO support did not substantially complicate the technical performance of the procedure. In contrast to surgical pulmonary embolectomy performed on CPB, greater attention must be paid to volume status when performing the procedure on VA-ECMO since there is no blood reservoir. This case suggests cardiopulmonary support on ECMO as a viable strategy for surgical embolectomy in patients with unstable PEs in whom thrombolysis or full systemic anticoagulation are contraindicated.

First Transfemoral Implantation of a Novel Transcatheter Valve in an LVAD Patient With Aortic Insufficiency

An 80-year-old man with a destination left ventricular assist device (LVAD) presented with decompensated heart failure. Evaluation demonstrated numerous LVAD high power spike events, significant aortic regurgitation, and hemolysis. He underwent successful aortic valve replacement with a novel transcatheter valve and LVAD pump exchange that resulted in an improvement in his clinical status. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Heart Failure in a Child: Multimodality Approach Leading to an Unusual Cause

Heart failure secondary to isolated pulmonary artery vasculitis is rarely described in children. We describe a 10-year-old child who presented with right heart failure symptoms, severe pulmonary hypertension, and bilateral branch pulmonary artery stenosis secondary to isolated pulmonary artery vasculitis. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Pulmonary Artery Isolation for Polymorphic Outflow Tract Ventricular Tachycardia

Malignant ventricular arrhythmias arising from the pulmonary artery rarely occur in patients without structural heart disease. We highlight the feasibility and efficacy of a circular catheter-guided pulmonary artery isolation procedure for frequent premature ventricular contractions and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia causing syncope. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Cardiovascular findings on chest computed tomography associated with COVID-19 adverse clinical outcomes

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Chest computed tomography (chest CT) is routinely obtained to assess disease severity in COVID-19. While pulmonary findings are well-described in COVID-19, the implications of cardiovascular findings are less well understood. We evaluated the impact of cardiovascular findings on chest CT on the adverse composite outcome (ACO) of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

245 COVID-19 patients who underwent chest CT at Rush University Health System were included.

DESIGN

Cardiovascular findings, including coronary artery calcification (CAC), aortic calcification, signs of right ventricular strain [right ventricular to left ventricular diameter ratio, pulmonary artery to aorta diameter ratio, interventricular septal position, and inferior vena cava (IVC) reflux], were measured by trained physicians.

INTERVENTIONS/MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

These findings, along with pulmonary findings, were analyzed using univariable logistic analysis to determine the risk of ACO defined as intensive care admission, need for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, intubation, in-hospital and 60-day mortality. Secondary endpoints included individual components of the ACO.

RESULTS

Aortic calcification was independently associated with an increased risk of the ACO (odds ratio 1.86, 95% confidence interval (1.11-3.17) p < 0.05). Aortic calcification, CAC, abnormal septal position, or IVC reflux of contrast were all significantly associated with 60-day mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. IVC reflux was associated with in-hospital mortality (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Incidental cardiovascular findings on chest CT are clinically important imaging markers in COVID-19. It is important to ascertain and routinely report cardiovascular findings on CT imaging of COVID-19 patients as they have potential to identify high risk patients.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Requiring Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a Patient With Sotos Syndrome

Sotos syndrome, characterized by cerebral gigantism with neurologic disorders, is an overgrowth syndrome caused by mutations of the NSD1 gene, with an estimated prevalence of 1:10,000-1:50,000. We herein describe the first case of Sotos syndrome complicated by acute coronary syndrome, for which emergency coronary artery bypass grafting was performed. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Modified pulmonary artery banding: A novel strategy for balancing pulmonary blood flow with transposed great arteries

Objective

To study the outcomes of a novel modified pulmonary artery banding (mPAB) technique used for staged repair of a subset of patients with complex transposition physiology.

Methods

A total of 13 patients who underwent mPAB during their staged repair (biventricular repair [BVR], n = 6) or palliation (1-1/2 repair, n = 1; univentricular repair [UVR], n = 6) from 2004 to 2020 were studied retrospectively. A restrictive interposition graft was used to reconstruct the main PA between the pulmonary root and the distal pulmonary confluence, functioning as a mPAB. Twelve of the 13 patients (92.3%) underwent a concurrent arterial switch operation (ASO), of which 6 were palliative ASOs for 1-1/2 repair (n = 1) or UVR (n = 5). Patient weight and cardiac anatomy determined the size of interposition graft.

