Prevalence and Outcomes of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke With Concomitant ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Results From National Inpatient Sample 2016-2019).

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction may concomitantly occur with acute ischemic stroke. The prevalence, complications, and outcomes of acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke are not well studied. METHODS: We examined hospitalized patients with acute ischemic stroke who were included in the National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2019. Acute ischemic stroke and STEMI were defined by using the International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision diagnostic codes. Patients with Non-STEMI were excluded. The prevalence of complications and outcomes were expressed as percentages. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of STEMI with a primary outcome of mortality and secondary outcomes. A subgroup analysis of patients with STEMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention was also performed. RESULTS: Of the total (n=2 080 795) patients with acute ischemic stroke, 0.3% (n=6275; mean age, 70.5 years, 50.1% females, 69.5% White) also had STEMI diagnosed during the hospitalization. Of these, 1775 (28.3%) died in the STEMI group and 76 435 (3.7%) died in the group without STEMI. The most frequent complications in the STEMI group were acute kidney injury, intracranial hemorrhage, and ventricular arrhythmias. All secondary outcomes were associated with the diagnosis of STEMI (odds ratio [OR], 3.19 [95% CI, 2.82-3.6]; P≤0.001). STEMI was associated with mortality (OR, 8.37 [95% CI, 7.25-9.66]; P≤0.001) and intracranial hemorrhage (OR, 2.23 [95% CI, 1.84-2.70]; P≤0.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 14.3% of STEMI subgroup patients. Percutaneous coronary intervention is not associated with mortality (OR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.6-1.43]; P=0.7), and intracranial hemorrhage (OR, 1.54 [95% CI, 0.0.93-2.56]; P=0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute ischemic stroke with STEMI have a higher percentage of mortality. Percutaneous coronary intervention in the subgroup of patients with acute ischemic stroke with concomitant STEMI was not associated with increased odds of mortality and intracranial hemorrhage.

A novel method to manage a dislodged self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve.

Despite advancements in technology, operator experience, and procedural planning, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures are complex, and complications remain inevitable. Valve embolization may prove to be fatal and conventional rescue techniques are dependent on the anatomy of the aorta. We describe a case of postimplant embolization of a self-expanding valve during valve-in-valve application where the valve could not be stabilized due to the anatomy of the aorta and a novel technique was utilized to stabilize the valve in the aortic arch using a wire fixed to the left axillary artery.

Intensive Care Admissions and Outcome of Cardiac Arrests; A National Cohort Study From the United States.

OBJECTIVE: Outcomes of cardiac arrest among patients who had cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in intensive care units (ICU) has limited data on the national level basis in the United States. We aimed to study the outcomes of ICU CPRs. METHODS: Data from the national readmissions database (NRD) sample that constitutes 49.1% of the stratified sample of all hospitals in the United States were analyzed for ICU-related hospitalizations for the years 2016 to 2019. ICU CPR was defined by procedure codes. RESULTS: A total of 4,610,154 ICU encounters were reported for the years 2016 to 2019 in the NRD. Of these patients, 426,729 (9.26%) had CPR procedure recorded during the hospital encounter (mean age 65 ± 17.81; female 42.4%). And 167,597 (39.29%) patients had CPR on the day of admission, of which 63.16% died; while 64,752 (15.18%) patients had CPR on the day of ICU admission, of which 72.85% died. And 36,002 (8.44%) had CPR among patients with length of stay 2 days, of which 73.34% died. A total of 1,222,799 (26.5%) admitted to ICU died, and patients who had ICU CPR had higher mortality, 291,391(68.3%). Higher complication rates were observed among ICU CPR patients, especially who died. Over the years from 2016 to 2019, ICU CPR rates increased from 8.18% (2016) to 8.66% (2019); p-trend = 0.001. The mortality rates among patients admitted to ICU increased from 22.1% (2016) to 24.1% (2019); p-trend = 0.005. CONCLUSION: The majority of ICU CPRs were done on the first day of ICU admission. The trend for ICU CPR was increasing. The mortality trend for overall ICU admissions has increased, which is concerning and would suggest further research to improve the high mortality rates in the CPR group.

