Rolf Alexander Jánosi

Dyssynchrony by speckle-tracking echocardiography and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: results of the Speckle Tracking and Resynchronization (STAR) study

Aims The Speckle Tracking and Resynchronization (STAR) study used a prospective multi-centre design to test the hypothesis that speckle-tracking echocardiography can predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Methods and results We studied 132 consecutive CRT patients with class III and IV heart failure, ejection fraction (EF) ≤35%, and QRS ≥120 ms from three international centres. Baseline dyssynchrony was evaluated by four speckle tracking strain methods; radial, circumferential, transverse, and longitudinal (≥130 ms opposing wall delay for each). Pre-specified outcome variables were EF response and three serious long-term events: death, transplant, or left ventricular assist device. Of 120 patients (91%) with baseline dyssynchrony data, both short-axis radial strain and transverse strain from apical views were associated with favourable EF response 7 ± 4 months and long-term outcome over 3.5 years (P < 0.01). Radial strain had the highest sensitivity at 86% for predicting EF response with a specificity of 67%. Serious long-term unfavourable events occurred in 20 patients after CRT, and happened three times more frequently in those who lacked baseline radial or transverse dyssynchrony than in patients with dyssynchrony (P < 0.01). Patients who lacked both radial and transverse dyssynchrony had unfavourable clinical events occur in 53%, in contrast to events occurring in 12% if baseline dyssynchrony was present (P < 0.01). Circumferential and longitudinal strains predicted response when dyssynchrony was detected, but failed to identify dyssynchrony in one-third of patients who responded to CRT. Conclusion Dyssynchrony by speckle-tracking echocardiography using radial and transverse strains is associated with EF response and long-term outcome following CRT.

Measurement of the aortic annulus size by real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

Abstract We sought to determine the level of agreement and the reproducibility of two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic (2D-TTE), 2D transesophageal (2D-TEE) and real-time three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) for measurement of aortic annulus size in patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Accurate preoperative assessment of the dimensions of the aortic annulus is critical for patient selection and successful implantation in those undergoing TAVI for severe aortic stenosis (AS). Annulus size was measured using 2D-TTE, 2D-TEE and RT3D-TEE in 105 patients with severe AS referred for TAVI. Agreement between echocardiographic methods and interobserver variability was assessed using the Bland-Altman method and regression analysis, respectively. The mean aortic annuli were 21,7 ± 3 mm measured with 2D-TTE, 22,6 ± 2,8 mm with 2D-TEE and 22,3 ± 2,9 mm with RT3D-TEE. The results showed a small but significant mean difference and a strong correlation between the three measurement techniques (2D-TTE vs. 2D-TEE mean difference 0,84 ± 1,85 mm, r = 0,8, p < 0,0001; 2D-TEE vs. 3D-TEE 0,27 ± 1,14 mm, r = 0,91, p < 0,02; 2D-TTE vs. 3D-TEE 0,58 ± 2,21 mm, r = 0,72, p = 0,02); however, differences between measurements amounted up to 6,1 mm. Interobserver variability for 2D-TTE and 2D-TEE was substantially higher compared with RT3D-TEE. We found significant differences in the dimensions of the aortic annulus measured by 2D-TTE, 2D-TEE and RT3D-TEE. Thus, in patients referred for TAVI, the echocardiographic method used may have an impact on TAVI strategy.

Guidance of percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation by real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography – A single-center experience

Percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an evolving interventional therapy for high-risk, non-surgical patients with severe, symptomatic aortic valve stenosis (AS). As a standard procedure, 2D transesophageal echocardiography has been used for the preinterventional assessment of the native valve and measurement of the aortic annulus as well as for intraprocedural guidance. Recently, a new matrix array, transesophageal probe for real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) has been introduced. We applied this new technique to monitor percutaneous aortic valve implantation and described our initial experiences with this method in patients undergoing TAVI. We hypothesized that RT3D-TEE provides improved evaluation of the native aortic valve and annulus dimension due to unlimited scan plane orientation. This new technology should also enable accurate guiding of percutaneous cardiac interventions by providing immediate information on prosthesis position and function in real-time. In our preliminiary clinical experience real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D TEE) was demonstrated to provide improved guiding of percutaneous aortic valve replacement by superior spatial visualisation of the cardiac structures and facilitated the detection of procedure-related complications. Due to the advantages of real-time 3D TEE monitoring, this technique might improve the outcome of patients treated with percutaneous aortic valve replacement.

