Temporal Incidence and Predictors of High-Grade Atrioventricular Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background The temporal incidence of high-grade atrioventricular block (HAVB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is uncertain. As a result, periprocedural monitoring and pacing strategies remain controversial. This study aimed to describe the temporal incidence of initial episode of HAVB stratified by pre- and post-TAVR conduction and identify predictors of delayed events. Methods and Results Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at a single center between February 2012 and June 2019 were retrospectively assessed for HAVB within 30 days. Patients with prior aortic valve replacement, permanent pacemaker (PPM), or conversion to surgical replacement were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of delayed HAVB (initial event >24 hours post-TAVR). A total of 953 patients were included in this study. HAVB occurred in 153 (16.1%). After exclusion of those with prophylactic PPM placed post-TAVR, the incidence of delayed HAVB was 33/882 (3.7%). Variables independently associated with delayed HAVB included baseline first-degree atrioventricular block or right bundle-branch block, self-expanding valve, and new left bundle-branch block. Forty patients had intraprocedural transient HAVB, including 16 who developed HAVB recurrence and 6 who had PPM implantation without recurrence. PPM was placed for HAVB in 130 (13.6%) (self-expanding valve, 23.7% versus balloon-expandable valve, 11.9%; P<0.001). Eight (0.8%) patients died by 30 days, including 1 unexplained without PPM present. Conclusions Delayed HAVB occurs with higher frequency in patients with baseline first-degree atrioventricular block or right bundle-branch block, new left bundle-branch block, and self-expanding valve. These findings provide insight into optimal monitoring and pacing strategies based on periprocedural ECG findings.

Clinical implications of elective replacement indicator setting changes in patients with dual-chamber pacemaker devices.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine if single-chamber operation and/or loss of rate response (RR) during elective replacement indicator (ERI) in patients with dual-chamber pacemakers lead to increased symptom burden, healthcare utilization, and atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND: Dual-chamber pacemakers often change from dual- to single-chamber pacing mode and/or lose RR functionality at ERI to preserve battery. Single-chamber pacing increases the incidence of heart failure, AF, and pacemaker syndrome suggesting these changes may be deleterious. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 700 patients was completed. Three comparisons were analyzed: Comparison 1: mode change and RR loss versus no change; Comparison 2: RR loss only versus no change; Comparison 3: mode change only versus no change (in patients with no RR programmed at baseline). RESULTS: In Comparison 1, 121 (46%) patients with setting changes experienced symptoms (most often dyspnea and fatigue/exercise intolerance) versus 3 (4%) without setting changes (p < .0001). Similar results were noted in Comparisons 2 and 3 (p = .0016 and p = .0001, respectively). In Comparison 1, patients with setting change sought provider contact more than patients without setting changes (p = .0001). A significant difference was not noted in Comparison 2 or 3. Overall 14 (2%) patients were hospitalized, all of whom had setting changes. CONCLUSIONS: Setting changes at ERI including a change from dual- to single-chamber pacing and/or loss of RR results in a significantly increased symptom burden and increased healthcare utilization.

Efficacy and Safety of Transvenous Lead Extraction in the Device Laboratory and Operating Room Guided by a Novel Risk Stratification Scheme.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate a novel risk stratification scheme to categorize patients on the basis of risk to either an operating room or device laboratory with rescue strategy. BACKGROUND: Lead extraction can be complicated by lethal issues such as vascular and cardiac rupture. Currently, the optimal site for lead extraction has not been well established. METHODS: A risk stratification scheme was developed from previously available risk factors for major complications. Patients were prospectively risk stratified between October 2013 and January 2016. High-risk procedures were performed in the operating room with ready surgical services; intermediate-risk procedures were performed in the device laboratory. RESULTS: In total, 349 leads were removed from 187 patients (age 61.0 ± 17.2 years; 66.3% men) over 27 months. Seventy-two patients (38.5%) were categorized as high risk. Median implant duration of the oldest lead per patient was 11.2 years (interquartile range: 7.9 to 14.9 years) in the operating room group versus 2.6 years (interquartile range: 1.6 to 4.9 years) in the device laboratory group (p < 0.001). Clinical success in the operating room (95.8%) and device laboratory (99.1%) groups was similar (p = 0.16). A higher incidence of major complications occurred in the high-risk group (operating room group: 6.9%; device laboratory: 0.0%; p = 0.007). In-hospital mortality (operating room group: 8.3%; device laboratory: 2.6%; p = 0.09) and long-term (2-year) survival (operating room: 70.8%; device laboratory: 84.4%; p = 0.07) rates were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a novel risk stratification scheme in guiding the selection of operating room versus device laboratory for lead extraction is feasible, safe, and efficacious. Intermediate-risk procedures can be performed safely in the device laboratory with rescue strategy, without excess surgical resource utilization.