Nonplatelet thromboxane generation is associated with impaired cardiovascular performance and mortality in heart failure.

Nonplatelet thromboxane generation, stimulated largely by oxidative stress, is a novel mortality risk factor in individuals with coronary artery disease. Though inversely associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a potential role in the pathobiology of heart failure (HF) remains poorly defined. Nonplatelet thromboxane generation and oxidative stress were assessed by measuring urine thromboxane-B2 metabolites (TXB2-M) and 8-isoPGF2α by ELISA in 105 subjects taking aspirin and undergoing right heart catheterization for evaluation of HF, valve disease, or after transplantation. Multivariable logistic regression and survival analyses were used to define associations of TXB2-M to invasive measures of cardiovascular performance and 4-year clinical outcomes. TXB2-M was elevated (>1,500 pg/mg creatinine) in 46% of subjects and correlated with HF severity by New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and brain natriuretic peptide level, modestly with LVEF, but not with HF etiology. There was no association of oxidative stress to HF type or etiology but a trend with NYHA functional class. Multiple invasive hemodynamic parameters independently associated with TXB2-M after adjustment for oxidative stress, age, sex, and race with pulmonary effective arterial elastance (Ea pulmonary), reflective of right ventricular afterload, being the most robust on hierarchical analysis. Similar to Ea pulmonary, elevated urinary TXB2-M is associated with increased risk of death (adjusted HR = 2.15, P = 0.037) and a combination of death, transplant, or mechanical support initiation (adjusted HR = 2.0, P = 0.042). Nonplatelet TXA2 thromboxane generation is independently associated with HF severity reflected by invasive measures of cardiovascular performance, particularly right ventricular afterload, and independently predicted long-term mortality risk.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Nonplatelet thromboxane generation in heart failure is independently associated with risk of death, transplant, or need for mechanical support. Measurement of urine thromboxane metabolites using a clinically available assay may be a useful surrogate for invasive measurement of cardiovascular hemodynamics and performance that could provide prognostic information and facilitate tailoring of therapy in patients with heart failure. Inhibiting thromboxane generation or its biological effects is a potential strategy for improving cardiovascular performance and outcomes in heart failure.

Equipment entrapment during redo-TAVR with successful BASILICA procedure.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for transcatheter heart valve failure has been suggested for high-risk patients. TAVR-in-TAVR, however, may lead to complex leaflet interactions causing coronary ostial obstruction, which is a devastating complication. Coronary protection with provisional stent placement may be challenging. We describe the first percutaneous transaxillary case of TAVR-in-TAVR with Bioprosthetic Aortic Scallop Intentional Laceration to prevent Iatrogenic Coronary Artery obstruction (BASILICA) where guide catheters used for coronary protection were entrapped between the valve frames. We describe anatomical predictors and management considerations. Operators should be aware of this important complication during TAVR-in-TAVR valve placement.

Outcomes of multivessel vs culprit lesion-only percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: Evidence from an updated meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This updated meta-analysis evaluated outcomes with multi-vessel (MV-PCI) vs culprit lesion-only percutaneous coronary intervention (CL-PCI), in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS). BACKGROUND: There is considerable debate regarding the optimal revascularization strategy in patients with AMI and CS, particularly regarding management of non-culprit lesions. METHODS: Databases were searched for studies comparing MV-PCI and CL-PCI in patients with AMI and CS. The primary outcome of interest was short-term all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included long-term mortality, repeat revascularization and myocardial reinfarction. Safety outcomes were stroke, acute renal failure and major bleeding. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using random-effects models. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis consisting of 14 studies (13 observational, 1 RCT) involving 8,552 patients showed that in comparison to CL-PCI, MV-PCI was associated with similar short-term mortality (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.9-1.43), as well as similar long-term mortality (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.68-1.28). There was no significant difference in the risk of myocardial reinfarction (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.76-1.86), or repeat revascularization (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.41-1.55) between the two groups. Compared to CL-PCI, MV-PCI was associated with a similar risk of bleeding (OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.91-1.40) and stroke (OR 1.28; 95% CI 0.84-1.96), but a higher risk of developing renal failure (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.05-1.65). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests that there is a higher risk of renal failure with no additional benefit in efficacy outcomes with MV-PCI, compared to CL-PCI in patients with AMI and CS.

The presbycardia phenotype: Cardiac remodeling and valvular degeneration in nonagenarians.

BACKGROUND: Nonagenarians (NON) are a growing segment of the population and have a high prevalence of cardiac disease. Many findings encountered on their echocardiograms are also found in younger individuals with valvular or myocardial disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe this distinct echocardiographic phenotype. METHODS: We identified our study population by querying our echo database to identify unique septuagenarians (SEPT) and nonagenarians (NON) who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014. Exclusion criteria were LVEF < 50%, any akinetic wall segment, aortic stenosis, moderate-severe AR and/or severe MR, coronary revascularization within 60 days of study echo, and prior valve surgery. RESULTS: The mean age of SEPT was 73.0 ± 2.0 and NON was 92.0 ± 2.1 (P < 0.001). There was no gender difference between groups. NON had significantly smaller LV end-diastolic diameters than SEPT (41.6 ± 5.7 mm vs 48.0 ± 7.0 mm, P < 0.001). NON had a greater relative wall thickness (0.51 ± 0.10 vs 0.40 ± 0.08, P < 0.001) and more frequently had concentric remodeling or hypertrophy. NON had higher E/Ea ratios and estimated LA pressures (P < 0.01). 48% of NON had moderate-severe mitral annular calcification compared to 25.0% of SEPT (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we provide the first comprehensive echocardiographic description of 'presbycardia'; concentric LVH, asymmetric septal hypertrophy, mitral and aortic valve calcification, and increased epicardial fat thickness. This pattern of findings may be increasingly seen as the population ages.

Transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in intermediate-risk patients: Evidence from a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in comparison to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in intermediate-risk patients. BACKGROUND: TAVR is an established treatment option in high-risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). There are fewer data regarding efficacy of TAVR in intermediate-risk patients. METHODS: Databases were searched through April 30, 2016 for studies that compared TAVR with SAVR for the treatment of intermediate-risk patients with severe AS. We calculated summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with the random-effects model. RESULTS: The analysis included 4,601 patients from 7 studies (2 randomized and 5 observational). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the two groups after mean follow-up of 1.15 years [14.7% with TAVR vs 15.4% with SAVR; RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.77-1.12]. TAVR resulted in lower rates of acute kidney injury [number needed to treat (NNT) = 26], major bleeding (NNT = 4), and atrial-fibrillation (NNT = 6), but higher rates of major vascular complications [number needed to harm (NNH)= 18], and moderate/severe aortic regurgitation (NNH = 13). The rate of permanent-pacemaker implantation was significantly higher with TAVR in observational studies (RR 2.31; 95% CI 1.22-2.81), but not in RCTs (RR 1.21; 95% CI 0.93-1.56). No significant difference in the rate of stroke or myocardial infarction was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of mid-term results showed that TAVR has similar clinical efficacy to SAVR in intermediate-risk patients with severe AS, and can be a suitable alternative to surgical valve replacement. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Is intra-procedure three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiogram an alternative to preprocedure multidetector computed tomography for the measurement of the aortic annulus in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement?

BACKGROUND: The role of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) vs multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in aortic annular sizing has been poorly defined in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR). We set to determine the correlation between 3DTEE and MDCT in measuring the aortic annulus prior to TAVR. METHODS: In an observational, retrospective study, we compared aortic annular areas measured by MDCT and 3DTEE in TAVR patients. The aortic annular area was measured by planimetry of images obtained by MDCT pre-TAVR and by intra-TAVR TEE using 3D rendering of the aortic annulus followed by planimetry. Our primary outcome was degree of correlation between mean aortic annulus area by 3DTEE and MDCT. RESULTS: Of the 111 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR who had measurements from both modalities available for comparison between February 2012 and April 2015, 87 met inclusion criteria. The mean aortic annular area by MDCT was 4.44±0.88 cm2 and by 3DTEE was 4.33±0.78 cm2 . There was a strong positive linear correlation between aortic annular area measurements obtained from these two modalities with mild relative underestimation by 3DTEE (ρ=.833). This relationship can be estimated using the predictive formula: [Formula: see text] CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography measurements have a high degree of correlation with MDCT measurements and thus can assist in proper valve prosthesis selection for TAVR. Our study thus supports use of 3DTEE as a reasonable alternative imaging modality in patients undergoing TAVR.

Storage of Fractional Flow Reserve Hemodynamic Waveforms Using Semantic Extension of the DICOM Standard.

Visual assessment of coronary stenoses by coronary angiography remains widely used but correlates poorly with ischemia, particularly for moderate lesions. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a cardiac catheterization procedure that aims to provide objective measures of coronary lesion hemodynamic significance and involves the acquisition of phasic pressure and electrocardiographic waveforms. The dataset from these procedures currently remains in proprietary systems with restricted data access, inability for data exchange, and often inadequate archiving. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) includes a waveform information object definition. We describe the method of encapsulating FFR procedural information into a DICOM waveform file. We define private data elements to capture modality-specific data that is not represented by standard DICOM data elements. We propose the adoption of this semantic extension of the DICOM waveform information object for exchange and archiving of data from studies of pressure-derived indices of coronary stenoses.

Role of Fractional-Flow Reserve in Guiding Percutaneous Revascularization in Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

Optimal medical therapy unarguably forms the cornerstone of management for patients with stable coronary artery disease. There is, however, a significant body of evidence suggesting that reduction of ischemia can be achieved more effectively with revascularization than medical therapy and can confer significant symptomatic and prognostic advantages. Nonetheless, owing to limitations of coronary angiography and conventional non-invasive functional testing for myocardial ischemia, targeting of hemodynamically significant coronary stenoses for revascularization is often difficult. We discuss the role of invasive fractional-flow reserve evaluation in guiding percutaneous revascularization procedures for patients with stable coronary artery disease and its potential impact on outcomes for these patients.

Technical success and long-term experience of a novel radial guide-catheter shape: the JCLRAD.

Objectives: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the transradial route has been widely adopted over the transfemoral route, but guide catheter selection remains limited. We present our experience with a novel guide catheter design, the Judkin's Curve Left- Radial (JCLRAD, Medtronic), which is optimized for transradial PCI to the left coronary system. Methods: Sequential patients who underwent PCI using the JCLRAD catheter over a 3-year period (October 1, 2017 to November 1, 2020) were included in the analysis. Prospectively collected data were extracted from the institutional NCDR CathPCI registry with supplemental medical record review to collect clinical and procedural data. Results: PCI was performed in 2347 patients and 4070 lesions using the JCLRAD guide catheter. The mean age was 65.5 ± 11.7 years, and 72.1% of the population were male; 52.5% of patients presented with acute coronary syndrome. The lesion complexity was high (66.7% Class B2/C by ACCAHA classification) with a 7% use of atherectomy. Procedural success was 99.6% with no identified cases of iatrogenic catheter-induced coronary dissection. Conclusions: In this single-center retrospective study, the use of the JCLRAD was associated with a high success rate and low rates of complications, including no guide catheter-induced dissection in a cohort of patients with complex coronary anatomy. This is the first-reported large clinical experience with this novel radial left coronary system guide catheter.

Feasibility and Utility of Anatomical and Physiological Evaluation of Coronary Disease With Cardiac CT in Severe Aortic Stenosis (FUTURE-AS Registry): Rationale and Design.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) is common and may be associated with worse outcomes. Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography (FFRCT) are tools for comprehensive coronary assessment. The utility and safety of CTCA and FFRCT in the work-up for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not established, especially in an evolving landscape that involves younger TAVR patients. The FUTURE-AS Registry will assess the utility and safety of cardiac-optimized CTCA and FFRCT to evaluate CAD and guide referral for downstream invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in patients with severe AS being considered for TAVR. Methods: FUTURE-AS is an international, prospective, multicenter registry of patients with severe AS referred for TAVR being assessed for CAD with CTCA and FFRCT. The primary end point is the per-patient sensitivity and negative predictive value of CTCA and FFRCT for identifying anatomical and physiologically significant CAD compared to ICA and invasive FFR. The safety end point is the incidence of symptomatic hypotension or bradycardia requiring intervention following the administration of nitroglycerin or ß-blocker medications. Feasibility end points include the incidence of noninterpretable CTCA scans and CTCA scans not adequate for FFR analysis. Other utility end points include specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy of CTCA and FFRCT. Lastly, the potential of a CTCA and FFRCT guided strategy to defer pre-TAVR ICA will be assessed. Conclusions: FUTURE-AS will characterize the utility, safety, and feasibility of CTCA and FFRCT for coronary assessment pre-TAVR.

Real-World Outcomes for the Fifth-Generation Balloon Expandable Transcatheter Heart Valve in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The fifth-generation SAPIEN 3 Ultra Resilia valve (S3UR) incorporates several design changes as compared with its predecessors, the SAPIEN 3 (S3) and SAPIEN 3 Ultra (S3U) valves, including bovine leaflets treated with a novel process intended to reduce structural valve deterioration via calcification, as well as a taller external skirt on the 29-mm valve size to reduce paravalvular leak (PVL). The clinical performance of S3UR compared with S3 and S3U in a large patient population has not been previously reported. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare S3UR to S3/S3U for procedural, in-hospital, and 30-day clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: Patients enrolled in the STS/ACC TVT (Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy) Registry between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023, who underwent TAVR with S3UR or S3U/S3 valve platforms were propensity-matched and evaluated for procedural, in-hospital, and 30-day clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. RESULTS: 10,314 S3UR patients were propensity matched with 10,314 patients among 150,539 S3U/S3 patients. At 30 days, there were no statistically significant differences in death, stroke, or bleeding, but a numerically higher hospital readmission rate in the S3UR cohort (8.5% vs 7.7%; P = 0.04). At discharge, S3UR patients exhibited significantly lower mean gradients (9.2 ± 4.6 mm Hg vs 12.0 ± 5.7 mm Hg; P < 0.0001) and larger aortic valve area (2.1 ± 0.7 cm2 vs 1.9 ± 0.6 cm2; P < 0.0001) than patients treated with S3/S3U. The 29-mm valve size exhibited significant reduction in mild PVL (5.3% vs 9.4%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: S3UR TAVR is associated with lower mean gradients and lower rates of PVL than earlier generations of balloon expandable transcatheter heart valve platforms.

Procedural success in transaxillary transcatheter aortic valve implantation according to type of transcatheter heart valve: results from the multicenter TAXI registry.

BACKGROUND: Transaxillary (TAx) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a preferred alternative access in patients ineligible for transfemoral TAVI. AIMS: This study used the Trans-AXillary Intervention (TAXI) registry to compare procedural success according to different types of transcatheter heart valves (THV). METHODS: For the TAXI registry anonymized data of patients treated with TAx-TAVI were collected from 18 centers. Acute procedural, early and 1-month clinical outcomes were adjudicated in accordance with standardized VARC-3 definitions. RESULTS: From 432 patients, 368 patients (85.3%, SE group) received self-expanding (SE) THV and 64 patients (14.8%, BE group) received balloon-expandable (BE) THV. Imaging revealed lower axillary artery diameters in the SE group (max/min diameter in mm: 8.4/6.6 vs 9.4/6.8 mm; p < 0.001/p = 0.04) but a higher proportion of axillary tortuosity in BE group (62/368, 23.6% vs 26/64, 42.6%; p = 0.004) with steeper aorta-left ventricle (LV) inflow (55° vs 51°; p = 0.002) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT)-LV inflow angles (40.0° vs 24.5°; 0.002). TAx-TAVI was more often conducted by right sided axillary artery in the BE group (33/368, 9.0% vs 17/64, 26.6%; p < 0.001). Device success was higher in the SE group (317/368, 86.1% vs 44/64, 68.8%, p = 0.0015). In logistic regression analysis, BE THV were a risk factor for vascular complications and axillary stent implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Both, SE and BE THV can be safely used in TAx-TAVI. However, SE THV were more often used and were associated with a higher rate of device success. While SE THV were associated with lower rates of vascular complications, BE THV were more often used in cases with challenging anatomical circumstances.

