Mohamad Alkhouli

Inferior vena cava filters in the United States: Less is more

Despite the widespread use of Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters, there is no quality evidence to demonstrate their efficacy for routine use, nor there is a consensus on their appropriate indications among major medical societies. The introduction of retrievable filters led to further increase in the utilization of these devices. However, several studies have shown that retrievable filters are rarely retrieved. The implant rates of IVC filters are many folds higher in the United States than in Europe, yet the retrieval rates are much lower. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently issued a safety alert advocating for consideration of filter retrieval when the protection offered by the filter is no longer needed. The controversies surrounding IVC filter placement and retrieval, however, will likely to continue in the absence of good evidence on their efficacy and side effects. Time has come for initiatives to conduct well designed trials based on agreed-upon criteria to settle this debate.

Case series of 5 patients with end-stage renal disease with reversible dyspnea, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension related to arteriovenous dialysis access

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with arteriovenous dialysis access (AVDA) can develop symptoms of heart failure and pulmonary hypertension (PH). We report on 5 patients with ESRD and AVDA who presented with shortness of breath, heart failure, and PH. All patients had partial or complete closure of AVDA and were reevaluated after AVDA revision. All 5 subjects had clinical and echocardiographic evidence of heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and PH at baseline. After complete closure (n = 4) or partial banding (n = 1) of AVDA, mean New York Heart Association class improved from 3.4 ± 0.4 to 1.8 ± 0.4 (P = 0.016). Mean 6-minute walk distance improved from 236 ± 115 to 366 ± 51 m (P = 0.021). Serial echocardiography revealed a decrease in the right ventricle: left ventricle ratio from 1.12 ± 0.17 to 0.8 ± 0.06 (P = 0.005) and improved diastolic dysfunction parameters. On right heart catheterization before definitive AVDA revision, acute manual fistula or graft occlusion led to an average decrease in cardiac output of 1.1 L/min with no other changes in hemodynamics: 9.88 ± 2.2 to 8.71 ± 2.2 L/min (P = 0.059). However, the average decrease in cardiac output after definitive revision of the AVDA (mean, 90 days) was 4.0 L/min with marked improvements in biventricular filling pressures and pulmonary artery pressure. In patients with ESRD and AVDA presenting with heart failure and PH, revision or closure of AVDA can markedly improve dyspnea as well as the clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic manifestations of heart failure and PH.

Comparative Outcomes of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Plus Anticoagulation Versus Anticoagulation Alone in the Treatment of Inferior Vena Caval Thrombosis

Background—The contemporary practice patterns and role of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in the treatment of inferior vena cava thrombosis is unknown. Methods and Results—The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify patients with a principal discharge diagnosis of inferior vena cava thrombosis (International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification, 453.2) from 2005 to 2011. We compared patients treated with CDT plus anticoagulation with patients treated with anticoagulation alone. We used propensity scores to construct 2 matched groups of 563 patients for comparative outcomes analysis. Among 2674 patients admitted with inferior vena cava thrombosis, 718 (26.9%) underwent CDT. The national CDT utilization rates increased from 16.0% in 2005 to 34.7% in 2011 (P<0.001). Based on the propensity-matched comparison, the inhospital mortality was not significantly different between the CDT and the anticoagulation groups (2.0% versus 1.4%; P=0.49). The rates of pulmonary embolism (12.1% versus 7.8%; P=0.02), intracranial hemorrhage (1.6% versus 0.2%; P=0.03), and acute renal failure (13.9% versus 9.4%; P=0.02) were significantly higher in the CDT group. The CDT group had longer length of stay and higher hospital charges compared with the anticoagulation group. Conclusions—There has been a steady increase in the use of CDT in the treatment of patients with inferior vena cava thrombosis in the United States. This observational study showed no significant difference in mortality between CDT versus anticoagulation alone; however, the bleeding events and resource utilization were higher in the CDT group. Adequately powered randomized controlled trials are needed in this area.

