Determinants of ventricular arrhythmias in sickle cell anemia: toward better prevention of sudden cardiac death.

Sudden death is 1 of the leading causes of death in adults with sickle cell anemia (SCA) but its etiology remains mostly unknown. Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) carries an increased risk of sudden death; however, its prevalence and determinants in SCA are poorly studied. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of VA in patients with SCA. From 2019 to 2022, 100 patients with SCA were referred to the physiology department to specifically analyze cardiac function and prospectively included in the DREPACOEUR registry. They underwent a 24-hour electrocardiogram monitoring (24h-Holter), transthoracic echocardiography, and laboratory tests on the same day. The primary end point was the occurrence of VA, defined as sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), >500 premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on 24h-Holter, or a recent history of VT ablation. The mean patient age was 46 ± 13 years, and 48% of the patients were male. Overall, VA was observed in 22 (22%) patients. Male sex (81% vs 34%; P = .02), impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS): -16% ± 1.9% vs -18.3% ± 2.7%; P = .02), and decreased platelet count (226 ± 96 giga per liter [G/L] vs 316 ± 130 G/L) were independently associated with VA. GLS correlated with PVC load every 24 hours (r = 0.39; P < .001) and a cutoff of -17.5% could predict VA with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 63%. VAs are common in patients with SCA, especially in men. This pilot study uncovered GLS as a valuable parameter for improving rhythmic risk stratification.

Extensive thigh pyomyositis secondary to cystic fistulae due to anaerobic-bacterial infection in a kidney transplant recipient.

BACKGROUND: Managing infectious complications after kidney transplantation (KT) remains a major challenge. Infections are the leading non-cardiovascular cause of death among kidney transplant recipients (KTr). The urinary tract is particularly vulnerable to infections in this group, leading to high levels of morbidity and mortality, as well as significant economic costs. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report presents the first documented instance of extensive thigh pyomyositis resulting from cystic fistulae in an 84-year-old KTr. The patient was referred to our hospital with acute onset fever, pain in the inner thighs and pyuria. A CT scan revealed bilateral pyomyositis of the thighs, characterized by multiple abscesses in the adductor muscles and hydroaerobic levels. Additionally, cystic fistulae complicated by pubic symphysis osteitis were identified. CONCLUSION: In KTr, lower limb pyomyositis resulting from a urinary tract infection is an extremely rare and significantly worsens the overall prognosis for these patients.

Accuracy and reproducibility of a cone beam CT-based virtual parenchymal perfusion algorithm in the prediction of SPECT/CT anatomical and volumetric results during the planification of radioembolization for HCC.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate anatomical and volumetric predictability of a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based virtual parenchymal perfusion (VPP) software for the single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT imaging results during the work-up for transarterial radioembolization (TARE) procedure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: VPP was evaluated retrospectively on CBCT data of patients treated by TARE for HCC. 99mTc macroaggregated albumin particles (99mTc-MAA) uptake territories on work-up SPECT/CT was used as ground truth for the evaluation. Semi-quantitative evaluation consisted of the ranking of visual consistency of the parenchymal enhancement and portal vein tumoral involvement on VPP and 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT, using a three-rank scale and two-rank scale, respectively. Inter-reader agreement was evaluated using a kappa coefficient. Quantitative evaluation included absolute volume error calculation and Pearson correlation between volumes enhanced territories on VPP and 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT. RESULTS: Fifty-two CBCTs were performed in 33 included patients. Semi-quantitative evaluation showed a good concordance between actual 99mTc-MAA uptake and the virtual enhanced territories in 73% and 75% of cases; a mild concordance in 12% and 10% and a poor concordance in 15%, for the two readers. Kappa coefficient was 0.86. Portal vein involvement evaluation showed a good concordance in 58.3% and 66.7% for the two readers, respectively, with a kappa coefficient of 0.82. Quantitative evaluation showed a volume error of 0.46 ± 0.78 mL [0.01-3.55], and Pearson R2 factor at 0.75 with a p value < 0.01. CONCLUSION: CBCT-based VPP software is accurate and reliable to predict 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT anatomical and volumetric results in HCC patients during TARE. KEY POINTS: • Virtual parenchymal perfusion (VPP) software is accurate and reliable in the prediction of 99mTc-MAA SPECT volumetric and targeting results in HCC patients during transarterial radioembolization (TARE). • VPP software may be used per-operatively to optimize the microcatheter position for 90Y infusion allowing precise tumor targeting while preserving non-tumoral parenchyma. • Post-operatively, VPP software may allow an accurate estimation of the perfused volume by each arterial branch and, thus, a precise 90Y dosimetry for TARE procedures.

