4D flow cardiac MRI to assess pulmonary blood flow in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of four-dimensional flow cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow MRI) compared to right heart catheterization in measuring pulmonary flow (Qp), systemic flow (Qs) and pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was registered on Clinical-trial.gov (NCT03928002). Sixty-four patients with PAH-CHD who underwent 4D flow MRI were included. There were 16 men and 48 women with a mean age of 45.3 ± 13.7 (standard deviation [SD]) years (age range: 21-77 years). Fifty patients (50/64; 78%) presented with pre-tricuspid shunt. Qp (L/min), Qs (L/min) and Qp/Qs were measured invasively using direct Fick method during right heart catheterization and compared with measurements assessed by 4D flow MRI within a 24-48-hour window. RESULTS: The average mean pulmonary artery pressure was 51 ± 17 (SD) mm Hg with median pulmonary vascular resistance of 8.8 Wood units (Q1, Q3: 5.3, 11.7). A strong linear correlation was found between Qp measurements obtained with 4D flow MRI and those obtained with the Fick method (r = 0.96; P < 0.001). Bland Altman analysis indicated a mean difference of 0.15 ± 0.48 (SD) L/min between Qp estimated by 4D flow MRI and by right heart catheterization. A strong correlation was found between Qs and Qp/Qs measured by 4D flow MRI and those obtained with the direct Fick method (r = 0.85 and r = 0.92; P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Qp as measured by 4D flow MRI shows a strong correlation with measurements derived from the direct Fick method. Further investigation is needed to develop less complex and standardized methods for measuring essential PAH parameters, such as pulmonary arterial pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance.

Multiparametric evaluation of right ventricular function in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Outcome in patients with congenital heart diseases and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is closely related to right ventricular (RV) function. Two-dimensional echocardiographic parameters, such as strain imaging or RV end-systolic remodeling index (RVESRI) have emerged to quantify RV function. METHODS: We prospectively studied 30 patients aged 48±12 years with pretricuspid shunt and PAH and investigated the accuracy of multiple echocardiographic parameters of RV function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity, RV systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio, right atrial area, RV fractional area change, RV global longitudinal strain and RVESRI) to RV ejection fraction measured by cardiac magnetic resonance. RESULTS: RV ejection fraction <45% was observed in 13 patients (43.3%). RV global longitudinal strain (ρ [Spearman's correlation coefficient]=-0.75; P=.001; R2=0.58; P=.001), right atrium area (ρ=-0.74; P <.0001; R2=0.56; P <.0001), RVESRI (ρ=-0.64; P <.0001; R2=0.47; P <.0001), systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio (ρ=-0.62; P=.0004; R2=0.47; P <.0001) and RV fractional area change (ρ=0.48; P=.01; R2=0.37; P <.0001) were correlated with RV ejection fraction. RV global longitudinal strain, RVESRI and right atrium area predicted RV ejection fraction <45% with the greatest area under curve (0.88; 95%CI, 0.71-1.00; 0.88; 95%CI, 0.76-1.00, and 0.89; 95%CI, 0.77-1.00, respectively). RV global longitudinal strain >-16%, RVESRI ≥ 1.7 and right atrial area ≥ 22 cm2 predicted RV ejection fraction <45% with a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 85.7%; 76.9% and 88.3%; 92.3% and 82.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RVESRI, right atrial area and RV global longitudinal strain are strong markers of RV dysfunction in patients with pretricuspid shunt and PAH.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement in a patient with retroaortic course of the left circumflex artery.

Anomalous origin of the left circumflex artery (LCA) arising from the right coronary sinus was observed in a 45-year-old man with aortic root aneurysm. Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) was decided despite the subannular course of the LCA. A modified Tirone David procedure was performed with specific consideration for distribution of the proximal suture line due to the periaortic and subannular course of the LCA. Due to the risk of LCA injury, a coronary artery bypass grafting was performed using the left internal thoracic artery to secure the perfusion of the LCA. The challenging association of aortic root aneurysm and anomalous origin and course of the LCA was managed successfully during VSARR.