Coronary pressure-derived fractional flow reserve in the assessment of coronary artery stenoses.

OBJECTIVES: Catheter-based angiography is the reference-standard to establish coronary anatomy. While routinely employed clinically, lumen assessment correlates poorly with physiological measures of ischaemia. Moreover, functional studies to identify and localise ischaemia before elective angiography are often not available. This article reviews fractional flow reserve (FFR) and its role in guiding patient management for patients with a potentially haemodynamic significant coronary lesion. METHODS: This review discusses the theory, evidence, indications, and limitations of FFR. Also included are emerging non-invasive imaging FFR surrogates currently under evaluation for accuracy with respect to standard FFR. RESULTS: Coronary pressure-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) rapidly assesses the haemodynamic significance of individual coronary artery lesions and can readily be performed in the catheterisation laboratory. The use of FFR has been shown to effectively guide coronary revascularization procedures leading to improved patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: FFR is an invaluable modality in guiding coronary disease treatment decisions. It is safe, cost-effective and leads to improved patient outcomes. Non-invasive imaging modalities to assess the physiologic significance of CAD are currently being developed and evaluated.

QTc-prolongation in posterior circulation stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between infarct location and QTc-prolongation in patients with posterior circulation strokes. METHODS: Admission electrocardiograms (ECG) of 131 patients among a prospective sample of 407 consecutive adult patients in the New England Medical Center Posterior Circulation Registry were retrospectively analyzed. The QT interval (ms) was measured and corrected using Bazett's formula (QTcBazett) as well as linear regression functions (QTcLinear). QTcBazett > 440 ms and QTcLinear ≥ 450 ms for men (≥460 ms for women) were considered prolonged. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of the QTc. RESULTS: Overall, 34% of patients had a prolonged QTcBazett and 7% had a prolonged QTcLinear noted on the admission ECG. There was a significant association between temporal lobe infarction and QTcBazett and QTcLinear (p < 0.001 for both) in multivariable linear regression analyses adjusting for demographics, ECG parameters, and preadmission medication use. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, temporal lobe infarction emerged as an independent predictor of prolonged QTcBazett (p = 0.009) and QTcLinear (p = 0.008), respectively. Sensitivity analyses excluding patients with transient ischemic attack yielded similar results. Exploratory analyses indicated that patients with temporal lobe infarction had worse functional 30-day outcomes in multivariable logistic regression (p = 0.022). However, there was no significant association between QTc and 30-day functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: QTc-prolongation is common after posterior circulation stroke and associated with temporal lobe infarction. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and to examine potential long-term consequences.

Insights Into the Standard Echocardiographic Views From Multimodality Imaging: Ventricles, Pericardium, Valves, and Atria.

The widespread use of cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients undergoing echocardiography presents an opportunity to correlate the images side by side. Accordingly, the aim of this report is to review aspects of the standard echocardiographic examination alongside similarly oriented images from the two tomographic imaging modalities. It is hoped that this exercise will enhance understanding of the structures depicted by echocardiography as they relate to other structures in the thorax. In addition to reviewing basic cardiac anatomy, the authors take advantage of these correlations with computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to better understand the issue of foreshortening, a common pitfall in transthoracic echocardiography. The authors also highlight an important role that three-dimensional echocardiography can potentially play in the future, especially as advances in image processing permit higher fidelity multiplanar reconstruction images.