Results

The disease spectrum included dextro transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) with multiple ventricular septal defects (VSDs) (n = 4), Taussig–Bing anomaly (n = 3), d-TGA with VSD and hypoplastic right ventricle (RV) (n = 3), double-inlet left ventricle with l-TGA (n = 2), and congenitally corrected TGA with double-outlet RV (n = 1). The Lecompte procedure was performed in 10 patients. Predischarge echocardiography revealed a band gradient of 61 mm Hg (interquartile range [IQR], 40-90 mm Hg) for BVR/1-1/2 ventricular repair (n = 7) and 49 mm Hg (IQR, 37-61 mm Hg) for UVR (n = 6). Survival was 100% at a median follow-up of 3.7 years (IQR, 2.6-4.0 years).

Conclusions

The mPAB technique is effective and reproducible for staged BVR or UVR for patients with TGA. It effectively regulates pulmonary blood flow, may reduce neopulmonary root distortion, and eliminates complications associated with band migration in standard PAB.

A Rare Case of Transposition of Great Arteries Uncovered With Progressive Rheumatic Aortic Stenosis

The authors describe a case of transposition of great arteries with a large atrial septal defect with fusion of tricuspid valve leaflets and severe aortic stenosis. The latter two were likely rheumatic in etiology. The patient’s condition improved after atrial switch and aortic valve replacement surgery. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Exercise-Induced Left Bundle Branch Block Resulting in Severe Mitral Regurgitation

Exercise hemodynamic catheterization is helpful to evaluate exertional symptoms when noninvasive investigations fail to provide an explanation in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. In this case, a rate-related left bundle branch block resulted in severe dynamic mitral regurgitation and acute increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Cardiac resynchronization therapy resolved her symptoms. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Double-Outlet Right Ventricle, Pulmonary Atresia, and Discontinuous Branch Pulmonary Arteries Supplied by Bilateral Ducti

We present a rare case of double-outlet right ventricle with pulmonary atresia and discontinuous branch pulmonary arteries supplied by bilateral ducti from a right aortic arch. To our knowledge, this is only the second documented case of double-outlet right ventricle with bilateral ducti. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Perventricular Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation in a Symptomatic 3-Year-Old Child With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

In select patients, transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement through a percutaneous approach can be challenging because of complicated anatomy or small patient size. In these patients, especially those weighing <20 kg, hybrid perventricular valve delivery may provide a preferred alternative approach. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Direct Percutaneous Transthoracic Cardiac Access for Recanalization of Longstanding Branch Pulmonary Artery Atresia

We describe the use of direct percutaneous cardiac access to recanalize an atretic right pulmonary artery in an adolescent with complex congenital heart disease and right heart failure. This case highlights the problems associated with loss of central venous access and potential advantages of a direct cardiac approach to catheterization. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Anomalous Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery With Retroaortic Left Circumflex Artery: A Novel Coronary Pattern

A novel coronary anatomy in the form of anomalous left anterior descending coronary artery from pulmonary artery with a retroaortic left circumflex arising from the right coronary artery is presented. This unreported anatomy was discovered in a 7-month-old girl with failure to thrive. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Abnormalities in the Von Willebrand-Angiopoietin Axis Contribute to Dysregulated Angiogenesis and Angiodysplasia in Children With a Glenn Circulation

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Children with a bidirectional superior cavopulmonary connection (Glenn circulation) develop dysregulated angiogenesis and pulmonary angiodysplasia in the form of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). No targeted therapy exists.

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The von Willebrand factor (vWF)–angiopoietin axis plays a major role in normal angiogenesis, angiodysplasia, and AVM formation in multiple diseases.

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vWF and angiopoietin-2 (which destabilizes vessel formation) were abnormal in children with a Glenn circulation versus control children. Within Glenn patients, angiopoietin-1 (which stabilizes vessel formation) and angiogenesis were different in the systemic versus pulmonary circulation. Plasma angiopoietin-1 was lower in the pulmonary circulation of Glenn patients with pulmonary AVMs than Glenn patients without AVMs.