4D flow cardiac magnetic resonance in children and adults with congenital heart disease: Clinical experience in a high volume center.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with velocity encoding along all three directions of flow, known as 4DFlow CMR, provides both anatomical and functional information. Few data are available on the usefulness of 4DFlow CMR in everyday practice. Here, our objective was to investigate the usefulness of 4DFlow CMR for assessing congenital heart disease (CHD) in everyday practice. METHODS: From 2017 to 2019, consecutive patients who underwent 4DFlow CMR were included prospectively at a single high-volume centre. The parameters recommended by an expert's consensus statement for each diagnosis (congenital valvulopathy, septal defect, complex CHD, tetralogy of Fallot, aortic abnormalities) were assessed by two blinded experienced readers. 4DFlow CMRs that provided all recommended parameters were considered successful. Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement were investigated. RESULTS: We included 187 adults and 60 children covering broad ranges of weight (4.5-142 kg) and age (0.1-67 years). 4DFlow CMR was always the second-line imaging modality, after inconclusive echocardiography, and was successful in 231/247 (91%) patients, with no significant difference between children and adults (54/60, 90%; and 177/187, 95%; respectively; p = .13). Longer time using 4DFlow CMR at our centre was associated with success; in children, older age was also associated with exam success. There was an about 12-month learning curve in children. The success rate was lowest in neonates. Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement were substantial. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that 4DFlow CMR usually provides a comprehensive assessment of CHD in adults and children. A learning curve exists for children and the investigation remains challenging in neonates.

Cardiac computed tomography angiography in the paediatric population: Expert consensus from the Filiale de cardiologie pédiatrique et congénitale (FCPC) and the Société française d'imagerie cardiaque et vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV).

This paper aims to provide a paediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography expert panel consensus based on the opinions of experts from the Société française d'imagerie cardiaque et vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV) and the Filiale de cardiologie pédiatrique congénitale (FCPC). This expert panel consensus includes recommendations for indications, patient preparation, computed tomography angiography radiation dose reduction techniques and postprocessing techniques. We think that to realize its full potential and to avoid pitfalls, cardiac computed tomography angiography in children with congenital heart disease requires training and experience. Moreover, paediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography protocols should be standardized to acquire optimal images in this population with the lowest radiation dose possible, to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. We also provide a suggested structured report and a list of acquisition protocols and technical parameters in relation to specific vendors.

Proximal outflow graft extrinsic compression of the Heartmate 3 centrifugal flow left ventricular assist device resulting in pump dysfunction.

We herein report an unusual life-threatening complication with the Hearmate 3 centrifugal ventricular assist device: proximal outflow graft extrinsic compression due to external thrombus leading to pump dysfunction and urgent heart transplantation. Low flow alarms without other abnormalities lead to the diagnosis of outflow occlusion. There was no evidence for a twist of the outflow graft, and no evidence for outflow thrombosis. The location of the outflow occlusion was particularly difficult to diagnose due to metallic artifacts around the pump. This report underscores that this complication should be screened in case of persistent low-flow alarms with the Heartmate 3 centrifugal pump.

Unusual Association of Three Types of Congenital Coronary Artery Diseases.

Congenital coronary artery disease (CAD) is commonly asymptomatic and often benign. Investigation of potential myocardial ischemia is also necessary. We report an original observation of abnormal origin and course of the right coronary artery (RCA), abnormal left main artery, and agenesis of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. This is the first report of an association of 3 types of congenital coronary artery anomaly according to the modified Angelini's classification. This high-risk condition was successfully treated surgically.

Multimodality imaging guidance for percutaneous paravalvular leak closure: Insights from the multi-centre FFPP register.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous paravalvular leak (PVL) closure has emerged as a palliative alternative to surgical management in selected high-risk patients. Percutaneous procedures are challenging, especially for mitral PVL. Accurate imaging of the morphologies of the defects is mandatory, together with precise guidance in the catheterization laboratory to enhance success rates. AIMS: To describe imaging modalities used in clinical practice to guide percutaneous PVL closure and assess the potential of new imaging tools. METHODS: Data from the 'Fermeture de Fuite paraprothétique' (FFPP) register were used. The FFPP register is an international multi-institutional collaborative register started in 2017 with a retrospective and a prospective part. A descriptive analysis of multimodality imaging used to guide PVL closure in clinical practice was performed. RESULTS: Data from 173 procedures performed in 19 centres from three countries (France, Belgium and Poland) were collected, which included eight cases of PVL following transcatheter valve replacement. Transoesophageal echocardiography was used in 167 cases (96.5%) and 3D echocardiography in 87.4% of cases. In one case, 3D-echocardiography was fused with fluoroscopy images in real time using echonavigator software. Details about multimodality imaging were available from a sample of 31 patients. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) was performed before 10 of the procedures. In one case, fusion between preprocedural cardiac CT angiography data and fluoroscopy data was used. In two cases, a 3D model of the valve with PVL was printed. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography, particularly the 3D mode, is the cornerstone of PVL imaging. Other imaging modalities, such as cardiac CT and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, may be of complementary interest. New techniques such as imaging fusion and printing may further facilitate the percutaneous approach of PVLs.