Biomarkers of aortic diseases

The development of diagnostic biomarkers of acute cardiovascular disease remains an important topic of interest given potential use to aid in early diagnosis. Cardiac biomarkers of ischemia and heart failure have already proven to be clinically useful. Biomarkers of aortic diseases are also needed, especially for life-threatening conditions such as aortic dissection. In this review, we discuss the present status of the development of biomarkers of aortic diseases. Although aortic dissection has been most vigorously pursued, there has also been notable recent progress in biomarkers of aneurysms and inflammatory aortic disease.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm expansion due to late distal stent graft-induced new entry

This study analyzed the mechanism and risk factors of thoracic aortic aneurysm expansion due to late distal stent graft‐induced new entry (dSINE).

Silent Cerebral Ischemia After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Neuroimaging Study

BACKGROUND The risk of clinically apparent, periprocedural stroke after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) due to dislodgement and embolization of aortic debris from intravascular manipulation of guidewires, catheters, and large-bore delivery systems ranges between 2% and 6% and has been associated with increased postoperative mortality. The rate of clinically silent cerebral ischemia is yet unknown, but may be even higher. METHODS Nineteen patients (13 male, 6 female) who underwent TEVAR were included into this descriptive study. Periprocedural apparent and silent cerebral ischemia was assessed by daily clinical neurologic assessment and serial cerebral diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) at baseline and 5 days (median, interquartile range: 3.5) after the procedure. RESULTS The TEVAR was successful in all patients without immediate clinically apparent neurologic deficits. Postinterventional cerebral DW-MRI detected a total of 29 new foci of restricted diffusion in 12 of 19 TEVAR patients (63%). Lesions were usually multiple (1 to 6 lesions per patient) and ranged in size between 15 mm3 and 300 mm3; 16 lesions were found in the left hemisphere, 13 lesions in the right hemisphere. Overstenting of the left subclavian artery was performed in 8 cases, but was not associated with lateralization of lesions. There were no additional apparent neurologic events during the in-hospital period. CONCLUSIONS Thoracic endovascular aortic repair resulted in a high incidence of new foci of restricted diffusion on cerebral DW-MRI in a pattern suggestive of periprocedural embolization. Although multiple lesions per patients were found, these lesions were not associated with apparent neurologic deficits during the in-hospital period. Further developments in TEVAR should be directed toward reducing the risk of periprocedural cerebral embolization.

Aortic remodelling in aortic dissection after frozen elephant trunk

OBJECTIVES Frozen elephant trunk (FET) can be used for continuous downstream aorta treatment in acute aortic dissection (AAD) and chronic aortic dissection (CAD). The study reports the changes in the lumen volumes along the downstream aorta towards remodelling. METHODS In 70 patients (22 CAD, 48 AAD), pre-, postoperative and at least the 1-year follow-up aortic imaging was available. Volume changes of aortic lumen (AL) and true lumen (TL) between examinations along the stent graft aortic segment (A), downstream to coeliac trunk (B) and distally to bifurcation (C) were used for quantification. TL increase >10% with stable AL or AL decrease >10% with stable TL were classified as positive, changes within a 10% threshold as stable, and all other changes as negative remodelling. RESULTS In AAD, positive or stable remodelling occurred in A (90%), B (65%), C (58%) within 1 year, thereafter in 26 patients (follow-up: 47 ± 21 months) in A (92%), B (65%), C (62%). Negative remodelling in ≥2 segments was found in 5/26 (19%) patients. In CAD, positive or stable remodelling occurred in A (100%), B (86%), C (77%) within 1 year, thereafter in 16 patients (follow-up: 46 ± 20 months) in A (75%), B (44%), C (38%). Negative remodelling in ≥2 segments was found in 7/16 (43%) patients, 5 underwent reintervention, and stabilized thereafter. CONCLUSIONS FET facilitates positive remodelling in AAD and CAD down to stent graft level. Distally, 20% AAD and 40% CAD patients remain at risk for secondary reintervention, and can be identified by negative remodelling in ≥2 segments in the follow-up examinations.

Large mobile thrombus in non-atherosclerotic thoracic aorta as the source of peripheral arterial embolism

The presence of thrombi in the atherosclerotic and/or aneurysmatic aorta with peripheral arterial embolism is a common scenario. Thrombus formation in a morphologically normal aorta, however, is a rare event. A 50 years old woman was admitted to the mergency department for pain, coldness, and anesthesia in the the left foot. She had a 25 years history of cigarette smoking, a history of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hypercholesterolemia and hyperfibrinogenemia. An extensive serologic survey for hypercoagulability, including antiphospholipid antibodies, and vasculitis disorders was negative. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a large, pedunculated and hypermobile thrombus attached to the aortic wall 5 cm distal of the left subclavian artery. The patient was admitted to the surgery department, where a 15 cm long fresh, parietal thrombus could be removed from the aorta showing no macroscopic wall lesions or any other morphologic abnormalities.This case report demonstrates the possibility of evolving a large, pedunculated thrombus in a morphologically intact aorta in a postmenopausal woman with thrombogenic conditions such as hyperfibrinogenemia, hypercholesterolemia, smoking and HRT. For these patients, profiling the individual risk and weighing the benefits against the potential risks is warranted before prescribing HRT.

