Pulmonary Embolism and Thrombus in Transit Through Patent Foramen Ovale.

Thrombus-in-transit through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a patient with pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare event with high mortality rates. We report the case a of 53-year-old woman admitted for dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, presyncope, tachycardia, and hypotension. A recent fall down the stairs with costal trauma was also reported. At transthoracic echocardiography, dilated right atrium with the presence of a large floating thrombus was found, protruding into the left atrium through a PFO; lower extremity vascular ultrasound showed right great saphenous vein thrombosis extended over the saphenofemoral junction up to the common femoral vein. CT scan showed submassive thromboembolism; surgical thrombectomy was, therefore, performed with the closure of the PFO; an inferior vena cava filter was also positioned for the prevention of recurrent episodes of thromboembolism. The patient was discharged in therapy with apixaban 5 mg twice a day. Two-month follow up was uneventful. Large thrombi in transit through PFO can be found at transthoracic echocardiography. The management, either medical or surgical, should be aimed at preventing systemic thromboembolism.

Reliability of Percutaneous Pulmonary Vent and Coronary Sinus Cardioplegia in the Setting of Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the efficacy of 2 new percutaneous devices specifically designed to be placed through the right internal jugular vein, therefore named "necklines," for achieving retrograde cardioplegia and pulmonary venting in the setting of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR). DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: University-affiliated private hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing MIAVR. INTERVENTIONS: Necklines were placed by the anesthesiologist using transesophageal electrocardiography, with pressure guidance before the surgical procedure was initiated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The records of 51 consecutive patients who underwent MIAVR with necklines placement were reviewed retrospectively. The access for MIAVR was through either a J-hemisternotomy or a right anterior thoracotomy. The efficacy of the 2 catheters, successful placement rate, time needed to deploy catheters, and perioperative complications were recorded. Necklines were placed successfully in all patients in 23±13 minutes. A total of 110 doses of retrograde cardioplegia were delivered at a mean flow rate of 173±35 mL/min and a mean pressure of 41±6 mmHg. The pulmonary catheter ensured venting of the heart that was graded by surgeons as "excellent" in 33 patients, "sufficient" in 12 patients, and "not adequate" in 2 patients. There were no major adverse events or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Necklines ensure effective retrograde cardioplegia and venting of the heart, provide optimal surgical vision and access during MIAVR, and allow surgeons to operate in an unobstructed surgical field. Nevertheless, additional studies are required to determine whether the use of necklines is associated with better outcomes than those with conventional methods.

Transfemoral transcatheter ACURATE-neo™ aortic valve replacement in a patient with a previous mechanical mitral valve.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the presence of a mechanical mitral valve (MMV) prosthesis is challenging due to the stiff mitral cage in the boundaries of the aorto-mitral curtain. We describe the technique for TAVR using the ACURATE-neo™ aortic bioprosthesis in a patient with a MMV prosthesis.

STEMI and NSTEMI ACS in a 30-Year-Old Patient: An Extremely Rare Complication of a Left Atrial Myxoma.

Primary cardiac tumors are a rare entity whose incidence in the general population ranges from 0.0017% to 0.28%. Myxomas represent nearly half of all primary benign cardiac tumors and they prevalently affect female patients. Embolic manifestation is rare with a reported incidence of 0.06%.We present the case of a 30-year-old male patient with acute anterolateral infarction caused by total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery as a consequence of a left atrial myxoma embolization. Urgent surgical resection of the mass didn't avoid early recurrence of atrial myxoma, whose second presentation was again myocardial infarction.This case alerts physicians to "unusual" myocardial infarction patients, when atherosclerotic pathogenesis appears unlikely. In these cases early echocardiographic evaluation should be mandatory and atrial myxoma should be considered among the possible causes. Complete surgical resection is the only effective therapeutic option to improve prognosis; the chance of tumor recurrence should dictate careful research for additional myxomas during surgery and stricter follow-up planning.

Aortic Valve Replacement in Redo-Scenarios: A Comparison Between Traditional Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) and Transapical-TAVR from Two Real-World Multicenter Registries.

