Bicuspid aortic valve repair with external or subcommissural annuloplasty-echocardiographic prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: The incompetent bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) can be repaired using various techniques. This study presents a prospective comparison of external and subcommissural aortic annuloplasty. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients (38 males, age: 43.9 ± 15.8 years) with BAV insufficiency with or without aortic dilatation underwent valve repair in a single institution. They were prospectively allocated to one of two groups based on the aortic annulus stabilization technique: 25 patients were operated on using the subcommissural annuloplasty (SCA) and 25 using the external complete annuloplasty (EA). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients before the operation and 1 and 3 years after the operation. Moreover, mortality and morbidity at 7 years were evaluated. RESULTS: In prospective echocardiographic comparison, EA was associated with smaller diameter of the aortic annulus (24.1 ± 2.6 mm vs. 25.8±2.1 mm, p < .05) and lower mean and peak transvalvular gradients (7 ± 4 mmHg vs. 13 ± 4 mmHg, p = .02 and 15.3 ± 9.7 mmHg vs. 20.7 ± 5.6 mmHg, p = .03, respectively). No patients died or required reoperation due to recurrent insufficiency at 6,81 (interquartile range-0,17) years after the operation. The Kaplan-Meier actuarial freedom from aortic regurgitation (AR) grade =2 or gradient > 20 mmHg at 35.1 ± 3.6 months years was 96% (24 out of 25) for patients who had external annuloplasty and amounted to 76% (19 out of 25) for those who had SCA, p = .05). CONCLUSIONS: External annuloplasty performed during repair of the BAV is associated with better hemodynamics at medium-term follow-up compared to SCA.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance and transesophageal echocardiography in patients with prosthetic valve paravalvular leaks: towards an accurate quantification and stratification.

BACKGROUND: Objective assessment of prosthetic paravalvular leak (PVL) is complex and challenging even in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Our aim was to assess the value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in quantifying PVL in aortic (AVR) or mitral valve (MVR) replacement. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (62 ± 15.1 years, 63% males) with a preliminary diagnosis of significant PVL (AVR, n-23; MVR, n = 8) were recruited. The TEE PVL grading was based on the semi-quantitative (SQ) TEE according to the VARC II PVL classification (%PVL: mild < 10%; moderate 10%-30%; severe > 30%). Non-contrast CMR studies were acquired at 1.5 T with a quantitative approach (phase-contrast velocity encoded imaging). The CMR PVL severity was classified according to regurgitant fraction (RF: (1) mild ≤ 20%, (2) moderate 21%-39%, or (3) severe ≥ 40%). RESULTS: All patients revealed symptoms of heart failure (71%: New York Heart Association [NYHA] II; 91%: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] > 150 pg/ml) and typical cardiovascular disease risk factors. The SQ-TEE results revealed several categories: (1) mild (n = 5; 16%), (2) moderate (n = 21; 67%), and (3) severe (n = 5; 16%) PVL. However, CMR PVL RF reclassified the severity of PVL: (1) mild to moderate (in 80%), (2) moderate to severe (in 47%), and (3) severe to moderate (in 40%). The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that SQ-TEE and CMR PVL-vol and -RF predicted the upper tertile of NT-proBNP (> 2000 pg/ml) with the best sensitivity for CMR parameters. CONCLUSION: The SQ-TEE showed moderate agreement with CMR and underestimated a considerable number of AVR or MVR-PVL.

Analysis of echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function in patients with acute stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiologic diagnostics in stroke patients is designed to identify heart disease as a potential cause of stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular systolic/diastolic dysfunction (LVSD, LVDD) on the neurological state on the 1st day of stroke, as well as post-stroke functional status at 30 days after stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For a prospective study, 162 stroke patients (mean age 74 years) were qualified. They were analysed according to neurological state on the 1st day of stroke, the results of transthoracic echocardiography, and functional status at 30 days after stroke. RESULTS: The neurological state on the 1st day after stroke was significantly worse in patients with LVSD. In patients with reduced EF, functional status was significantly worse at 30 days after stroke. Patients with E/A 0.8-2 had a significantly worse functional status compared to patients with E/A < 0.8. Individuals with E/A 0.8-2 and segmental LVSD or EF < 50% had significantly worse functional status compared to patients without LVSD. An independent factor for moderate/severe status was identified: E/A > 0.8 (RR 3.28 [95% CI 1.15-9.37]); independent factors for poor functional status were lower EF (RR 4.68 [95% CI 1.22-18.00]) and age (RR 4.68 [95% CI 1.22-11.00]). CONCLUSIONS: One quarter of patients in the acute phase of stroke have LVSD and/or LVDD. LVSD adversely affects both neurological status in acute stroke as well as functional status in the short-term follow-up. Age at first-in-life stroke incidence and lower EF are predictors of poor functional status one month after a stroke.