Low Incidence of Paravalvular Leakage With the Balloon-Expandable Sapien 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve.

BACKGROUND We evaluated the clinical and hemodynamic performance of the new balloon-expandable Sapien 3 (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) transcatheter heart valve (S3 THV). METHODS Between April 2013 and January 2015, 54 consecutive high-risk patients presenting with aortic stenosis were treated with the new S3 THV. Clinical and hemodynamic data as well as device and procedure variables were obtained at baseline, intraoperatively and at 30-days according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2. RESULTS The S3 THV was implanted in 41 patients (44% female) via transapical access and in 13 patients via transaortic access. Patients were a mean ± standard deviation age of 80.3 ± 6.0 years. The mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) I of all patients was 33.3% ± 13.4%, the mean The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Score was 6.7% ± 5.3%, and the mean EuroSCORE II was 7.0% ± 5.5%. All patients underwent successful implantation (23 mm, n = 12; 26 mm, n = 22; 29 mm, n = 20), without any intraprocedural complications or repeat ballooning. At 30 days, 53 patients (97.8%) showed no or mild paravalvular aortic regurgitation, 1 patient (2.2%) showed moderate regurgitation, and no patients had more than moderate postprocedural aortic regurgitation. Stroke incidence was 3.7% (2 of 54), and all-cause mortality was 3.7% (2 of 54, sepsis and multiorgan failure). Two patients required a new pacemaker. At 30 days, all patients were in New York Heart Association Functional Class I or II, and the mean pressure gradients were 10.8 ± 3.6 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows excellent clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of high-risk transapical valve replacement patients treated with the new S3 THV. The S3 THV shows a low incidence of postoperative aortic regurgitation, with 98% presenting with less than mild aortic regurgitation.

Aorto-bronchial and aorto-pulmonary fistulation after thoracic endovascular aortic repair: an analysis from the European Registry of Endovascular Aortic Repair Complications.

OBJECTIVES To learn upon incidence, underlying mechanisms and effectiveness of treatment strategies in patients with central airway and pulmonary parenchymal aorto-bronchial fistulation after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). METHODS Analysis of an international multicentre registry (European Registry of Endovascular Aortic Repair Complications) between 2001 and 2012 with a total caseload of 4680 TEVAR procedures (14 centres). RESULTS Twenty-six patients with a median age of 70 years (interquartile range: 60-77) (35% female) were identified. The incidence of either central airway (aorto-bronchial) or pulmonary parenchymal (aorto-pulmonary) fistulation (ABPF) in the entire cohort after TEVAR in the study period was 0.56% (central airway 58%, peripheral parenchymal 42%). Atherosclerotic aneurysm formation was the leading indication for TEVAR in 15 patients (58%). The incidence of primary endoleaks after initial TEVAR was n = 10 (38%), of these 80% were either type I or type III endoleaks. Fourteen patients (54%) developed central left bronchial tree lesions, 11 patients (42%) pulmonary parenchymal lesions and 1 patient (4%) developed a tracheal lesion. The recognized mechanism of ABPF was external compression of the bronchial tree in 13 patients (50%), the majority being due to endoleak formation, further ischaemia due to extensive coverage of bronchial feeding arteries in 3 patients (12%). Inflammation and graft erosion accounted for 4 patients (30%) each. Cumulative survival during the entire study period was 39%. Among deaths, 71% were attributed to ABPF. There was no difference in survival in patients having either central airway or pulmonary parenchymal ABPF (33 vs 45%, log-rank P = 0.55). Survival with a radical surgical approach was significantly better when compared with any other treatment strategy in terms of overall survival (63 vs 32% and 63 vs 21% at 1 and 2 years, respectively), as well as in terms of fistula-related survival (63 vs 43% and 63 vs 43% at 1 and 2 years, respectively). CONCLUSIONS ABPF is a rare but highly lethal complication after TEVAR. The leading mechanism behind ABPF seems to be a continuing external compression of either the bronchial tree or left upper lobe parenchyma. In this setting, persisting or newly developing endoleak formation seems to play a crucial role. Prognosis does not differ in patients with central airway or pulmonary parenchymal fistulation. Radical bronchial or pulmonary parenchymal repair in combination with stent graft removal and aortic reconstruction seems to be the most durable treatment strategy.