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In parallel, differences in multiple angiogenic and inflammatory signaling peptides were observed between Glenn patients and controls, which indicated derangements in multiple angiogenic pathways in Glenn patients.

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These findings support the novel hypothesis that abnormal vWF metabolism and angiopoietin signaling dysregulate angiogenesis and contribute to pulmonary AVM formation in children with a Glenn circulation.

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The vWF-angiopoietin axis may be a target to correct angiogenic imbalance and reduce pulmonary angiodysplasia in Glenn patients.

Children with a bidirectional superior cavopulmonary (Glenn) circulation develop angiodysplasia and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The von Willebrand factor (vWF)–angiopoietin axis plays a major role in AVM formation in multiple diseases. We observed derangements in global angiogenic signaling, vWF metabolism, angiopoietins, and in vitro angiogenesis in children with a Glenn circulation versus controls and within Glenn pulmonary versus systemic circulations. These findings support the novel hypothesis that abnormalities in the vWF-angiopoietin axis may dysregulate angiogenesis and contribute to Glenn pulmonary AVMs. The vWF-angiopoietin axis may be a target to correct angiogenic imbalance in Glenn patients, for whom no targeted therapy exists.

First-in-Human Experience of Mechanical Preload Control in Patients With HFpEF During Exercise

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Heart failure patients demonstrate pulmonary hypertension during exertion that correlates with limitations in exercise capacity.

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Titrated partial occlusion of the IVC through balloon inflation (mechanical preload control) during exercise significantly reduced PA pressure by 25% (from 68 ± 7 mm Hg to 51 ± 7 mm Hg) with no significant reduction in peak VO₂ (from 16.4 ± 5.8 ml/kg/min to 16.2 ± 4.0 ml/kg/min) or cardiac output (14.4 ± 5.9 l/min to 12.8 ± 2.9 l/min).

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Mechanical preload control trended toward longer exercise times and significantly reduced respiratory rate at matched exercise, suggesting that pulmonary pressures directly contribute to exercise limitations and hyperventilation in heart failure patients.

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Mechanical preload control may serve as a novel research and treatment strategy for heart failure patients.

Exercise intolerance remains one of the major factors determining quality of life in heart failure patients. In 6 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) undergoing invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing, balloon inflation within the inferior vena cava (IVC) was performed during exercise to reduce and maintain pulmonary arterial (PA) pressures. Partial IVC occlusion significantly reduced PA pressures without reducing cardiac output. Partial IVC occlusion significantly reduced respiratory rate at matched levels of exercise. These findings highlight the importance of pulmonary pressures in the pathophysiology of HFpEF and suggest that therapies targeting hemodynamics may improve symptoms and exercise capacity in these patients.

To Be or Not to Be Eisenmenger: The Different Shades of Blue

Eisenmenger syndrome refers to any untreated congenital cardiac defect with an intracardiac communication that leads to pulmonary arterial hypertension, reversal of intracardiac shunting, and cyanosis. We describe a 40-year-old cyanotic patient with congenital heart disease with presumed Eisenmenger syndrome who was considered inoperable. Testing revealed a partial atrioventricular septal defect with no evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension, and the patient underwent successful cardiac repair. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Torrential Mitral Regurgitation After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair

A patient with severe mitral regurgitation and chronic systolic heart failure taking inotropic support at home presents for transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair, complicated by torrential mitral regurgitation from damaged mitral leaflets requiring escalating mechanical circulatory support and ultimately expedited orthotopic heart transplantation. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

A 27-Year-Old Woman With Postpartum Papillary Muscle Rupture

Postpartum papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is extremely uncommon and tolerated poorly with limited management options other than emergency surgical intervention. This case demonstrates the challenges of postpartum PMR in a young woman with unrecognized vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and highlights the importance of preconception screening of cardiovascular disease. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Ventricular Septal Aneurysm Mimicking Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Mass in a Patient With Ventricular Septal Defect