Postinflammatory rupture of right coronary artery ostium complicating Behçet disease.

INTRODUCTION: Behçet disease (BD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, characterized by variable clinical manifestations. METHODS: A 28-year-old woman with BD Cardiovascular and Bipolar Disorder underwent emergency surgical treatment of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm for ruptured right coronary ostium.A modified Bentall procedure with tricuspid annuloplasty, surgical thrombectomy, and a single coronary artery bypass using a saphenous vein graft was performed. A biological prosthesis was used initially but subsequently deteriorated. We then successfully performed a valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). RESULTS: The postoperative recovery was uneventful and at follow-up, two years post valve procedure, the patient was completely symptom-free. She remains under long-term medical surveillance. CONCLUSION: The management of BD with cardiac involvement must be led by a multidisciplinary team.

Diagnostic Value of Extracellular Volume Quantification and Myocardial Perfusion Analysis at CT in Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Background CT can provide information regarding myocardial perfusion and expansion of the extracellular space, which is relevant to patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Purpose To evaluate the role of CT in the diagnosis and prognosis of CA. Materials and Methods In this prospective study (Commission National de l'Informatique et des Libertés registration no. 1431858), participants with CA, participants with nonamyloid cardiac hypertrophy (NACH), and participants without hypertrophy were included between April 2017 and December 2018. The confirmed diagnosis of CA was determined according to established criteria (ie, proven with positive bone scintigraphy or endomyocardial biopsy). All participants were imaged with dynamic CT perfusion imaging at whole-heart cardiac CT. Extracellular volume measured at CT and myocardial perfusion parameters calculated on CT perfusion maps were compared among different participant groups. Differences between continuous data were tested using the unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney rank-sum test, or the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results A total of 84 participants with CA, 43 participants with NACH, and 33 participants without hypertrophy were included. Participants with CA exhibited a higher value of extracellular volume measured at CT (mean, 54.7% ± 9.7 [standard deviation]) than participants with NACH (mean, 34.6% ± 9.1; P < .001) and participants without hypertrophy (mean, 35.9% ± 9.9; P = .001). Mean myocardial blood volume and mean myocardial blood flow were lower in participants with CA (mean myocardial blood volume: 4.05 mL/100 g of myocardium ± 0.80; mean myocardial blood flow: 73.2 mL/100 g of myocardium per minute ± 25.7) compared to participants with NACH (mean myocardial blood volume: 5.38 mL/100 g of myocardium ± 1.20, P < .001; mean myocardial blood flow: 89.6 mL/100 g of myocardium per minute ± 31.3, P = .007) and participants without hypertrophy (mean myocardial blood volume: 5.68 mL/100 g of myocardium ± 1.05; mean myocardial blood flow: 106.3 mL/100 g of myocardium per minute ± 29.8; P < .001 for both). Extracellular volume measured at CT (hazard ratio >0.56 vs ≤0.56 = 4.2 [95% CI: 1.4, 11.8]), mean slope (hazard ratio ≤3.0 sec-1 vs >3.0 sec-1 = 0.2 [95% CI: 0.1, 0.8]), and time to peak (hazard ratio >20 seconds vs ≤20 seconds = 11.6 [95% CI: 1.3, 101.6]) were predictive of mortality in participants with CA. Conclusion Participants with cardiac amyloidosis exhibited an increase in extracellular volume at CT and abnormal CT perfusion parameters. Extracellular volume and several perfusion parameters were predictive of mortality. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Zimmerman in this issue.

Accuracy of a Cone-Beam CT Virtual Parenchymal Perfusion Algorithm for Liver Cancer Targeting during Intra-arterial Therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate accuracy of virtual parenchymal perfusion (VPP) algorithm developed for targeting liver cancer during intra-arterial therapy (IAT) using cone-beam CT guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VPP was retrospectively applied to 15 patients who underwent IAT for liver cancer. Virtual territory (VT) was estimated after positioning a virtual injection point on nonselective dual-phase (DP) cone-beam CT images acquired during hepatic arteriography at the same position chosen for selective treatment. Targeted territory (TT) was used as the gold standard and was defined by parenchymal phase enhancement of selective DP cone-beam CT performed before treatment start. Qualitative evaluation of anatomic conformity between VT and TT was performed using a 3-rank scale (poor, acceptable, excellent) by 3 double-blinded readers. VT and TT were also quantitatively compared using spatial overlap-based (Dice similarity coefficient [DSC], sensitivity, and positive predictive value), distance-based (mean surface distance [MSD]), and volume-based (absolute volume error and correlation between pairwise volumes) metrics. Interreader agreement was evaluated for the 2 evaluation methods. RESULTS: Eighteen DP cone-beam CT scans were performed. Qualitative evaluation showed excellent overlap between VT and TT in 88.9%-94.4%, depending on the readers. DSC was 0.78 ± 0.1, sensitivity was 80%, positive predictive value was 83%, and MSD was 5.1 mm ± 2.4. Absolute volume error was 15%, and R2 Pearson correlation factor was 0.99. Interreader agreement was good for both qualitative and quantitative evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: VPP algorithm is accurate and reliable in identification of liver arterial territories during IAT using cone-beam CT guidance.

Myocardial native T2 measurement to differentiate light-chain and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and assess prognosis.

BACKGROUND: To assess the diagnostic and prognosis value of myocardial native T2 measurement in the distinction between Light-chain (AL) and Transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis (CA). METHODS: Forty-four patients with CA (24 AL; 20 ATTR) and 40 healthy subjects underwent 1.5 T cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). They all underwent T1 and T2 mapping (modified Look-Locker inversion recovery), cine and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. The Query Amyloid Late Enhancement (QALE) score, myocardial native T2, T1 and extra cellular volume fraction (ECV) were calculated for all patients. RESULTS: Of the 44 patients, 36 (82%) exhibited enhancement on LGE images. Mean QALE score of AL (7.9 ± 6) and ATTR (10.5 ± 5) patients were similar (p = 0.6). Myocardial native T2 was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in AL (63.2 ± 4.7 ms) than in ATTR (56.2 ± 3.1 ms) patients, and both higher (p < 0.001) than healthy subjects (51.1 ± 3.1 ms). Myocardial native T2 was highly correlated with myocardial native T1 (Spearman's rho = 0.79; p < 0.001) and exhibited higher diagnostic performance than T1 to separate AL and ATTR patients: the area under curve (AUC) of T2 was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.86-1, p < 0.001) and the AUC of T1 was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.62-0.91, p = 0.03). Myocardial native T2 did not impact overall survival in patients (HR 1.03 (0.94-1.12); p = 0.53) in contrast to ECV that was the best predictor of outcome (HR 1.66 per 0.1 increase in ECV (1.24-2.22); p = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial native T2 significantly is increased in CA, especially in AL patients in comparison to ATTR patients. Myocardial native T2 does not impact survival in CA patients in contrast to ECV that was the best predictor of outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial Registration and unique number: CNIL cardio 1778041. Date of registration: 20 December 2012.

Percutaneous image-guided management of a misplaced pericardiocentesis catheter into the inferior vena cava.

Misplacement of pericardiocentesis catheter in central veins is a rare complication that can be managed with several methods. In this case, we report a percutaneous image-guided plug-assisted management of a misplaced pericardiocentesis catheter into the inferior vena cava through a transhepatic tract successfully occluded. This minimally invasive technique was not previously described in this setting and had a favorable long-term outcome.

Clinical case of a minimally invasive technique guided by imaging to fix a complication of a misplaced drainage catheter for pericardial hemorrhageThis clinical case reports how to manage, using a minimally invasive technique guided by imaging, an accidental puncture of the liver and the inferior vena cava during a pericardial hemorrhage drainage. The outcome was good, with technical success and a favorable outcome for the patient.

Performance Comparison of Augmented Reality Versus Ultrasound Guidance for Puncture: A Phantom Study.

PURPOSE: Augmented reality (AR) is an innovative approach that could assist percutaneous procedures; by directly seeing "through" a phantom, targeting a lesion might be more intuitive than using ultrasound (US). The objective of this study was to compare the performance of experienced interventional radiologists and operators untrained in soft tissue lesion puncture using AR guidance and standard US guidance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three trained interventional radiologists with 5-10 years of experience and three untrained operators performed punctures of five targets in an abdominal phantom, with US guidance and AR guidance. Correct targeting, accuracy (defined as the Euclidean distance between the tip and the center of the target), planning time, and puncture time were documented. RESULTS: Accuracy was higher for the trained group than the untrained group using US guidance (1 mm versus 4 mm, p = 0.001), but not when using AR guidance (4 mm vs. 4 mm, p = 0.76). All operators combined, no significant difference was found concerning accuracy between US and AR guidance (2 mm vs. 4 mm, p = 0.09), but planning time and puncture time were significantly shorter using AR (respectively, 15.1 s vs. 74 s, p < 0.001; 16.1 s vs. 59 s; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Untrained and trained operators obtained comparable accuracy in percutaneous punctures when using AR guidance whereas US performance was better in the experienced group. All operators together, accuracy was similar between US and AR guidance, but shorter planning time, puncture time were found for AR guidance.

Evaluation of a new beads reflux control microcatheter in drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization.

Rationale and objectives: A new microcatheter was recently developed claiming to reduce beads reflux in drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE). The aim of this study was to compare the reflux control microcatheter ability versus a standard microcatheter for TACE treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Material and methods: Patients were prospectively included between November 2017 and February 2022. They received a DEB-TACE treatment with charged radiopaque beads using standard microcatheters or the SeQure reflux control microcatheter (Guerbet, France) and were assigned respectively to a control and a test group. Beads distribution mismatch was evaluated between the targeted territory on treatment planning CBCT and beads' spontaneous opacities on the post-intervention CBCT and the 1-month CT scanner. Results: Twenty-three patients (21 men, median age 64 years [12.5 years]) with 37 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules were treated. The control group consisted of 13 patients - 19 nodules, while the test group included ten patients - 18 nodules. Non target embolization (NTE) was found in 20 % (2/10) of patients in the test group and 85 % (11/13) in the control group. NTE involved only an adjacent segment in the test group while it affected the adjacent biliary sector or even the contralateral liver lobe in the control group. No complication linked to NTE was found in the test group, while it led to one case of ischemic cholangitis and another case of biloma in the control group. Conclusion: The reflux control microcatheter may be efficient in reducing NTE and thus eventual adverse events in comparison to standard of care end-hole microcatheters.

Preoperative Spinal Arterial Supply Mapping Using Non-Selective Cone Beam Computed Tomography before Complex Aortic Repair.

Pre-op spinal arterial mapping is crucial for complex aortic repair. This study explores the utility of non-selective cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for pre-operative spinal arterial mapping to identify the Adamkiewicz artery (AKA) in patients undergoing open or endovascular repair of the descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta at risk of spinal cord ischemia. Pre-operative non-selective dual-phase CBCT after intra-aortic contrast injection was performed in the aortic segment to be treated. The origin of detected AKA was assessed based on image fusion between CBCT and pre-interventional computed tomography angiography. Then, the CBCT findings were compared with the incidence of postoperative spinal cord ischemia (SCI). Among 21 included patients (median age: 68 years, 20 men), AKA was detected in 67% within the explored field of view, predominantly from T7 to L1 intercostal and lumbar arteries. SCI occurred in 14%, but none when AKA was not detected (p < 0.01). Non-selective CBCT for AKA mapping is deemed safe and feasible, with potential predictive value for post-surgical spinal cord ischemia risk. The study concludes that non-selective aortic CBCT is a safe and feasible method for spinal arterial mapping, providing promising insights into predicting post-surgical SCI risk.

Combination of intrahepatic TARE and extrahepatic TACE to treat HCC patients with extrahepatic artery supply: A case series.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the safety and tumor response rate of combined transarterial radioembolization (TARE) through the intrahepatic arteries and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) through the extrahepatic feeding arteries (EHFA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Patients with HCC, who had both intrahepatic and extrahepatic arterial supply visible on preinterventional multiphase CT and were treated between 2016 and 2021 with a combination of TACE and TARE on the same nodule, were retrospectively included. Epidemiological, clinical, biological, and radiological characteristics were recorded. Safety and tumor response were assessed at 6 months. Results: Nine patients (8 men, median age 62 years [IQR: 54-72 years]) were included. Seven patients had previous treatments on the target nodule (TARE: 5; TACE: 2). The median longest axis (LA) of the lesion was 70 mm (IQR: 60-79 mm). Three patients had portal vein invasion (VP3). The EHFA originated from the right diaphragmatic artery (n = 6), the right adrenal artery (n = 2), and the left gastric artery (n = 1). The LA of the tumor portion treated with TACE was 47 mm (range: 35-64 mm). The ratio between the LA of the entire lesion and the LA treated with TACE was 1.44 (range: 1.27-1.7). One major complication occurred: acute on chronic liver failure. Median follow-up was 23 months (range: 16-29 months). Seven patients underwent further treatment: on the same lesion (n = 2), on newly appeared nodules (n = 2), and systemic treatment (n = 3). At 6-month follow-up, seven patients showed a local objective response. Time-to-progression was 13 (3.5-19) months. Conclusion: The combination of TARE and extrahepatic TACE for HCC with both intrahepatic and extrahepatic arterial supplies seems feasible and safe. Further studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of these preliminary results.

Should Hypervascular Incidentalomas Detected on Per-Interventional Cone Beam Computed Tomography during Intra-Arterial Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Impact the Treatment Plan in Patients Waiting for Liver Transplantation?

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines do not indicate any comprehensive management of hepatic hypervascular incidentalomas (HVIs) discovered in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients during intra-arterial therapies (IATs). This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of HVIs detected on per-interventional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) during IAT for HCC in patients waiting for liver transplantation (LT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective single-institutional study, all liver-transplanted HCC patients between January 2014 and December 2018 who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or radioembolization (TARE) before LT were included. The number of ≥10 mm HCCs diagnosed on contrast-enhanced pre-interventional imaging (PII) was compared with that detected on per-interventional CBCT with a nonparametric Wilcoxon test. The correlation between the presence of an HVI and histopathological criteria associated with poor prognosis (HPP) on liver explants was investigated using the chi-square test. Tumor recurrence (TR) and TR-related mortality were investigated using the chi-square test. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), TR-related survival (TRRS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed according to the presence of HVI using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Among 63 included patients (average age: 59 ± 7 years, H/F = 50/13), 36 presented HVIs on per-interventional CBCT. The overall nodule detection rate of per-interventional CBCT was superior to that of PII (median at 3 [Q1:2, Q3:5] vs. 2 [Q1:1, Q3:3], respectively, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was shown between the presence of HVI and HPP (p = 0.34), TR (p = 0.095), and TR-related mortality (0.22). Kaplan-Meier analysis did not show a significant impact of the presence of HVI on RFS (p = 0.07), TRRS (0.48), or OS (p = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: These results may indicate that the treatment plan during IAT should not be impacted or modified in response to HVI detection.

Selective internal radiation therapy for unresectable HCC: The SIRT downstaging study.

BACKGROUND: Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is recommended as a downstaging (DS) strategy for solitary unresectable HCC <8 cm. The aim of this study was to report the results of acquired experience in a tertiary center for all unresectable HCCs. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational study using data collected from consecutive patients undergoing SIRT between October 2013 and June 2020. DS was considered achieved when a curative treatment could be proposed 6 months after SIRT. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven patients were included (male = 90%, 64 ± 11 y), of whom 112 (n = 88%) had cirrhosis. HCC was classified as BCLC stage C in 64 patients (50%), with a median diameter of 61 mm, an infiltrative pattern in 51 patients (40%), and portal vein invasion in 62 (49%) patients. Fifty patients (39%) achieved DS 6 months following SIRT, with 29 of them (23%) undergoing curative treatment in a median time of 4.3 months: 17 (13%) were transplanted, 11 (85%) had liver resection, and 1 patient had a radiofrequency ablation. The median overall survival of patients with or without DS was 51 versus 10 months, respectively (p < 0.001). In patients who achieved DS, progression-free survival was higher in patients who underwent surgery: 47 versus 11 months (p < 0.001). Four variables were independently associated with DS: age (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: [0.92, 0.99]; p = 0.032), baseline α-fetoprotein (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: [1.00, 1.00]; p = 0.034), HCC distribution (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: [0.11, 0.75]; p = 0.012), and ALBI grade (OR: 0.34. 95% CI: [0.14, 0.80]; p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that SIRT in patients with unresectable HCC could be an effective treatment: DS was achieved for around 39% of the patients and more than half of these then underwent curative treatment.

Atrial arrhythmia in adults with sickle cell anemia: a missing link toward understanding and preventing strokes.

ABSTRACT: Although patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia (SCA) carry both significant left atrial (LA) remodeling and an increased risk of stroke, the prevalence of atrial arrhythmia (AA) has never been prospectively evaluated. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and predictors of atrial arrhythmia in SCA. From 2018 to 2022, consecutive adult patients with SCA were included in the DREPACOEUR prospective registry and referred to the physiology department for cardiac evaluation, including a 24-hour electrocardiogram monitoring (ECG-Holter). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of AA, defined by the presence of excessive supraventricular ectopic activity (ESVEA) on ECG-Holter (ie >720 premature atrial contractions [PACs] or any run ≥ 20 PACs) or any recent history of atrial fibrillation. Overall, 130 patients with SCA (mean age: 45±12 years, 48% of male) were included. AA was found in 34 (26%) patients. Age (52±9 vs. 42±12 years, P=0,002), LA dilation (LAVi, 71±24 vs. 52±14 mL/m², P<0.001) and history of stroke without underlying cerebral vasculopathy (26% vs. 5%, P=0.009, OR=6.6 (95%CI 1.4-30.3]) were independently associated with AA. Age and LAVi correlated with PAC load per 24 hours on ECG-Holter. An age over 47 years or a LAVi >55mL/m² could predict AA with a PPV of 33% and a NPV of 92%. AAs are frequent in middle-aged patients with SCA and increase with age and LA remodeling, leading to a major additional risk factor for ischemic stroke. This study provides arguments and means to early screen for AA and potentially prevent cerebral complications.

The use of cardiac computed tomography angiography in the assessment of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure - Review and experts recommendations endorsed by the Société française d'imagerie cardiaque et vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cause of arrhythmia which is responsible for over 15% of ischemic strokes, most of these being secondary to migration of a left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. In patient with contraindication to anticoagulant therapy, percutaneous closure system placement may be indicated. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography plays a central role in the initial assessment as well as in the follow-up. The purpose of the pre-implantation cardiac CT angiography is to evaluate the anatomy of the LAA in order to select the most suitable prosthesis and check for any contraindication to device implantation. Image analysis is divided into four steps that include analysis of the approach; search for a thrombus in the LAA; investigation of the anatomy of the LAA (morphology of the LAA, dimensions of the LAA and choice of device) and cardiac and thoracic assessments. Follow-up involves CT examination to check for correct placement of the device and to detect any complications. On the basis of the results of currently available published research, a panel of experts has issued recommendations regarding cardiac CT angiography prior to percutaneous LAA closure device placement, which were further endorsed by the Société française d'imagerie cardiaque et vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV).

Parallel Guidewire for Catheter Stabilization in Interventional Radiology: The Anchoring Wire Technique.

This technical note describes the parallel guidewire method: the anchoring technique as a strategy to ease difficult catheterization in various endovascular interventions. Sixteen patients were included in 2017 in whom this technique was used. The type of intervention, the nature of the target and anchored vessels and possible complications on the anchored vessel were reported. This study included thirteen various embolization cases and four visceral vessels angioplasties cases. The success of catheterization by using this technique was achieved in all cases, without complication on the anchored vessels.

CBCT-Based Image Guidance for Percutaneous Access: Electromagnetic Navigation Versus 3D Image Fusion with Fluoroscopy Versus Combination of Both Technologies-A Phantom Study.

PURPOSE: We set out to compare three types of three-dimensional CBCT-based imaging guidance modalities in a phantom study: image fusion with fluoroscopy (IF), electromagnetic navigation (EMN) and the association of both technologies (CEMNIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four targets with a median diameter of 11 mm [first quartile (Q1): 10; third quartile (Q3): 12] with acute angle access (z-axis < 45°) and four targets of 10 mm [8-15] with large angle access (z-axis > 45°) were defined on an abdominal phantom (CIRS, Meditest, Tabuteau, France). Acute angle access targets were punctured using IF, EMN or CEMNIF and large angle access targets with EMN by four operators with various experiences. Efficacy (target reached), accuracy (distance between needle tip and target center), procedure time, radiation exposure and reproducibility were explored and compared. RESULTS: All targets were reached (100% efficacy) by all operators. For targets with acute angle access, procedure times (EMN: 265 s [236-360], IF: 292 s [260-345], CEMNIF: 320 s [240-333]) and accuracy (EMN: 3 mm [2-5], IF: 2 mm [1-3], CEMNIF: 3 mm [2-4]) were similar. Radiation exposure (EMN: 0; IF: 708 mGy.cm2 [599-1128]; CEMNIF: 51 mGy.cm2 [15-150]; p < 0.001) was significantly higher with IF than with CEMNIF and EMN. For targets with large angle access, procedure times (EMN: 345 s [259-457], CEMNIF: 425 s [340-473]; p = 0.01) and radiation exposure (EMN: 0, CEMIF: 159 mGy.cm2 [39-316]; p < 0.001) were significantly lower with EMN but with lower accuracy (EMN: 4 mm [4-6] and CEMNIF: 4 mm [3, 4]; p = 0.01). The operator's experience did not impact the tested parameters regardless of the technique. CONCLUSION: In this phantom study, EMN was not limited to acute angle targets. Efficacy and accuracy of puncture for acute angle access targets with EMN, IF or CEMNIF were similar. CEMNIF is more accurate for large angle access targets at the cost of a slightly higher procedure time and radiation exposure.

Floating thrombus in the ascending aorta revealed by peripheral arterial embolism.

A floating thrombus in the ascending aorta is rarely found in clinical practice and is an uncommon cause of peripheral arterial embolization. When there is minimal atherosclerosis or a normal aorta, the management of such a lesion is poorly defined. Currently, there is no clear consensus concerning optimal treatment. Herein, we report 2 cases of ascending aortic thrombus that are complicated by a peripheral embolic event. Due to the risk of recurrent systemic embolism, particularly with strokes, surgical thrombectomy with ascending aortic wall replacements was performed. We believe that floating ascending aorta thrombus represents a serious source of systemic embolism and stroke. Surgical removal is easy to perform with good clinical outcomes. Conservative treatments such as anticoagulation or thromboaspiration may be considered in high-risk or inoperable patients.

Diagnostic Performance of Transesophageal Echocardiography and Cardiac Computed Tomography in Infective Endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Multimodality imaging is essential for infective endocarditis (IE) diagnosis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the agreement between transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with surgically confirmed IE. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients (mean age 63 ± 2 years) with a definite diagnosis of left-side IE according to the modified European Society of Cardiology Duke criteria, on both native and prosthetic valves, underwent TEE and cardiac CT before surgery. The presence of valvular (vegetations, erosion) and paravalvular (abscess, pseudoaneurysm) IE-related lesions were compared between both modalities. Perioperative inspection was used as reference. RESULTS: TEE performed better than CT in detecting valvular IE-related lesions (TEE area under the curve [AUCTEE] = 0.881 vs AUCCT = 0.720, P = .02) and was similar to CT with respect to paravalvular IE-related lesions (AUCTEE = 0.830 vs AUCCT = 0.816, P = .835). The ability of TEE to detect vegetation was significantly better than that of CT (AUCTEE = 0.863 vs AUCCT = 0.693, P = .02). The maximum size of vegetations was moderately correlated between modalities (Spearman's rho = 0.575, P < .001). Computed tomography exhibited higher sensitivity than TEE for pseudoaneurysm detection (100% vs 66.7%, respectively) but was similar with respect to diagnostic accuracy (AUCTEE = 0.833 vs AUCCT = 0.984, P = .156). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a definite diagnosis of left-side IE according to the modified European Society of Cardiology Duke criteria, TEE performed better than CT for the detection of valvular IE-related lesions and similar to CT for the detection of paravalvular IE-related lesions.