BACKGROUND: The study aim was to compare the outcome of transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TaTAVR) and traditional aortic valve replacement (AVR) in redo from two real-world registries. METHODS: The 30-day and follow up outcome of 462 patients enrolled in two multicenter redo registries, treated with redo-AVR (RAVR; n = 292 patients) or TaTAVR (n = 170 patients), were analyzed according to VARC-2 criteria, stratified also by propensity-matching analysis. RESULTS: TaTAVR-patients were older and sicker than RAVR patients, and reported a higher all-cause 30-day mortality (p <0.01), a higher risk for all-cause mortality (p = 0.006) and cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.05) at follow up, but similar 30-day cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.12). Prolonged intubation (p <0.01) and Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) 2/3 p = 0.02) prevailed in RAVR. TaTAVR patients reported a higher level of major/life-threatening/disabling bleeding (p <0.01) and 'early safety-events' (ES) (p = 0.04). Thirty-day acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, and follow up freedom from acute heart failure (AHF), from stroke and from reinterventions were similar (p = NS). The NYHA class was better after RAVR (p <0.01). The intermediate-to-high risk (Logistic EuroSCORE RAVR 17.1 ± 8.5; TaTAVR 16.0 ± 17.0) propensity-matched population demonstrated comparable 30-day and follow up all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, ES, AMI, stroke, prolonged intubation, follow up freedom from AHF, from stroke and from reinterventions and NYHA class. TaTAVR still reported lower levels of AKIN 2/3 (2.2% versus 15.6%, p = 0.03) and shorter hospitalization (9.5 ± 3.4 days versus 12.0 ± 7.0 days, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Outcome differences between RAVR and TaTAVR in redo-scenarios reflect methodological differences and different baseline risk profiles. Propensity-matched patients showed a better renal outcome after TaTAVR. *Drs. Onorati and D'Onofrio contributed equally to this article and should both be considered as first authors.

Predictors of persistence of functional mitral regurgitation after cardiac resynchronization therapy: Review of literature.

Functional mitral regurgitation is a common finding among heart failure patients with ischemic and non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies. The presence of moderate or severe mitral regurgitation is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Heart failure patients meeting electrocardiogram and left ventricle function criteria are good candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy, which may reduce the degree of functional mitral regurgitation in the short and long term, specifically targeting myocardial dyssynchrony and inducing left ventricle reverse remodeling. In this article, we analyze data from the literature about predictors of mitral regurgitation improvement after cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation.

The Role of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for the Management of Functional Mitral Regurgitation.

Valve leaflets and chordae structurally normal characterize functional mitral regurgitation (FMR), which in heart failure (HF) setting results from an imbalance between closing and tethering forces secondary to alterations in the left ventricle (LV) and left atrium geometry. In this context, FMR impacts the quality of life and increases mortality. Despite multiple medical and surgical attempts to treat FMR, to date, there is no univocal treatment for many patients. The pathophysiology of FMR is highly complex and involves several underlying mechanisms. Left ventricle dyssynchrony may contribute to FMR onset and worsening and represents an important target for FMR management. In this article, we discuss the mechanisms of FMR and review the potential therapeutic role of CRT, providing a comprehensive review of the available data coming from clinical studies and trials.

The hemodynamic performance of balloon-expandable aortic bioprostheses in the elderly: a comparison between rapid deployment and transcatheter implantation.

BACKGROUND: Surgical aortic valve replacement with a rapid deployment valve (RDV) is a relatively recent treatment option. The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic performance of balloon-expandable (BE)-RDVs and BE-transcatheter heart valves (THVs) in a high surgical risk and frail-elderly population. METHODS: BE-THVs and BE-RDVs were implanted in 138 and 47 patients, respectively, all older than 75 years and with a Canadian Study of Health and Aging category of 5 or above. Echocardiographic assessment was performed at discharge and six months later. RESULTS: At discharge, transprosthetic pressure gradients and indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) were similar in both cohorts. At six-month follow-up, BE-RDVs showed lower peak (14.69 vs. 20.86 mmHg; p < 0.001) and mean (7.82 vs. 11.83 mmHg; p < 0.001) gradients, and larger iEOA (1.05 vs. 0.84 cm2/m2; p < 0.001). Similar findings were also shown considering only small-sized valves. Moderate-to-severe paravalvular leakage was more prevalent in BE-THVs at discharge (14.49 vs. 0.00%; p = 0.032) and, considering exclusively small prostheses, at six months too (57.69 vs. 15.00%; p = 0.014). Nevertheless, BE-THVs determined amelioration in left ventricular ejection fraction (53.79 vs. 60.14%; p < 0.001), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (35.81 vs. 33.15 mmHg; p = 0.042), and tricuspid regurgitation severity (40.58 vs. 19.57%; p = 0.031), from discharge to mid-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: BE-RDVs showed better hemodynamic performance, especially when implanted in small annuli. Despite their worse baseline conditions, transcatheter patients still exhibited a greater improvement of their echocardiographic profile at mid-term follow-up.

Ultrastructural analysis and electron microscopic localization of Nox4 in healthy and atherosclerotic human aorta.

During diverse pathological conditions, vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) characteristically change from a quiescent, contractile phenotype to a proliferative, synthetic state, migrate toward the intima, and synthesize excess extracellular matrix. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generally considered to be toxic to cells, recent evidence suggests that they may also modulate multiple signaling pathways. The vascular system contains several sources of ROS, among which NADPH oxidases (NOXes) have been shown to take an important part in the regulation of cell function, with effects on growth and proliferation. In the present study, the authors investigate the ultrastructural features of SMCs and the expression profile of Nox4 in healthy and atherosclerotic human aorta to explore the possibility of a relationship between Nox4 and SMCs differentiation state. The data extend at the level of immunoelectron microscopy previous observations, demonstrating for the first time the precise distribution and the differential expression of Nox4 in the morphologically distinct SMC types of healthy and diseased human aorta.

The best way to transcatheter aortic valve implantation: From standard to new approaches.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a safe and beneficial treatment for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis at high and intermediate surgical risk. The safety of the procedure continues to improve thanks to more refined procedural approaches and devices but, also and above all, to the accrual of the procedural knowledge and expertise by the operators. The diversification of the approaches and the possibility to tailor the treatment on the individual needs and anatomical features of the patients allows a rapid learning curve in the management of even complications. Indeed, there are several approaches with which TAVI can be carried out: transfemoral arterial, subclavian, transcarotid, transaortic, transaxillary, transapical, and through right anterior thoracotomy. Although transfemoral venous TAVI is less common, it has already have been carried out using caval-aortic punctures. This field is rapidly evolving, and it will be of paramount importance for interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons to keep up to date with further developments. This review intends to give an in-depth and update overview of both conventional and innovative TAVI approaches, with the scope to highlight the relevant advantages, major disadvantages, safety aspects and techniques.

High Rates of Hidden HCV Infections among Hospitalized Patients Aged 55-85.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The WHO has solicited all countries to eliminate HCV by 2030. The Italian government started routine screening for HCV infection in January 2021, initially targeting subjects born between 1969 and 1989. With the aim of achieving micro-elimination, we designed a hospital-wide project focusing on inpatients born from 1935 to 1985 and conducted it in our institution. METHOD: All inpatients aged 35 to 85, admitted from 10 February 2020 to 9 February 2021 for many different diseases and conditions underwent HCV antibody (HCVAb) testing by third-generation ELISA. When positive, reflex HCV RNA testing and genotyping were performed. Clinical history, fibrosis diagnosis, laboratory data and concomitant medications were available for all. RESULTS: The HCV screening rate of inpatients was 100%. In total, 11,748 participants were enrolled, of whom 53.50% were male. The HCVAb positivity rate was 3.03%. The HCVAb rate increased with age and was higher for patients born between 1935 and 1944 (4.81%). The rate of HCV RNA positivity was 0.97%. The vast majority (80.70%) of HCV RNA-positive participants were 55 or older; in about 40% of cases, HCV RNA-positive patients were unaware of their infection. Although 16 patients died after HCV chronic infection diagnosis (two due COVID-19) or HCV treatment prescription (one due to COVID-19), 74.56% of patient HCV diagnoses were linked to HCV treatment, despite their co-morbidities. All patients older than 65 who died had an active HCV infection. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a rate of active HCV infections among inpatients lower than what has been reported in the past in the general population; this appears to be a result of the widespread use of pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). The overall rate of active infection was lower than the rate observed in the 1935-1954 cohort. The high rate of inpatients unaware of HCV infections and the high number of deaths among subjects with an active HCV infection born from 1935 to 1954, suggest that, at least in southern Italy, targeted screening of this birth cohort may be required to reduce the number of undiagnosed cases and hidden infections.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome and Severe Aortic Stenosis: A New Hope for Treatment.

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is an autosomal dominant, rare, fatal pediatric segmental premature aging disease. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases constitute the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients with the syndrome and severe aortic valve stenosis have been described in the literature, and for all of them a strategy of conservative management has been followed. We describe the first successful treatment of a 23-year-old Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome patient with severe aortic stenosis who underwent transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With Portico Versus Evolut Devices.

New-generation devices such as Evolut and Portico have provided favorable results in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis, but their comparative effectiveness remains debated, despite its relevance when envisioning TAVI in low-risk patients. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of 2 leading TAVI devices (Evolut and Portico) used by the same team of experienced TAVI operators, focusing on long-term outcomes, including major adverse events (i.e., the composite of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, major vascular complication, or major bleeding). Unadjusted and propensity score-adjusted analyses were carried out. A total of 233 patients were included, 119 (51.1%) receiving Evolut and 114 (49%) Portico. Baseline and procedural data showed significant between-device differences, including functional class, surgical risk, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal function, transesophageal guidance, device size, postdilation, and procedural time (all p <0.05). Yet, acute and in-hospital outcomes were not significantly different (all p >0.05). Follow-up status was ascertained in 228 (98%) patients after 15.0 ± 7.6 months. Unadjusted analysis showed similar rates of major adverse events, as well as the individual risk of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, major vascular complication, major bleeding, and pacemaker implantation (all p >0.05). Even at propensity score-adjusted analysis outcomes were not significantly different with Evolut and Portico (all p >0.05). In conclusion, Evolut and Portico devices yield similarly favorable results at long-term follow-up when used by experienced TAVI operators.

Rate and Predictors of Permanent Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Current Status.

Transcather aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a safe and indispensable treatment option for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are at high surgical risk. Recently, outcomes after TAVI have improved significantly and TAVI has emerged as a qualified alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in the treatment of intermediate risk patients and greater adoption of this procedure is to be expected in a wider patients population, including younger patients and low surgical risk patients. However since the aortic valve has close spatial proximity to the conduction system, conduction anomalies are frequently observed in TAVI. In this article, we aim to review the key aspects of pathophysiology, current incidence, predictors and clinical association of conduction anomalies following TAVI.

Prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pump is useful to facilitate percutaneous coronary interventions: images from rescue cases.

Images are presented of coronary reperfusion that occurred shortly after insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump for counter-pulsation in 3 patients with acute myocardial infarction refractory to thrombolytic therapy and hemodynamic derangement. It is shown that prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pump use may facilitate percutaneous coronary intervention during acute myocardial infarction and it is useful to provide a visual assessment of myocardial flow restoring.

Comparative application of multivariate models developed in Italy and Europe to predict early (28 days) and late (1 year) postoperative death after on- or off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the risk of death predictive performances of the OP-RISK, EuroSCORE, and Italian coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) Outcome studies' functions when applied to a southern Italian cardiac surgery center (Sant'Anna hospital in Catanzaro [SAHCZ]), which contributed data to the Italian CABG Outcome study, and to see if this predictive index may be applied to on- and off-pump interventions. METHODS: The OP-RISK study data set was used to derive Weibull and logistic functions to predict early (28 days) and late (1 year) death rates following CABG based on ejection fraction, heart rate, age, and aortic cross-clamping time. Then the data of 385 CABG patients who underwent operations in 2003 in SAHCZ were collected with 1-year follow-up data, which also included data used to obtain EuroSCORE and Italian CABG Outcome study risk indices. RESULTS: Short- and long-term observed mortality rates after CABG were 2.59% and 5.88% in the SAHCZ series, largely dependent on whether CABG was alone (1.26% and 3.55%) or associated with ventriculoplasty (4.87% and 10.81%) or valve surgery (15.38% and 28.57%). There was a significant increasing trend (P = .002) of observed death rates in equinumeric tertiles of either OP-RISK (both Weibull and logistic) or EuroSCORE in the short term, whereas the trend was not significant for the Italian CABG Outcome study index. OP-RISK functions were significantly predictive for the long term (P < .005), as well as when only ejection fraction, heart rate, and age were considered (P < .011). CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to use clinical data following CABG when outcome prediction is concerned. OP-RISK and EuroSCORE indices are equally predictive in our experience, and a statistically significant (P = 0.02) difference was observed with the Italian CABG Outcome study index, whose trend in tertiles of calculated risk was not apparent, which is unexpected and unexplained. OP-RISK functions were adequate for long-term prediction. Since aortic cross-clamping time may be absent from tested predictive functions (for both short and long term), off-pump CABG mortality may also be predicted as similar to on-pump intervention mortality.

Transapical aortic valve replacement is a safe option in patients with poor left ventricular ejection fraction: results from the Italian Transcatheter Balloon-Expandable Registry (ITER).

OBJECTIVES: The most commonly used accesses for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are the transfemoral (TF-TAVI) and the transapical (TA-TAVI) ones. There are concerns about TA-TAVI use in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this retrospective multicentre study was to compare the outcomes of TA-TAVI and TF-TAVI in patients with poor LVEF. METHODS: Patients with LVEF ≤35% were included in the analysis. Data were obtained from the Italian Transcatheter Balloon-Expandable Registry (ITER), which enrolled patients undergoing TAVI with the Sapien bioprosthesis in 33 national centres. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the access: TA or TF. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed in order to evaluate whether the type of approach (TA and TF) has an impact on outcomes. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2012, 1882 patients were enrolled in the Registry. LVEF ≤35% was found in 208 (11.1%) patients. TA-TAVI and TF-TAVI were performed in 69 (33.2%) and 139 (66.8%) patients, respectively. Overall 30-day mortality was 11.6% and 7.9% in TA and TF patients, respectively (P = 0.45). Overall Kaplan-Meier survival was significantly higher in the TF-TAVI group (log rank: P = 0.003). Age [odds ratio (OR) 1.066, P = 0.016], creatinine (OR: 2.301, P < 0.001), preoperative permanent pacemaker (OR: 4.662, P = 0.035) and TA approach (OR: 2.577, P = 0.006) were identified as independent predictors of overall mortality at follow-up. However, the TA approach resulted an independent variable of mortality only 3 years after TAVI. CONCLUSIONS: TAVI yields good results in patients with depressed LVEF. Age, preoperative creatinine and preoperative pacemaker are independently associated with mortality. The TA access is associated with mortality only after 3 years of follow-up, thus probably reflecting a worse general clinical status of these patients.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease.

Advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with poor outcomes in patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement, whereas its prognostic role in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate outcomes in patients with advanced CKD who underwent TAVI. A total of 1,904 consecutive patients who underwent balloon-expandable TAVI in 33 centers between 2007 and 2012 were enrolled in the Italian Transcatheter Balloon-Expandable Valve Implantation Registry. Advanced CKD was defined according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate: 15 to 29 ml/min/1.73 m2 stage 4 (S4), <15 ml/min/1.73 m2 stage 5 (S5). Edwards Sapien or Sapien-XT prosthesis were used. The primary end point was all-cause mortality during follow-up. Secondary end points were major adverse cardiac events at 30 days and at follow-up, defined with Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 criteria. A total of 421 patients were staged S5 (n = 74) or S4 (n = 347). S5 patients were younger and had more frequently porcelain aorta and a lower incidence of previous stroke. Periprocedural and 30-day outcomes were similar in S5 and S4 patients. During 670 (±466) days of follow-up, S5 patients had higher mortality rates (69% vs 39%, p <0.01) and cardiac death (19% vs 9%, p = 0.02) compared with S4 patients. Male gender (hazard ratio [HR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 to 2.2), left ventricular ejection fraction <30% (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 4), atrial fibrillation (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.9), and S5 CKD (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1) were independent predictors of death. In conclusion, TAVI in predialytic or dialytic patients (i.e., S5) is independently associated with poor outcomes with more than double risk of death compared with patients with S4 renal function. Conversely, in severe CKD (i.e., S4) a rigorous risk stratification is required to avoid the risk of futility risk.

First North American Experience With the Engager Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve: Insights From the London Health Sciences Centre Heart Team.

The Engager aortic bioprosthesis consists of bovine pericardial leaflets mounted on a self-expandable frame with unique anatomic orientation capabilities to engage the aortic valve cusps. We report the initial North American transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) experience with the Engager device. Transapical TAVI was performed in 4 patients (mean age 80 ± 6 years, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 5 ± 1%). The valve was anatomically oriented and successfully implanted in all patients. There were no conversions to open operation or major procedure-related adverse events. Pacemaker implantation was necessary in 1 patient. None of the patients showed paravalvular leak. The Engager device for TAVI provides anatomic orientation and anchoring that prevents coronary obstruction and paravalvular leak.

Transcatheter Simultaneous Double-Transapical Access for Paravalvular Mitral Leak Closure Using the Occlutech PLD.

A 67-year-old patient with rheumatic heart valve disease had undergone two cardiac surgeries at the age of 30 years, then re-do with mitral valve replacement at 50 years. She presented with congestive heart failure and hemolytic anemia. Doppler echocardiography showed moderate-severe mitral regurgitation due to paravalvular mitral valve leak (PVML) and severe pulmonary hypertension. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated severe PVML secondary to a large 20 mm-long PVML defect. Due to comorbidities, the heart team deemed a third reoperation at very high surgical risk; therefore, the patient was considered most suitable for a transcatheter approach to PVML closure. Two Occlutech paravalvular leak devices were successfully delivered using a simultaneous double-transapical access with double-wire technique.