Temporal trends in clinical characteristics and management according to sex in patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction: The FAST-MI programme.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs more frequently in women, but little is known about its potential specificities according to sex. AIMS: To analyse the incidence, management and 1-year mortality of CS according to sex using the FAST-MI programme. METHODS: The FAST-MI programme consists of four nationwide French surveys carried out 5 years apart from 1995 to 2010, including consecutive patients with AMI over a 1-month period, and with a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Among the 10,610 patients included in the surveys, the incidence of CS was 4.8% in men and 8.2% in women (P<0.001). Absolute incidence of CS decreased from 1995 to 2010 in both sexes. Mean age in patients with CS tended to decrease in men (from 72±12 to 69±13 years) and to increase in women (from 78±10 to 80±9 years). One-year mortality decreased significantly in men (from 70% in 1995 to 48% in 2010) and in women (from 81% to 54%). Using Cox multivariable analysis, female sex was not an independent correlate of 1-year mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78-1.22]. Early use of percutaneous coronary intervention was, however, an independent predictor of 1-year survival in women (HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.37-0.81), but showed only a non-significant trend in men (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.61-1.19). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CS-AMI has decreased in both men and women, but remains higher in women. One-year mortality has significantly decreased for both men and women, and the role of early percutaneous coronary intervention as a potential mediator of decreased mortality seems greater in women than in men.

Comparative Analysis of Methods to Induce Myocardial Infarction in a Closed-Chest Rabbit Model.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a rabbit model of closed-chest catheter-induced myocardial infarction. Background. Limitations of rodent and large animal models justify the search for clinically relevant alternatives. METHODS: Microcatheterization of the heart was performed in 47 anesthetized 3-4 kg New Zealand rabbits to test five techniques of myocardial ischemia: free coils (n = 4), interlocking coils (n = 4), thrombogenic gelatin sponge (n = 4), balloon occlusion (n = 4), and alcohol injection (n = 8). In order to limit ventricular fibrillation, an antiarrhythmic protocol was implemented, with beta-blockers/amiodarone before and xylocaine infusion during the procedure. Clinical, angiographic, and echographic data were gathered. End points included demonstration of vessel occlusion (TIMI flow grades 0 and 1 on the angiogram), impairment of left ventricular function at 2 weeks after procedure (by echocardiography), and pathologically confirmed myocardial infarction. RESULTS: The best arterial access was determined to be through the right carotid artery. The internal mammary guiding catheter 4-Fr was selected as the optimal device for selective intracoronary injection. Free coils deployed prematurely and tended to prolapse into the aorta. Interlocking coils did not deploy completely and failed to provide reliable results. Gelatin sponge was difficult to handle, adhered to the catheter, and could not be clearly visualized by fluoroscopy. Balloon occlusion yielded inconsistent results. Alcohol injection was the most efficient and reproducible method for inducing myocardial infarction (4 out of 6 animals), the extent of which could be fine-tuned by using a coaxial balloon catheter as a microcatheter (0.52 mm) to achieve a superselective injection of 0.2 mL of alcohol. This approach resulted in a 20% decrease in LVEF and infarcted myocardium was confirmed histologically. CONCLUSIONS: By following a stepwise approach, a minimally invasive, effective, and reproducible rabbit model of catheter-induced myocardial infarction has been developed which addresses the limitations of rodent experiments while avoiding the logistical and cost issues associated with large animal models.

Impact of gender on use of revascularization in acute coronary syndromes: the national observational study of diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization (ONACI).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of gender on myocardial revascularization using data collected in a French nationwide registry: the national observational study of diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization (ONACI). BACKGROUND: Gender differences in management of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) have been reported. METHODS: We analysed data from a nationwide French prospective multicentre registry including 64,932 suspected ACS patients recruited in 99 centres from 2004 to 2008. RESULTS: Overall, women were older (70.7 ± 12.7 vs. 63.8 ± 12.9 years), had a higher cardiovascular risk profile, and were more frequently admitted with non ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina (NSTEMI/UA) compared to men (73% vs. 68%). Women had significantly more angiographically normal coronary arteries or non-significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in both STEMI (6% vs. 3%) and NSTEMI/UA (21% vs. 11%) while men had more severe CAD. After adjusting for age, cardiovascular risk factors, and extent of disease, myocardial revascularization (defined as the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting) was less frequently used in women (adjusted OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.77-0.83). For those receiving PCI, in-hospital mortality within 24 hr of intervention was higher in women (3.6% vs. 1.2%; adjusted OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.22-1.87). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, despite having a higher cardiovascular risk profile, women more frequently had normal vessel/non-significant angiographic coronary artery disease. In patients with significant coronary artery disease, myocardial revascularization was less frequently used in women whatever the type of ACS.

Determinants of improved one-year survival in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: insights from the French FAST-MI program over 15 years.

BACKGROUND: Improved early outcome in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients has been mainly attributed to a broader use of invasive strategies. Little is known about the impact of other changes in early management. METHODS: We aimed to assess 15-year trends in one-year mortality and their determinants in NSTEMI patients. We used data from 4 one-month French registries, conducted 5 years apart from 1995 to 2010 including 3903 NSTEMI patients admitted to intensive care units. RESULTS: From 1995 to 2010, no major change was observed in patient characteristics, while therapeutic management evolved considerably. Early use of antiplatelet agents, ß-blockers, ACE-inhibitors and statins increased over time (P < 0.001); use of newer anticoagulants (low-molecular-weight heparin, bivalirudin or fondaparinux) increased from 40.8% in 2000 to 78.9% in 2010 (P < 0.001); percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)≤ 3 days of admission rose from 7.6% to 48.1% (P < 0.001). One-year death decreased from 20% to 9.8% (HR adjusted for baseline parameters, 2010 vs. 1995 = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.35-0.62). Early PCI (HR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49-0.90), use of newer anticoagulants (HR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.48-0.78) and early use of evidence based medical therapy (HR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.40-0.72) were predictors of improved one year-survival. CONCLUSIONS: One-year mortality of NSTEMI patients decreased by 50% in the past 15years. Our data support current guidelines recommending early invasive strategies and use of newer anticoagulants for NSTEMI, and also show a strong positive association between early use of appropriate medical therapies and one-year survival, suggesting that these medications should be used from the start.

Predictive factors of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients undergoing primary coronary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) severely impacts patient morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary coronary angioplasty, whose renal function is often unknown at the time of contrast exposure. AIM: We sought the incidence and factors predictive of CIN in patients treated by primary coronary angioplasty in our hospital; we also questioned the relevance of Mehran's risk score in this population. METHODS: We considered all patients admitted for primary coronary angioplasty between January 2010 and December 2011, and included 322 patients with complete data on renal function. CIN was defined as a relative (≥25%) or absolute (≥44 µmol/L) increase in serum creatinine following contrast medium administration. We compared patients with or without CIN, to identify predictive factors, and investigated the effectiveness of Mehran's score using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Youden's index and a likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: The incidence of CIN was 9.1%. A multivariable analysis identified two independent risk factors for CIN: impaired glomerular filtration rate and cardiogenic shock at admission (P<0.05). An elevated Mehran's score was associated with increased incidence of CIN, but statistical analysis revealed this score to have poor sensitivity, especially in high-risk patients. Youden's index was very low and the area under the ROC curve was 0.59 in our population. CONCLUSION: Renal failure and cardiogenic shock at admission were independent predictors of CIN in our acute myocardial infarction population. Mehran's score added little to the discrimination of patients undergoing primary coronary angioplasty, particularly high-risk individuals.