Pre- and post-pericardiocentesis echo-Doppler features of effusive-constrictive pericarditis compared with cardiac tamponade and constrictive pericarditis.

AIMS: To review 2D and Doppler findings in patients diagnosed with effusive-constrictive pericarditis (ECP) and compare these to patients with cardiac tamponade and patients with surgically-proven constrictive pericarditis (CP). METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified 22 patients diagnosed with ECP at Mayo Clinic, MN, USA between 2002 and 2016 who had persistent elevation of jugular venous pressure post-pericardiocentesis. We compared them to 30 patients with CP and 30 patients with cardiac tamponade who had normalization of venous pressure post-pericardiocentesis. All patients were in sinus rhythm. Mean age was 57 ± 18 years in the ECP group; 36% were females. Most ECP and cardiac tamponade cases were idiopathic (41% and 33%, respectively). Prior to pericardiocentesis, medial and lateral e' velocities were higher in ECP compared with tamponade; both ECP and tamponade patients had markedly decreased hepatic vein diastolic forward flow velocities. Inspiratory and expiratory mitral E/A ratios were higher in ECP compared with tamponade, but lower than those observed in CP. Post-pericardiocentesis, hepatic vein diastolic forward flow velocities increased in both ECP and tamponade. Hepatic vein diastolic reversal velocities decreased in tamponade but were unchanged in ECP. During median follow-up of 481 days, three patients required pericardiectomy for CP; they were all in the ECP group (14% of ECP cases). CONCLUSION: ECP may have unique echo-Doppler features that distinguish it from both CP and tamponade. Our findings suggest that ECP could be diagnosed by echocardiography even prior to pericardiocentesis. ECP appears to have a good prognosis, particularly in patients presenting acutely.

Stroke in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection undergoing transvenous lead removal.

BACKGROUND: Stroke can be a devastating complication in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection. Paradoxical septic embolism can occur in the presence of device leads and patent foramen ovale (PFO) via embolic dislodgment during transvenous lead removal (TLR). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine stroke and its associated factors in patients undergoing TLR for CIED infection. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing TLR for CIED infection from January 1, 2000, to July 30, 2017, from all 3 tertiary referral centers at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Phoenix, and Jacksonville). The primary outcome was stroke and was further categorized into preprocedural and postprocedural stroke. Associated risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 774 patients (mean age 67.6 ± 14.9 years) underwent TLR for CIED infection. The stroke rate in this cohort was 1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1%-3.2%). The preprocedural and postprocedural stroke rate was 0.9% (95% CI 0.4%-1.9%) and 1.0% (95% CI 0.4%-2.0%), respectively. PFOs were identified in 46.7% of patients with stroke and in 12.9% of patients without stroke, and were independently associated with stroke (P = .0002). This was especially in patients with right-sided vegetations with right-to-left shunting (odds ratio 6.4; 95% CI 1.3-31.0; P = .022). CONCLUSION: In patients with CIED infection undergoing TLR, the presence of PFO, especially with right-sided vegetation with right-to-left shunting, was associated with an increased risk of stroke. This finding suggests that PFO screening before TLR warrants meticulous attention.

Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis After Pericardiocentesis: Incidence, Associated Findings, and Natural History.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate the incidence, associated findings, and natural history of effusive-constrictive pericarditis (ECP) after pericardiocentesis. BACKGROUND: ECP is characterized by the coexistence of tense pericardial effusion and constriction of the heart by the visceral pericardium. Echocardiography is currently the main diagnostic tool in the assessment of pericardial disease, but limited data have been published on the incidence and prognosis of ECP diagnosed by echo-Doppler. METHODS: A total of 205 consecutive patients undergoing pericardiocentesis at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, were divided into 2 groups (ECP and non-ECP) based on the presence or absence of post-centesis echocardiographic findings of constrictive pericarditis. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics were compared. RESULTS: ECP was subsequently diagnosed in 33 patients (16%) after pericardiocentesis. Overt clinical cardiac tamponade was present in 52% of ECP patients and 36% of non-ECP patients (p = 0.08). Post-procedure hemopericardium was more frequent in the ECP group (33% vs. 13%; p = 0.003), and a higher percentage of neutrophils and lower percentage of monocytes were noted on pericardial fluid analysis in those patients. Clinical and laboratory findings were otherwise similar. Baseline early diastolic mitral septal annular velocity was significantly higher in the ECP group. Before pericardiocentesis, respiratory variation of mitral inflow velocity, expiratory diastolic flow reversal of hepatic vein, and respirophasic septal shift were significantly more frequent in the ECP group. Fibrinous or loculated effusions were also more frequently observed in the ECP group. Four deaths occurred in the ECP group; all 4 patients had known malignancies. During median follow-up of 3.8 years (interquartile range: 0.5 to 8.3 years), only 2 patients required pericardiectomy for persistent constrictive features and symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of unselected patients undergoing pericardiocentesis, 16% were found to have ECP. Pre-centesis echocardiographic findings might identify such patients. Long-term prognosis in those patients remains good, and pericardiectomy was rarely required.

Selecting the right defibrillator in the younger patient: Transvenous, epicardial or subcutaneous?

The advent of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (SQ-ICD) provides an alternative to transvenous and epicardial ICD therapy. Particularly germane to the young patient with congenital heart disease or inheritable arrhythmia syndromes, the SQ-ICD may be ideal for those who do not require permanent cardiac pacing. The serious complications associated with transvenous ICD systems are largely driven by the intravascular components of these devices and are avoided by this extravascular technique. Multiple clinical trials have shown that SQ-ICDs are effective in detecting and terminating ventricular arrhythmias, yet nuanced issues must be considered, especially in the context of congenital cardiovascular anomalies. This review aims to contextualize the role of this technology in contrast with traditional ICDs, and provide a logical approach to appropriate device selection.

Right ventricular pacemaker lead position is associated with differences in long-term outcomes and complications.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac pacing from the right ventricular apex is associated with detrimental long-term effects and nonapical pacing locations may be associated with improved outcomes. There is little data regarding complications with nonapical lead positions. The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes and lead-related complications associated with differing ventricular lead tip position. METHODS AND RESULTS: All adult patients who underwent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation from 2004 to 2014 were included if they had postprocedure chest radiographs amenable to lead position determination. Long-term outcomes and lead-related complication rates were recorded. These were compared at 5 years between: (1) apical and septal leads, (2) apical and nonseptal nonapical (NSNA), and (3) apical and septal with >40% ventricular pacing. We retrospectively evaluated 3,450 patients, which included 238 with a septal position and 733 with NSNA lead positions. Septal lead position was associated with a lower mortality compared to apical leads (24% vs. 31%, P = 0.02). In patients with greater than 40% pacing, septal leads were associated with significantly higher rates of incident atrial fibrillation compared to apical leads (49% vs. 34%, P = 0.04). NSNA positions were associated with a significantly higher rate of lead dislodgement (4% vs. 2%, P = 0.005) and need for revision (8% vs. 5%, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Septal pacemaker lead position is associated with a lower mortality compared to apically placed leads, but a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation with higher percentage ventricular pacing. NSNA lead locations are associated with more complications and should be avoided.

Right atrial lead fixation type and lead position are associated with significant variation in complications.

PURPOSE: Optimal atrial pacemaker lead position and fixation mechanism have not been determined with regard to effect on complications. We aimed to determine the association between atrial lead-related complications and varying atrial lead tip positions and lead fixation mechanisms. METHODS: All patients who underwent dual-chamber pacemaker implant between 2004 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed for atrial lead tip position and fixation type. Lead-related complications were assessed by electronic medical record review. Complication rates were compared at 1 year by chi-square analysis and at 5 years using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: During the study period, 3451 patients (mean age 73.9, 53.4 % male) underwent dual-chamber pacemaker placement. Active fixation leads were associated with a higher incidence of pericardial effusion (81 (2.9 %) vs. 6 (1.0 %), p = 0.005) and pericardiocentesis (46 (1.6 %) vs. 2 (0.3 %), p = 0.01) at 1 year compared to passive fixation leads. There was no difference in overall complication rates by fixation type (161 (5.7 %) vs. 29 (4.6 %), p = 0.26). Low atrial septal lead tip position was associated with a higher rate of lead dislodgement (10 (15.2 %)) compared to appendage (46 (1.6 %)), free wall (10 (2.1 %)), or high atrial septal (2 (4.7 %)) positions (p < 0.001). This difference was also reflected in a significantly increased need for lead revision and overall complications. A multivariate analysis which included potential confounders confirmed the association of active fixation leads with an increased rate of perforation-related complications (p = 0.03) and septal lead location with increased rates of dislodgement (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Active compared to passive lead fixation increases the risk for pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis. There is a clear association between low atrial septal lead position and lead dislodgement requiring lead revision.