Elevated Cardiac Troponin in Acute Stroke without Acute Coronary Syndrome Predicts Long-Term Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes

Background. Elevated cardiac troponin in acute stroke in absence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has unclear long-term outcomes. Methods. Retrospective analysis of 566 patients admitted to Temple University Hospital from 2008 to 2010 for acute stroke was performed. Patients were included if cardiac troponin I was measured and had no evidence of ACS and an echocardiogram was performed. Of 200 patients who met the criteria, baseline characteristics, electrocardiograms, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were reviewed. Patients were characterized into two groups with normal and elevated troponins. Primary end point was nonfatal myocardial infarction during follow-up period after discharge. The secondary end points were MACE and death from any cause. Results. For 200 patients, 17 patients had positive troponins. Baseline characteristics were as follows: age 63.1 ± 13.8, 64% African Americans, 78% with hypertension, and 22% with previous CVA. During mean follow-up of 20.1 months, 7 patients (41.2%) in elevated troponin and 6 (3.3%) patients in normal troponin group had nonfatal myocardial infarction (P = 0.0001). MACE (41.2% versus 14.2%, P = 0.01) and death from any cause (41.2% versus 14.5%, P = 0.017) were significant in the positive troponin group. Conclusions. Elevated cardiac troponin in patients with acute stroke and no evidence of ACS is strong predictor of long-term cardiac outcomes.

Iatrogenic atrial septal defect following transseptal cardiac interventions

In the Era of expanding use of transseptal structural heart disease interventions and catheter ablation techniques for atrial fibrillation, there is increasing interest in the iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) often associated with these procedures. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the incidence and clinical impact of iASD, to identify possible predictors of persistent iASD, and to propose a standardized method for the detection, follow up and management of iASD.

Clinical significance of troponin elevations in acute decompensated diabetes without clinical acute coronary syndrome

BackgroundElevation of cardiac troponin has been documented in multiple settings without acute coronary syndrome. However, its impact on long-term cardiac outcomes in the context of acute decompensated diabetes remains to be explored.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 872 patients admitted to Temple University Hospital from 2004–2009 with DKA or HHS. Patients were included if they had cardiac troponin I (cTnI) measured within 24 hours of hospital admission, had no evidence of acute coronary syndrome and had a follow up period of at least 18 months. Of the 264 patients who met the criteria, we reviewed the baseline patient characteristics, admission labs, EKGs and major adverse cardiovascular events during the follow up period. Patients were categorized into two groups with normal and elevated levels of cardiac enzymes. The composite end point of the study was the occurrence of a major cardiovascular event (MACE) during the follow up period and was compared between the two groups.ResultsOf 264 patients, 24 patients were found to have elevated cTnI. Compared to patients with normal cardiac enzymes, there was a significant increase in incidence of MACE in patients with elevated cTnI. In a regression analysis, which included prior history of CAD, HTN and ESRD, the only variable that independently predicted MACE was an elevation in cTnI (p = 0.044). Patients with elevated CK-MB had increased lengths of hospitalization compared to the other group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsElevated cardiac troponin I in patients admitted with decompensated diabetes and without evidence of acute coronary syndrome, strongly correlate with a later major cardiovascular event. Thus, elevated troponin I during metabolic abnormalities identify a group of patients at an increased risk for poor long-term outcomes. Whether these patients may benefit from early detection, risk stratification and preventive interventions remains to be investigated.

Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defect

The number of left atrial transcatheter procedures performed via a transseptal (TS) approach has grown exponentially over the last 2 decades.1 Persistent iatrogenic atrial septal defects (iASD) after structural TS interventions are not uncommon especially when larger TS sheaths are used (25%–50% with 22 Fr sheaths).2–5 The optimal management strategy of postprocedural iASD is currently unknown. In the absence of societal recommendations with regards to iASD, the decision to close iASD and the timing of the closure pose a clinical dilemma to the interventionalist caring for these patients. We present 2 cases of iASD after TS transcatheter mitral valve repair/implantation and discuss the challenges in the management of such patients. Two patients were seen in consultation by the Mayo Clinic structural heart service: Ms K: An 81-year-old female admitted with decompensated biventricular heart failure. She had hypertension, atrial fibrillation, systolic heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction=42%), a permanent pacemaker, and a history of mitral valve replacement with a 33 mm St Jude EPIC prosthesis and tricuspid valve repair. On examination, she was a slender woman (5′0″, 49 kg). Heart rate was 72 bpm, blood pressure was 129/83 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation was 92% on room air. Auscultation revealed a prominent thrill at the apex radiating across her chest and a loud 6/6 apical holosystolic murmur. Jugular veins were distended, and rales were heard at both lung bases. Moderate peripheral pitting edema was also noted. Echocardiography showed a degenerative mitral prosthesis with a flail leaflet and severe mitral regurgitation (MR). It also showed severe right ventricular enlargement with moderately depressed right ventricular function. No thrombus or evidence of endocarditis was present. The heart team evaluation concluded that the patient was at high risk for redo mitral valve replacement (Society of Thoracic Surgeons [STS] score=10%). She then underwent …

Sex Differences in the Utilization and Outcomes of Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Severe Aortic Stenosis

Background Studies assessing the differential impact of sex on outcomes of aortic valve replacement (AVR) yielded conflicting results. We sought to investigate sex‐related differences in AVR utilization, patient risk profile, and in‐hospital outcomes using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Methods and Results In total, 166 809 patients (63% male and 37% female) who underwent AVR between 2003 and 2014 were identified, and 48.5% had a concomitant cardiac surgery procedure. Compared with men, women were older and had more nonatherosclerotic comorbid conditions including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation/flutter, and anemia but fewer incidences of coronary and peripheral arterial disease and prior sternotomies. In‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in women (5.6% versus 4%, P<0.001). Propensity matching was performed to assess the impact of sex on the outcomes of isolated AVR and yielded 28 237 matched pairs of male and female participants. In the propensity‐matched groups, in‐hospital mortality was higher in women (3.3% versus 2.9%, P<0.001). Along with vascular complications and blood transfusion (6% versus 5.6%, P=0.027 and 40.4% versus 33.9%, P<0.001, respectively). Rates of stroke, permanent pacemaker implantation, and acute kidney injury requiring dialysis were similar (2.4% versus 2.4%, P=0.99; 6% versus 6.3%, P=0.15; and 1.4% versus 1.3%, P=0.14, respectively). Length of stay median and interquartile range were both similar between groups (7±6 days). Rates of nonhome discharge were higher among women (27.9% versus 19.6%, P<0.001). Conclusions Women have worse in‐hospital mortality following AVR compared with men. Coupled with the accumulating evidence suggesting higher magnitude of benefit of transcatheter AVR over AVR in women, women should perhaps be offered transcatheter AVR over AVR at a lower threshold than men.

Transcatheter closure of an aortoatrial fistula following a surgical aortic valve replacement

Aorto‐atrial fistulas are rare complications of aortic valve replacement. We report a case of a post‐aortic valve replacement aorto‐atrial fistula that was closed percutaneously with an Amplatz Ductal Occluder‐II device.

Nonatherosclerotic Obstructive Vascular Diseases of the Mesenteric and Renal Arteries

Nonatherosclerotic vascular diseases of the mesenteric and renal arteries are considered to occur less frequently than those caused by occlusive atherosclerotic disease. However, when present, they pose a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Such disorders include fibromuscular dysplasia, median arcuate ligament syndrome, the renal nutcracker syndrome, and some forms of acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia (embolic and thrombotic). This is a heterogeneous group of disorders with substantial differences in the pathogenesis and diagnostic approaches to these diseases. We provide an overview of the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and current management of fibromuscular dysplasia, median arcuate ligament syndrome, and the renal nutcracker syndrome.