Multiplug paravalvular leak closure using Amplatzer Vascular Plugs III: A prospective registry.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter paravalvular leak closure (TPVLC) offers a viable alternative to reoperation but optimal technical strategy is still to be defined. We present a prospective TPVLC registry in which safety and efficacy of multi-plug, single-stage approach were assessed. METHODS: Patients with heart failure (HF) symptoms caused by PVL were qualified for TPVLC by Heart Team. Ante- or retrograde access was employed for mitral while retrograde only for aortic PVLs. Two to 4 AVP 3 devices were simultaneously implanted into each PVL. Endpoints were defined according to VARC-2. RESULTS: From 64 referred patients 49, with either mechanical valves (n = 30) or stented bioprostheses, were eligible for TPVLC. PVL location was mitral (n = 29) or aortic (n = 20). In aortic group acute procedural success (APS) ratio was 100% and no MACCEs occurred. In mitral group, first-attempt TPVLC was successful in 22 cases (4/4 in transapical and 18/25 in transseptal access). Second-attempt transapical procedure followed transseptal failure in 5 patients. Mitral TPVLC ultimately proved efficient in 89.7% with 76.5% APS. Cumulatively, TPVLC was accomplished in 46 subjects (93.9%) with 78% APS. When successful, it led to a significant decrease of NT-proBNP concentration and HF symptoms regression. Periprocedural safety endpoints were met in three patients and included non-disabling stroke, and two access site-related complications. In device failure group two patients died (end-stage HF) and two others were rehospitalized. CONCLUSION: TPVLC with simultaneous deployment of multiple AVP III occluders is feasible with high device success rate and no significant periprocedural complications. The clinical benefits of reduction of HF symptoms and hemolysis are evident after 30 days and persist up to 1 year without recurrence of PVL.

Two-stage percutaneous closure of paravalvular leak in a patient with stentless aortic bioprosthesis.

We report a case of successful 2-stage percutaneous closure of severe paravalvular leak (PVL) in a patient with stentless aortic bioprosthesis. Threat of pliable prosthesis compression and long course of PVL posed main considerations. Accordingly, Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) 2 was chosen as occluder. It was delivered transfemorally under fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography guidance. No prosthesis distortion was provoked at the expense of moderate residual leak. Its symptoms after 3 months spurred another AVP 2 implantation, which lead to PVL closure with no effect on valve area. Marked reduction of left ventricle cavity size and NT-proBNP plasma concentration was promptly noted and remains stable in 12-month follow-up.

Mitral Paravalvular Leak 3D Printing from 3D-Transesophageal Echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Paravalvular leaks can be detected in almost 15% of patients after mitral valve prosthesis implantation. This complication can result in congestive heart failure and hemolysis. Despite advancements in non-invasive imaging, percutaneous closure of paravalvular leaks is not always successful. Therefore, efforts are made to improve treatment outcomes by using 3D-printed models of defects as pre-procedural support for interventional cardiologists. METHODS: Retrospectively, 3D-transesophageal echocardiography recordings of 8 patients with clinically significant mitral paravalvular leaks were analyzed. Qlab Software was used to export DICOM images of each paravalvular leak channel, including surrounding tissue. Image segmentation was performed in 3D Slicer, a free, open-source software package used for imaging research. Models were printed to actual size with the poly jet Stratasys Objet 30 printer with a transparent, rigid material. RESULTS: Duration of model preparation and printing, as well as the total cost, was calculated. Mean total time of model preparation was 430.5 ± 196 minutes. CONCLUSION: 3D-printing from 3D-transesophageal echocardiography is technically feasible. Both shape and location of paravalvular leaks are preserved during model preparation and printing. It remains to be tested if 3D-printing would improve outcomes of percutaneous paravalvular leaks closure.