Single-Coil Defibrillator Leads Yield Satisfactory Defibrillation Safety Margin in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Single-coil defibrillator leads have gained favor because of their potential ease of extraction. However, a high defibrillation threshold remains a concern in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and in many cases, dual-coil leads have been used for this patient group. There is little data on using single-coil leads for HCM patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated 20 patients with HCM who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) on the left side in combination with a dual-coil lead. Two sets of defibrillation tests were performed in each patient, one with the superior vena cava (SVC) coil "on" and one with the SVC coil "off". ICDs were programmed to deliver 25 joules (J) for the first attempt followed by maximum energy (35 J or 40 J). Shock impedance and shock pulse width at 25 J in each setting as well as the results of the shock were analyzed. All 25-J shocks in both settings successfully terminated ventricular fibrillation. However, shock impedance and pulse width increased substantially with the SVC coil programmed "off" compared with "on" (66.4±6.1 ohm and 14.0±1.3 ms "off" vs. 41.9±5.0 ohm and 9.3±0.8 ms "on", P<0.0001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Biphasic 25-J shocks with the SVC coil 'off' successfully terminated ventricular fibrillation in HCM patients, indicating a satisfactory safety margin for 35-J devices. Single-coil leads appear appropriate for left-sided implantation in this patient group. (Circ J 2016; 80: 2199-2203).

Entrapment of a Pacing Lead within a Chiari Network: Utility of Intracardiac Echo and a Laser Sheath.

Although rare, Chiari networks are elaborate embryological remnants that can pose distinct challenges for catheter and pacing lead manipulation within the right atrium. Device entrapment may require open thoracotomy for removal, with significant morbidity. We report an unusual case of pacing lead entanglement within this structure, followed by prompt intracardiac echocardiographic identification and laser sheath removal.

Outcomes and Complications of Lead Removal: Can We Establish a Risk Stratification Schema for a Collaborative and Effective Approach?

BACKGROUND: Removal of an entire cardiovascular implantable electronic device is associated with morbidity and mortality. We sought to establish a risk classification scheme according to the outcomes of transvenous lead removal in a single center, with the goal of using that scheme to guide electrophysiology lab versus operating room extraction. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing transvenous lead removal from January 2001 to October 2012 at Mayo Clinic were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 1,378 leads were removed from 652 (age 64 ± 17 years, M 68%) patients undergoing 702 procedures. Mean (standard deviation) lead age was 57.6 (58.8) months. Forty-four percent of leads required laser-assisted extraction. Lead duration (P < 0.001) and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead (P < 0.001) were associated with the need for laser extraction and procedure failure (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.02). The major complication rate was 1.9% and was significantly associated with longer lead duration (odds ratio: 1.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-1.3; P < 0.001). High-risk patients (with a >10-year-old pacing or a >5-year-old ICD lead) had significantly higher major events than moderate-risk (with pacing lead 1-10 years old or ICD lead 1-5 years old) and low-risk (any lead ≤1-year-old) patients (5.3%, 1.2%, and 0%, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Transvenous lead removal is highly successful, with few serious procedural complications. We propose a risk stratification scheme that may categorize patients as low, moderate, and high risk for lead extraction. Such a strategy may guide which extractions are best performed in the operating room.

Effectiveness and Safety of Anakinra for Management of Refractory Pericarditis.