A 50-year-old man presented with an episode of chest pain. Cardiac magnetic resonance revealed the presence of a large ventricular septal aneurysm partially closing a perimembranous ventricular septal defect, prolapsing into the right ventricular outflow tract, and mimicking a mass. We illustrate the diagnostic approach and management of such ventricular septal aneurysms. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

What Looks Like a Clot But Is Not a Clot?: Cardiac Leiomyosarcoma Mimicking Pulmonary Embolism

Primary cardiac tumors in the right ventricular outflow tract are often misdiagnosed as pulmonary embolism due to rarity and inadequate imaging characterization. Multimodality imaging offers advantages and facilitates subsequent diagnostics and management. We present a case of a woman with suspected submassive pulmonary embolism who was found to have pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Submassive Pulmonary Embolism in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

A 37-year-old woman presented with chest pain and shortness of breath in the third trimester of pregnancy. Diagnostic imaging demonstrated a saddle pulmonary embolism, severe impairment of right ventricular function, and an extensive deep venous thrombus. She underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator and delivered a healthy infant at term. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Delayed Presentation of STEMI Complicated by Ventricular Septal Rupture in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic

A significant concern in current coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era is delay in first medical contact in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), due to reluctance to visit the hospital. We report a case of delayed presentation of STEMI as ventricular septal rupture during the COVID-19 pandemic, a rare presentation in the current age of primary percutaneous coronary intervention. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

A Boulder in the Chest: Case of Massive Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma

A 79-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and cough. Workup revealed a pulmonary artery mass. After undergoing surgery, she was treated with adjuvant immunotherapy for an undifferentiated pulmonary artery sarcoma. Fifteen months after surgery, there was no evidence of recurrence. The case is discussed, imaging presented, and the published reports reviewed. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Catheter-Directed Mechanical Thrombectomy in Massive Pulmonary Embolism With Cardiogenic Shock

We discuss a patient who presented with cardiogenic shock secondary to massive pulmonary embolism and right ventricular failure. She was managed by a multidisciplinary heart team and treated with catheter-directed thrombectomy, followed by ProtekDuo (Tandem [Liva Nova], London, United Kingdom) heart percutaneous right ventricular support leading to complete recovery from this often fatal condition. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Percutaneous Coil Embolization of Confluent Bilateral Coronary Artery Fistulas

A 52-year-old woman presented with a continuous heart murmur at an annual health examination. Coronary computed tomography angiography showed confluent coronary artery fistulas meeting to form a large aneurysm fistulizing to the pulmonary artery. Percutaneous coil embolization was performed, resulting in the disappearance of the coronary artery fistulas and aneurysms. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Anomalous Origin of a Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery in a Middle-Aged Woman

A 53-year-old female patient presented for evaluation of a murmur. The examination revealed a 2/6 systolic ejection murmur in the left upper sternal border. Transthoracic echocardiography with color Doppler showed increased blood flow around the apex of the right ventricle. Further imaging revealed the right coronary artery emerging from the pulmonary artery. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

A Rare Cause of Chest Pain

A patient presenting with typical chest pain with a background of ischemic heart disease often alarms one of an acute coronary syndrome but differentials should always be ruled out. We report a case of typical chest pain which was referred from a district general hospital as an acute coronary syndrome but turned out to be a pulmonary artery sarcoma. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

A Cardio-Obstetric Approach to Management of the Complex Pregnant Cardiac Patient

A 23-year-old female presented at 28.5 weeks gestation with symptomatic heart failure due to severe mitral stenosis and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. After multidisciplinary planning, she underwent caesarean delivery with mitral valve replacement 48 h postpartum. Cardio-obstetric teams provide expert coordinated care for complex cardiovascular disease in pregnancy. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Initial Single-Center Experience

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) seen at a US medical center.

Patients and Methods

Patients with inoperable or residual postendarterectomy CTEPH who underwent BPA at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, between August 11, 2014, and May 17, 2018, were included. Invasive hemodynamic, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data were collected and analyzed retrospectively.

Results

We identified 31 patients (26 with inoperable CTEPH and 5 with residual postendarterectomy CTEPH) who underwent 75 BPA procedures performed in a staged manner to reduce complications. The median number of sessions was 2 (interquartile range [IQR], 1-3) per patient, and the number of vessels treated per session was 3 (IQR, 2-3). Of the 31 patients, 24 (77.4%) were taking pulmonary vasodilators and 22 (71.0%) were taking riociguat. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure decreased from 40 mm Hg (IQR, 29-48 mm Hg) to 29 mm Hg (IQR, 25-37 mm Hg; P<.001); pulmonary vascular resistance decreased from 5.5 Wood units (WU) (IQR, 3.0-7.6 WU) to 3.3 WU (2.2-5.2 WU; P<.001). The follow-up 6-minute walk test was performed in 13 patients and improved from 402 m (IQR, 311-439 m) to 439 m (366-510 m; P=.001). Of the 31 patients, 19 (61.3%) had improvement in New York Heart Association functional class. The mean ± SD nadir of minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production decreased by 3.4±5.5 (P=.03), reflecting improved ventilatory efficiency. Complications included hemoptysis requiring overnight intensive care unit observation (n=1) and cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis (n=1). One patient had reperfusion injury requiring intubation, recovered, and was dismissed to home but died unexpectedly within less than 30 days of the procedure. Serious complications occurred in 3 of the 75 BPA procedures (4.0%).

Conclusion

Our experience with BPA revealed that this procedure has acceptable risk and improves hemodynamics, functional class, and exercise tolerance in patients with inoperable or residual CTEPH.

Pathogenic Role of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in Pulmonary Hypertension

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G protein-coupled receptors and tyrosine kinase receptors signal through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mTOR pathway to induce cell proliferation, survival, and growth. mTOR is a kinase present in 2 functionally distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2.

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Functional disruption of mTORC1 by knockout of Raptor (regulatory associated protein of mammalian target of rapamycin) in smooth muscle cells ameliorated the development of experimental PH.

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Functional disruption of mTORC2 by knockout of Rictor (rapamycin insensitive companion of mammalian target of rapamycin) caused spontaneous PH by up-regulating platelet-derived growth factor receptors.

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Use of mTOR inhibitors (e.g., rapamycin) to treat PH should be accompanied by inhibitors of platelet-derived growth factor receptors (e.g., imatinib).

Concentric lung vascular wall thickening due to enhanced proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells is an important pathological cause for the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance reported in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. We identified a differential role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 and complex 2, two functionally distinct mTOR complexes, in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Inhibition of mTOR complex 1 attenuated the development of PH; however, inhibition of mTOR complex 2 caused spontaneous PH, potentially due to up-regulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptors in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, and compromised the therapeutic effect of the mTOR inhibitors on PH. In addition, we describe a promising therapeutic strategy using combination treatment with the mTOR inhibitors and the platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitors on PH and right ventricular hypertrophy. The data from this study provide an important mechanism-based perspective for developing novel therapies for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and right heart failure.

Electrical Vagal Nerve Stimulation Ameliorates Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling and Improves Survival in Rats With Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

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Autonomic imbalance has been documented in patients with PAH.

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Electrical VNS is known to restore autonomic balance and improve heart failure.

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This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of VNS on severe PAH in a rat model.

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VNS significantly restored autonomic balance, decreased mean pulmonary arterial pressure, attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling, and preserved right ventricular function. In addition, VNS markedly improved the survival of rats with PAH.

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Our findings may contribute greatly to the development of device therapy for PAH and widen the clinical applicability of VNS.

This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of electrical vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) on severe pulmonary arterial hypertension in a rat model. In a pathophysiological study, VNS significantly restored autonomic balance, decreased mean pulmonary arterial pressure, attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling, and preserved right ventricular function. In a survival study, VNS significantly improved the survival rate in both the prevention (VNS from 0 to 5 weeks after a SU5416 injection) and treatment (VNS from 5 to 10 weeks) protocols. Thus, VNS may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The major thoracic vascular invasion of lung cancer

Background

We actually investigated the surgical and pathological findings in cases which tumor invasion of the major thoracic vessels was suspected based on the preoperative Computed tomography (CT) findings.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed our prospective database of all patients, who underwent lung resection for lung cancer from 2012 to 2014. 387 patients underwent lung cancer surgery. Among these patients, we analyzed 30 patients in whom pulmonary artery (PA) invasion was suspected and 11 patients in whom pulmonary vein (PV) or left atrium (LA) invasion was suspected based on the preoperative CT findings.

Results

Among the 30 patients with suspected PA invasion, there were 9 patients in whom the tumor could be peeled off the PA in actual thoracotomy. Pathological invasion of the PA was observed in 6 of these patients. The positive predictive value of the preoperative CT findings was 20%. Among the 11 patients with suspected PV or LA invasion, there were 2 patients in whom the tumor could be peeled off the PV or LA in actual thoracotomy. Pathological tumor invasion of the PV or LA was observed in 4 of these patients. The positive predictive value of the preoperative CT findings was 36%.

Conclusion

The positive predictive value of the preoperative CT findings for tumor invasion of the thoracic vessels was low. Therefore, surgical opportunities that offer the chance of a cure shouldn't be missed in advanced lung cancer patients because the tumor is located near the major thoracic vessels on preoperative CT.

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We actually investigated tumor invasion of the major thoracic vessels.

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We analyzed 30 patients in whom pulmonary artery (PA) invasion was suspected.

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We analyzed 11 patients in whom pulmonary vein (PV) or left atrium (LA) invasion was suspected.

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The positive predictive value of CT findings was low.

Noninvasive assessment of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in children with pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease: A comparative study between five different Doppler indices

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is an important hemodynamic parameter in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Noninvasive estimation of PVR represents an attractive alternative to invasive measurements.

METHODS

The study included 175 patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to CHD. All patients underwent full echocardiographic study and invasive hemodynamic measurements. The study population was then subdivided into four subgroups. Each of the following Doppler indices was measured in one of these four subgroups: peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV), the ratio of the TRV to the velocity time integral of the right ventricular outflow tract (TRV/TVIRVOT), peak velocity of tricuspid annular systolic motion (TSm), heart rate corrected acceleration time and infliction time of the proximal left pulmonary artery (ATc, InTc). The data obtained was correlated with invasive PVR measurement. An ROC curve analysis was done to generate cutoff points with the highest balanced sensitivity and specificity to predict PVR > 6WU/m(2). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were compared with each other to determine the most reliable cutoff point in predicting elevated PVR > 6WU/m(2).

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between both the TRV and TSm and invasive measurement of PVR (r = -0.511, 0.387 and P value = 0.0002, 0.006 respectively). The TSm and TRV cutoff values were the most reliable to predict elevated PVR > 6 WU/m(2). A TSm cutoff value of ⩽16.16 cm/s provided the best balanced sensitivity (85.7%) and specificity (66.7%) to determine PVRCATH > 6 WU/m(2). A cutoff value less than 7.62 cm/s had 100% specificity to predict PVRCATH > 6 WU/m(2). A TRV cutoff value of >3.96 m/s provided the best balanced sensitivity (66.7%) and specificity (100%) to determine PVRCATH > 6 WU/m(2). Both TRV and TSm had the highest area under the ROC curve among the 5 DOPPLER indices studied.

CONCLUSION

Prediction of elevated PVR in children with PH secondary to CHD could be achieved noninvasively using a number of Doppler indices. Among the five Doppler indices examined in the current study, the peak TRV and the TSm of the lateral tricuspid annulus had the highest balanced sensitivity and specificity to predict PVRI > 6 WU/m(2).

Wandering Catheter Through Pulmonary Vasculature

Embolization of central catheter fragments is a rare but well-documented complication of indwelling vascular devices. We describe a unique case of a catheter fragment migrating through the pulmonary vasculature after indwelling reservoir catheter removal in a 42 year-old female with metastatic breast cancer. The catheter fragment was initially visualized in the right upper lobe pulmonary artery two years after removal. One year later, it was seen in the right middle lobe PA. Two years later, it had migrated to the right lower lobe PA, where it remained for at least three months before the patient was lost to follow-up. The patient remained clinically asymptomatic from the catheter fragment throughout this time. Although there have been numerous case reports published regarding catheter embolization, to our knowledge, migration within the pulmonary vasculature has not been described. This is an interesting illustration of the hemodynamics of pulmonary blood flow and transient retrograde flow in the lungs.