3D printing from transesophageal echocardiography for planning mitral paravalvular leak closure - feasibility study.

Introduction: Transcatheter closure of paravalvular leak (PVL) is still a demanding procedure due to the complex anatomy of PVL channels and risk of interference between the implanted occluder and surrounding structures. Efforts are made to improve procedural outcomes in transcatheter structural heart interventions by establishing treatment strategy in advance with the use of 3D-printed physical models based on data obtained from cardiac computed tomography (CT) studies. Aim: In this feasibility study 3D printing of PVL models based on data recorded during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examinations was evaluated. Material and methods: 3D-TEE data of patients with significant PVL around mitral valve prostheses were used to prepare 3D models. QLab software was used to export DICOM images in Cartesian DICOM format of each PVL with the surrounding tissue. Image segmentation was performed in Slicer, a free, open-source software package used for imaging research. Models were printed to actual size with the Polyjet printer with a transparent, rigid material. We measured dimensions of PVLs both in TEE recordings and printed 3D models. The results were correlated with sizes of occluding devices used to close the defects. Results: In 7 out of 8 patients, there was concordance between procedurally implanted occluders and pre-procedurally matched closing devices based on 3D-printed models. Conclusions: 3D-printing from 3D-TEE is technically feasible. Both shape and location of PVLs are preserved during model preparation and printing. It remains to be tested whether 3D printing would improve outcomes of percutaneous PVL closure.

Valve-in-valve transcatheter transfemoral mitral valve implantation (ViV-TMVI): Characteristics and early results from nationwide registry.

BACKGROUND: Valve-in-valve transcatheter transfemoral mitral valve implantation (ViV-TMVI) is an emerging treatment alternative to reoperation in high surgical risk patients with a failed mitral bioprostheses. AIM: To describe characteristics and evaluate 30-day outcomes of ViV-TMVI in the Polish population. METHODS: Nationwide registry was initiated to collect data of all patients with failed mitral bioprosthesis undergoing ViV-TMVI in Poland. This study presents 30-days clinical and echocardiographic follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 27 ViV-TMVI were performed in 8 centers until May 2022 (85% since 2020). Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 73 (11.6) years with the median (interquartile range [IQR]) STS score of 5.3% (4.3%-14.3%). Mean (SD) time between surgical implantation and ViV-TMVI was 8.2 (3.2) years. Failed Hancock II (29%) and Perimount Magna (22%) were most frequently treated. Mechanisms of failure were equally often pure mitral regurgitation or stenosis (both 37%) with mixed etiology in 26%. Balloon-expandable Sapien 3/Ultra were used in all but 1 patient. Technical success was 96.3% (1 patient required additional prosthesis). Mean (SD) transvalvular mitral gradient reached 6.7 (2.2) mm Hg and mitral valve area was 1.8 (0.4) cm². None of the patients had moderate or severe mitral regurgitation with only 14.8% graded as mild. In 92.6% device success (2 patients had mean gradient ≥10 mm Hg) and in 85.6% procedural success was present. There were no deaths, cerebrovascular events or need for mitral valve surgery during 30-day follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In short-term observation ViV-TMVI is safe and effective alternative for patients with failed mitral bioprosthesis at high surgical risk of re-operation. Longer observations on larger sample are warranted.

Percutaneous paravalvular leak closure after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the international PLUGinTAVI Registry.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the safety and long-term effectiveness of percutaneous closure of paravalvular leak (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are scarce. AIMS: This study aims to present a large multicentre international experience of percutaneous post-TAVI PVL closure. METHODS: All patients who underwent percutaneous post-TAVI PVL closure in 14 hospitals across Europe and North America between January 2018 and October 2022 were included. RESULTS: Overall, 45 patients (64% male) were enrolled. The median age was 80 years (75-84). Among them, 67% and 33% had self-expanding and balloon-expandable valve implantations, respectively. Baseline post-TAVI PVL was severe in 67% of cases and moderate in the rest. The time from index TAVI to PVL closure procedure was 16.1 (8.7-34.8) months. Most patients were in NYHA Class III and IV (73%) before the procedure, and 40% had referred hospitalisations for heart failure between TAVI and the PVL closure procedure. Successful PVL closure was achieved in 94%, reducing regurgitation to ≤mild in 91% and moderate in the rest. The Amplatzer Valvular Plug III was the most frequently used device (27 cases), followed by the Amplatzer Valvular Plug 4. The incidence of severe adverse events was 11%. None of the patients died during the index hospitalisation. During long-term follow-up (21.7±16.2 months), the all-cause mortality rate was 14%, and patients presented improvement in functional status and a significant reduction in the rate of hospitalisation for heart failure (from 40% to 6%). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous PVL closure is a feasible and safe option for treating post-TAVI leaks. Successful PVL reduction to mild or less could be associated with acute and long-lasting improvements in clinical outcomes.

[Ventilation abnormalities in systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction]. / Zaburzenia wentylacji w skurczowej i rozkurczowej dysfunkcji lewej komory.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory disturbances are important element of congestive heart failure. In systolic left ventricle (LV) dysfunction some of ventilation parameters are impaired at early stage of the disease. The knowledge on ventilation disturbances in diastolic LV dysfunction is, however, poor. The aim of the study was to assess ventilation disturbances (using spirometry) in systolic and diastolic LV failure, and to evaluate correlation between spirometric parameters and echocardiographic as well as clinical data in studied groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 56 patients with stable angina, including 17 with no LV dysfunction (I), 18 with diastolic LV dysfunction (II) and 21 systolic and diastolic dysfunction (III). In each patients NYHA class, echocardiographic parameters of systolic and diastolic LV function and spirometry parameters were assessed. Results were expresses as mean +/- standard deviation. RESULTS: In patients with diastolic dysfunction spirometric indices of obstruction were decreased compared to group I (FEV1% 91.97 +/- 13.54 vs 96.2 +/- 10.43 p < 0.05; FEV1/ FVC 0.72 +/- 0.06 vs 0.78 +/- 0.04, p < 0.05), but higher than in group III (FEV1% 91.97 +/- 13.54 vs 85.78 + 16.41 p < 0.05). Vital capacity was not impaired in either subgroup. MEF75--a spirometric parameter that depends on effort--was impaired in group III compared to I (67.72 +/- 19.7 vs 83.7 +/- 22.73, p < 0.05), while in group II it was similar to group I. No correlation was found between ventilation parameters and NYHA class or echocardiographic indices of LV dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Ventilation disturbances in patients with diastolic LV dysfunction are less advanced than in patients with systolic heart failure, but more pronounced than in patients with no LV function impairment. In both systolic and diastolic dysfunction groups patients presented with obstructive pattern in spirometry. In systolic dysfunction obstructon was more pronounced, with significantly impaired effort-dependent phase of ventilation. No correlation was found between ventilation parameters and NYHA class or echocardiographic indices of LV dysfunction

Paravalvular Leak Echo Imaging before and during the Percutaneous Procedure.

Percutaneous device closure has become a valuable alternative to surgery in the management of paravalvular leaks. Consequently, imaging in these patients is currently not only meant to verify the hemodynamic significance of the lesion but also to assess the feasibility of transcatheter treatment. We present a methodology of comprehensive echocardiography assessment that allows for the selection of patients and plans the intervention. Next, procedure-oriented steps of echocardiography imaging, which are essential for eventual success, are reviewed.

Quality of life after percutaneous paravalvular leak closure - a prospective registry.

Introduction: Presence of paravalvular leaks (PVLs) can lead to heart failure, which decreases quality of life (QoL). Percutaneous closure is becoming the first-line treatment of PVLs, but whether such a procedure could improve QoL in these patients has never been examined. Aim: To examine changes in scores of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) after percutaneous PVL closure. Material and methods: Forty subjects with heart failure symptoms and at least moderate PVL were included in this prospective registry. QoL was assessed at baseline and during a 12-month follow-up after percutaneous PVL closure by MLHFQ and KCCQ questionnaires. Changes in NT-proBNP and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were also analyzed. Results: Technical success (TS) was achieved in 97.5% of cases and procedural success (PS) in 85% of cases. In the group with PS a significant decrease in MLHFQ score as well as an increase in scores of all KCCQ domains was observed. No statistically significant changes were observed in the group without PS, mainly due to the small sample size. Conclusions: Percutaneous PVL closure is associated with better QoL during a 12-month follow-up provided PS was achieved. Due to the low number of subjects in whom PS was not achieved, it is not possible to determine the influence of a failed procedure in this group of patients.

Safety, Efficacy and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Treated with the Occlutech Paravalvular Leak Device for Significant Paravalvular Regurgitation.

Between December 2014 and March 2021, 144 patients with aortic (Ao) or mitral (Mi) paravalvular leaks (PVLs) were enrolled at 21 sites in 10 countries. Safety data were available for 137 patients, who were included in the safety analysis fraction (SAF), 93 patients with Mi PVLs and 44 patients with Ao PVLs. The full analysis set (FAS) comprised 112 patients with available stratum (aortic/mitral leak) as well as baseline (BL), 180-day or later assessments (2 years). Procedural success (implantation of the device with a proper closure of the PVL, defined as reduction in paravalvular regurgitation of ≥one grade as assessed by echocardiography post implantation) was achieved in 91.3% of FAS patients with Mi PVLs and in 90.0% of those with Ao PVLs. The proportion of patients suffering from significant or severe heart failure (HF), classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV, decreased from 80% at baseline to 14.1% at 2-year follow-up (FAS). The proportion of FAS patients needing hemolysis-related blood transfusion decreased from 35.5% to 3.8% and from 8.1% to 0% in Mi patients and Ao patients, respectively. In total, 35 serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in 27 patients (19.7%) of the SAF population. The SAEs considered possibly or probably related to the device included device embolization (three patients), residual leak (two patients) and vascular complication (one patient). During follow-up, 12/137 (8.8%) patients died, but none of the deaths was considered to be device-related. Patients implanted with the Occlutech Paravalvular Leak Device (PLD) showed long-lasting improvements in clinical parameters, including NYHA class and a reduced dependency on hemolysis-related blood transfusions.

Percutaneous closure of paravalvular leak and ventricular septum defect.

We report a case of a patient with history of complicated infective endocarditis. Following aortic valve replacement, he developed heart failure symptoms related to paravalvular leak and ventricular septum defect. Comprehensive multimodality imaging allowed planning a simultaneous closure of both with a single device. Successfully accomplished procedure resulted in significant abatement of symptoms and reduction of ventricles dilatation.

Mavacamten - a new disease-specific option for pharmacological treatment of symptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Current pharmacotherapy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is not disease-specific and has suboptimal efficacy, often necessitating interventional treatment. EXPLORER-HCM was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial investigating the effects of mavacamten, a first-in-class selective cardiac myosin inhibitor, in patients with HCM, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III symptoms. The primary endpoint was defined as either a ≥1.5 ml/kg/min increase in peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) and ≥1 NYHA class reduction or a ≥3.0 ml/kg/min pVO2 increase without NYHA class worsening. Secondary endpoints evaluated changes in post-exercise LVOT gradient, pVO2, NYHA class, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS), and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopa-thy Symptom Questionnaire Shortness-of-Breath subscore (HCMSQ-SoB). A total of 251 patients were randomized to receiving mavacamten or placebo. The primary endpoint and all secondary endpoints were met significantly more frequently in the mavacamten arm versus placebo. The safety profile of mavacamten was similar to that of placebo. In conclusion, disease-specific treatment with mavacamten in patients with obstructive HCM led to reduced LVOTO and improvement in both objective functional parameters and patient-related health status.

Clinical application of stress echocardiography in valvular heart disease: an expert consensus of the Working Group on Valvular Heart Disease of the Polish Cardiac Society.

Valvular heart diseases (VHDs) constitute an increasing problem both as a consequence of population aging and as the sequelae of other heart diseases. Accurate diagnosis is essential for correct clinical decision­making; however, in many patients, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography is insufficient. Stress echocardiography (SE) proved to be a useful tool allowing for simultaneous assessment of left ventricular contractile reserve and HVD hemodynamics under conditions of physiological or pharmacological stress. It is recommended for assessing the severity of VHD, guiding the choice of treatment, as well as for surgical risk stratification. It can be applied both in asymptomatic patients with severe VHD and in symptomatic individuals with moderate disease. In patients with VHD, SE can be performed either as exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) or dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). The first modality is recommended to unmask symptoms or abnormal blood pressure response in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who report to be asymptomatic or in those with mitral stenosis with discordance between clinical symptoms and the severity of valve disease on transthoracic echocardiography. In asymptomatic patients with paradoxical low­flow, low­gradient (LFLG) AS, ESE can be used to assess the severity of stenosis. On the other hand, low­dose DSE can be a useful diagnostic tool in classical LFLG AS, providing information on stenosis severity and contractile reserve. Moreover, SE is indicated in patients with prosthetic valve when there is discordance between symptoms and echocardiographic findings. It is also recommended in high­risk surgical patients with VHD with poor functional capacity and more than 2 clinical risk factors. The present paper discusses in detail the use of SE in VHD.

Improved Transseptal Access for Transcatheter Paravalvular Leak Closure Using Steerable Delivery Sheaths: Data From a Prospective Registry.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure of mitral paravalvular leaks (PVLs) can be a lengthy and cumbersome procedure that may not guarantee satisfying results. We used steerable sheaths in order to perform these procedures in a faster and more controllable manner. METHODS: FlexCath and Occlutech steerable sheaths were used. After transseptal puncture, the sheath was introduced into the left atrium and positioned co-axially above the PVL channel. A 5 Fr Judkins catheter was used to cross the PVL channel. A distance wire was placed in most cases through the sheath in the left atrium. A delivery set with a closure device was introduced. The device was positioned under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance and deployed. Technical success rate (TSR) and implantation time (IT) were compared with a control group of mitral PVLs closed without a steerable sheath. RESULTS: TSR was higher for the steerable sheath group (93.5% vs 72.7%; P<.05). There were no adverse events during index hospitalization. Median IT was shorter for cases performed with steerable sheaths vs cases performed without a steerable sheath (28.5 min [range, 15-58 min] vs 64 min [range, 35-180 min], respectively; P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Steerable sheaths are safe and effective devices that support mitral PVL closure, particularly in cases with challenging PVL locations.

Prospective registry validating the reproducibility of mitral paravalvular leak measurements in a standardized real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography algorithm for optimal choice of the closure device.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter paravalvular leak closure (TPVLC) has become a well-established method of treatment for patients with paravalvular leak (PVL) causing heart failure or significant hemolysis. Nonetheless, the method of optimal PVL sizing and subsequent device choice requires standardization. For this purpose a real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D TEE) algorithm was developed in our institution. It has proven clinically useful with results successfully translated into type, size, and number of occluding devices. Still, the reproducibility of measurements has not been previously verified. AIM: To investigate the intra- and inter-observer variability of measurements in a RT-3D TEE algorithm developed for optimal choice of occluding devices during TPVLC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three echocardiographers, with RT-3D TEE clinical experience ranging from 1 to 8 years, analyzed recordings of 20 mitral PVLs according to our standardized protocol. PVL channel cross-sectional area (CSA), width (W) and length (L) were measured at the level of the vena contracta. Each echocardiographer performed the measurements twice on different days, individually and blinded to other participants' results. RESULTS: Measurements of PVL CSA, W and L showed intra- and interobserver agreement of 0.98, 0.93, 0.92 and 0.95, 0.88, 0.87, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The presented algorithm enables standardized utilization of RT-3D TEE for appropriate TPVLC device choice with low intra- and inter-observer variability.

Stress echocardiography. Part I: Stress echocardiography in coronary heart disease.

Stress echocardiography (stress echo) is a method in which various stimuli are used to elicit myocardial contractility or provoke cardiac ischemia with simultaneous echocardiographic image acquisition of left ventricular function and valvular flow, if needed. The technique is a well-recognized, safe and widely available stress test used for the diagnosis and assessment of prognosis in coronary heart disease, but may also prove valuable in valvular heart disease. The stressors used include physical exercise, pharmacological agents (dobutamine, vasodilators) and pacing stress, most often with the use of a permanent pacemaker. Two operators should perform the test: a physician experienced in stress echocardiography (at least 100 tests completed under supervision of an expert) and a trained nurse or another doctor. The laboratory should feature a defibrillator and a resuscitation kit with a set of pharmaceuticals, an intubation kit and an AMBU bag. Pacing stress echo requires an external programmer for the implanted permanent pacemaker. Exercise should be the preferred stressor for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease with alternative of high-dose dobutamine test in cases of contraindications to physical stress. Pacing stress echo is recommended for patients with pacemakers, and dipyridamole test for the assessment of coronary flow reserve. Chest pain in patients with intermediate probability of coronary artery disease, inability to perform physical exercise and non-diagnostic resting or exercise electrocardiography are indications for stress echo. The test is also used in symptomatic patients after revascularization or patients qualified for revascularization for functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis. Low-dose dobutamine test is usually performed in patients after myocardial infarction or with moderate-to-severe left ventricular dysfunction to assess myocardial viability before potential revascularization.Stress echocardiography (stress echo) is a method in which various stimuli are used to elicit myocardial contractility or provoke cardiac ischemia with simultaneous echocardiographic image acquisition of left ventricular function and valvular flow, if needed. The technique is a well-recognized, safe and widely available stress test used for the diagnosis and assessment of prognosis in coronary heart disease, but may also prove valuable in valvular heart disease. The stressors used include physical exercise, pharmacological agents (dobutamine, vasodilators) and pacing stress, most often with the use of a permanent pacemaker. Two operators should perform the test: a physician experienced in stress echocardiography (at least 100 tests completed under supervision of an expert) and a trained nurse or another doctor. The laboratory should feature a defibrillator and a resuscitation kit with a set of pharmaceuticals, an intubation kit and an AMBU bag. Pacing stress echo requires an external programmer for the implanted permanent pacemaker. Exercise should be the preferred stressor for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease with alternative of high-dose dobutamine test in cases of contraindications to physical stress. Pacing stress echo is recommended for patients with pacemakers, and dipyridamole test for the assessment of coronary flow reserve. Chest pain in patients with intermediate probability of coronary artery disease, inability to perform physical exercise and non-diagnostic resting or exercise electrocardiography are indications for stress echo. The test is also used in symptomatic patients after revascularization or patients qualified for revascularization for functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis. Low-dose dobutamine test is usually performed in patients after myocardial infarction or with moderate-to-severe left ventricular dysfunction to assess myocardial viability before potential revascularization.

Stress echocardiography. Part II: Stress echocardiography in conditions other than coronary heart disease.

Stress echocardiography (stress echo), with use of both old and new ultrasonographic cardiac function imaging techniques, has nowadays become a widely available, safe and inexpensive diagnostic method. Cardiac stress, such as exercise or an inotropic agent, allows for dynamic assessment of a wide range of functional parameters describing ventricles, heart valves and pulmonary circulation. In addition to diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, stress echocardiography is also used in patients with acquired and congenital valvular defects, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy as well as diastolic and systolic heart failure. Physical exercise is the recommended stressor in patients with aortic and especially mitral valvular disease. Nevertheless, dobutamine stress echo is useful for the assessment of contractile and flow reserve in aortic stenosis with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Stress echo should always be performed by an appropriately trained cardiologist assisted by a nurse or another doctor, in the settings of an adequately equipped echocardiographic laboratory and with compliance to safety requirements. Moreover, continuous education of cardiologists performing stress echo is needed.Stress echocardiography (stress echo), with use of both old and new ultrasonographic cardiac function imaging techniques, has nowadays become a widely available, safe and inexpensive diagnostic method. Cardiac stress, such as exercise or an inotropic agent, allows for dynamic assessment of a wide range of functional parameters describing ventricles, heart valves and pulmonary circulation. In addition to diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, stress echocardiography is also used in patients with acquired and congenital valvular defects, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy as well as diastolic and systolic heart failure. Physical exercise is the recommended stressor in patients with aortic and especially mitral valvular disease. Nevertheless, dobutamine stress echo is useful for the assessment of contractile and flow reserve in aortic stenosis with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Stress echo should always be performed by an appropriately trained cardiologist assisted by a nurse or another doctor, in the settings of an adequately equipped echocardiographic laboratory and with compliance to safety requirements. Moreover, continuous education of cardiologists performing stress echo is needed.