Recurrent pericarditis is a debilitating condition that can be recalcitrant to conventional therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, colchicine, and glucocorticoids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic role of the recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist anakinra in a series of adult patients with recurrent pericarditis refractory to conventional therapy. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 13 consecutive patients with treatment-refractory recurrent pericarditis who received anakinra for management of their disease. None of the patients had an identified systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease. The primary end points were symptom resolution and glucocorticoid discontinuation. Thirteen patients (10 women) treated with anakinra were followed for a median (range) of 16.8 months (1.3 to 24). All patients had chest pain. Total duration of symptoms before initiation of anakinra was 3 years (1.1 to 6.0). Pericardial thickening was detected by echocardiography in 9 patients (69%). All 13 patients (100%) experienced at least a partial and, most, a complete resolution of symptoms. Response to therapy was rapid, within 2 to 5 days. At last follow-up, 11 patients (84%) had successfully discontinued concomitant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, colchicine, and glucocorticoid therapy; 11 patients remained on anakinra at the end of the follow-up period. The only side effect was transient injection site reaction in 4 patients (31%). In conclusion, anakinra may be an effective alternative agent for the management of glucocorticoid-dependent recurrent pericarditis. Side effects were minor. A formal clinical trial to evaluate the usefulness of this agent should be considered.

Effects of tricuspid valve regurgitation on outcome in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has a symptomatic and survival benefit for patients with heart failure (HF), but the percentage of nonresponders remains relatively high. The aims of this study were to assess the clinical significance of baseline tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or worsening TR after implantation of a CRT device on the response to therapy. This is a multicenter retrospective analysis of prospectively collected databases that includes 689 consecutive patients who underwent implantation of CRT. The patients were divided into groups according to baseline TR grade and according to worsening TR within 15 months after device implantation. Outcome was assessed by clinical and echocardiographic response within 15 months and by estimated survival for a median interquartile range follow-up time of 3.3 years (1.6, 4.6). TR worsening after CRT implantation was documented in 104 patients (15%). These patients had worse clinical and echocardiographic response to CRT, but worsening of TR was not a significant predictor of mortality (p = 0.17). According to baseline echocardiogram, 620 patients (90%) had some degree of TR before CRT implant. Baseline TR was an independent predictor of worse survival (p <0.001), although these patients had significantly better clinical and echocardiographic response compared with patients without TR. In conclusion, worsening of TR after CRT implantation is a predictor of worse clinical and echocardiographic response but was not significantly associated with increased mortality. Baseline TR is associated with reduced survival despite better clinical and echocardiographic response after CRT implantation.

Multicenter study of the safety and effects of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with coronary sinus left ventricular pacing leads.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with left ventricular (LV) leads may cause tissue or lead heating, dislodgment, venous damage, or lead dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of MRI in patients with LV pacing leads. METHODS: Prospective data on patients with coronary sinus LV leads undergoing clinically indicated MRI at 3 institutions were collected. Patients were not pacemaker-dependent. Scans were performed under pacing nurse, technician, radiologist, and physicist supervision using continuous vital sign, pulse oximetry, and ECG monitoring and a 1.5-T scanner with specific absorption rate <1.5 W/kg. Devices were interrogated pre- and post-MRI, programmed to asynchronous or inhibition mode with tachyarrhythmia therapies off (if present), and reprogrammed to their original settings post-MRI. RESULTS: MRI scans (n = 42) were performed in 40 patients with non-MRI conditional LV leads between 2005 and 2013 (mean age 67 ± 9 years, n = 16 [40%] women, median lead implant duration 740 days with interquartile range 125-1173 days). MRIs were performed on the head/neck/spine (n = 35 [83%]), lower extremities (n = 4 [10%]), chest (n = 2 [5%]), and abdomen (n = 1 [2%]). There were no overall differences in pre- and post-MRI interrogation LV lead sensing (12.4 ± 6.2 mV vs 12.9 ± 6.7 mV, P = .38), impedance (724 ± 294 Ω vs 718 ± 312 Ω, P = .67), or threshold (1.4 ± 1.1 V vs 1.4 ± 1.0 V, P = .91). No individual LV lead changes required intervention. CONCLUSION: MRI scanning was performed safely in non-pacemaker-dependent patients with coronary sinus LV leads who were carefully monitored during imaging without clinically significant adverse effect on LV lead function.

Safety and outcomes of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with abandoned pacemaker and defibrillator leads.

INTRODUCTION: Abandoned cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) leads remain a contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, largely due to in vitro data showing endocardial heating secondary to the radiofrequency field. We tested the hypothesis that abandoned CIED leads do not pose an increased risk of clinical harm for patients undergoing MRI. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study examined the outcomes of patients who had device generators removed before MRI, rendering the device leads abandoned. Information was gathered through chart review. Data collected included lead model, pacing threshold before MRI, anatomic region examined, threshold data after generator reimplantation, and clinical patient outcome. RESULTS: Patients (n = 19, 11 men and eight women) ranged in age from 19 to 85 at the time of MRI. There was a mean of 1.63 abandoned leads at the time of imaging; none of the leads were MRI conditional. Of the three implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads, two of three were dual coil. Most (31/35) of the scans performed were of the central nervous system, including head and spinal imaging. There were no adverse events associated with MRI in any of these patients with abandoned leads within 7 days of the scan. No lead malfunctions or clinically significant change in pacing thresholds were noted with generator reimplantation. CONCLUSION: The use of MRI in patients with abandoned cardiac device leads appears feasible when performed under careful monitoring, with no adverse events, although the experience is small. MRI did not affect the function of leads that were subsequently reconnected to a cardiac device.

Predictors and outcomes of "super-response" to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown to improve heart failure (HF) symptoms and survival. We hypothesized that a greater improvement in left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after CRT is associated with greater survival benefit. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 693 patients across 2 international centers, the improvement in LVEF after CRT was determined. Patients were grouped as non-/modest-, moderate-, or super-responders to CRT, defined as an absolute change in LVEF of ≤5%, 6-15%, and >15%, respectively. Changes in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) were assessed for each group. There were 395 non-/modest-, 186 moderate-, and 112 super-responders. Super-responders were more likely to be female and to have nonischemic cardiomyopathy, lower creatinine, and lower pulmonary artery systolic pressure than non-/modest- and moderate-responders. Super-responders were also more likely to have lower LVEF than non-/modest-responders. There was no difference in NYHA functional class, mitral regurgitation grade, or tricuspid regurgitation grade between groups. Improvement in NYHA functional class (-0.9 ± 0.9 vs -0.4 ± 0.8 [P < .001] and -0.6 ± 0.8 [P = .02]) and LVEDD (-8.7 ± 9.9 mm vs -0.5 ± 5.0 and -2.4 ± 5.8 mm [P < .001 for both]) was greatest in super-responders. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that super-responders achieved better survival compared with non-/modest- (P < .001) and moderate-responders (P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in HF symptoms and survival after CRT is proportionate to the degree of improvement in LV systolic function. Super-response is more likely in women, those with nonischemic substrate, and those with lower pulmonary artery systolic pressure.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis: Mayo Clinic criteria.

BACKGROUND: Constrictive pericarditis is a potentially reversible cause of heart failure that may be difficult to differentiate from restrictive myocardial disease and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Echocardiography provides an important opportunity to evaluate for constrictive pericarditis, and definite diagnostic criteria are needed. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with surgically confirmed constrictive pericarditis (n=130) at Mayo Clinic (2008-2010) were compared with patients (n=36) diagnosed with restrictive myocardial disease or severe tricuspid regurgitation after constrictive pericarditis was considered but ruled out. Comprehensive echocardiograms were reviewed in blinded fashion. Five principal echocardiographic variables were selected based on prior studies and potential for clinical use: (1) respiration-related ventricular septal shift, (2) variation in mitral inflow E velocity, (3) medial mitral annular e' velocity, (4) ratio of medial mitral annular e' to lateral e', and (5) hepatic vein expiratory diastolic reversal ratio. All 5 principal variables differed significantly between the groups. In patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter (n=29), all but mitral inflow velocity remained significantly different. Three variables were independently associated with constrictive pericarditis: (1) ventricular septal shift, (2) medial mitral e', and (3) hepatic vein expiratory diastolic reversal ratio. The presence of ventricular septal shift in combination with either medial e'≥9 cm/s or hepatic vein expiratory diastolic reversal ratio ≥0.79 corresponded to a desirable combination of sensitivity (87%) and specificity (91%). The specificity increased to 97% when all 3 factors were present, but the sensitivity decreased to 64%. CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiography allows differentiation of constrictive pericarditis from restrictive myocardial disease and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Respiration-related ventricular septal shift, preserved or increased medial mitral annular e' velocity, and prominent hepatic vein expiratory diastolic flow reversals are independently associated with the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis.