Exercise Echocardiography following Septal Myectomy for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate outcome after septal myectomy and to evaluate long-term hemodynamics with exercise echocardiography. METHODS: This study included 40 consecutive patients operated with septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy from January 1998 to August 2017 at Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Perioperative clinical data and echocardiography measurements were reviewed retrospectively. Patients (n = 36) who were alive and living in Sweden were invited for exercise echocardiography to evaluate exercise capacity and hemodynamics, of whom 19 patients performed exercise echocardiography. RESULTS: Overall survival was 100% at 1 year and 96% at 5 years following surgery. Preoperative median resting peak LVOT (left ventricular outflow tract) gradient was 80 mm Hg. Septum thickness was reduced from 22 ± 4 mm preoperatively to 16 ± 3 mm postoperatively (p < 0.001). During exercise echocardiography, the peak LVOT gradient was 8 mm Hg at rest, and increased to 13 mm Hg during exercise echocardiography (p = 0.002). None of the patients had dynamic LVOT obstruction during exercise echocardiography, and there was no clinically significant systolic anterior motion or severe mitral insufficiency during exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survival following septal myectomy is very good. At long-term follow-up, LVOT gradients were low and exercise echocardiography demonstrated good hemodynamics.

Incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with stabilized coronary heart disease: the EUROASPIRE IV follow-up study.

The EUROASPIRE surveys (EUROpean Action on Secondary Prevention through Intervention to Reduce Events) demonstrated that most European coronary patients fail to achieve lifestyle, risk factor and therapeutic targets. Here we report on the 2-year incidence of hard cardiovascular (CV) endpoints in the EUROASPIRE IV cohort. EUROASPIRE IV (2012-2013) was a large cross-sectional study undertaken at 78 centres from selected geographical areas in 24 European countries. Patients were interviewed and examined at least 6 months following hospitalization for a coronary event or procedure. Fatal and non-fatal CV events occurring at least 1 year after this baseline screening were registered. The primary outcome in our analyses was the incidence of CV death or non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke or heart failure. Cox regression models, stratified for country, were fitted to relate baseline characteristics to outcome. Our analyses included 7471 predominantly male patients. Overall, 222 deaths were registered of whom 58% were cardiovascular. The incidence of the primary outcome was 42 per 1000 person-years. Comorbidities were strongly and significantly associated with the primary outcome (multivariately adjusted hazard ratio HR, 95% confidence interval): severe chronic kidney disease (HR 2.36, 1.44-3.85), uncontrolled diabetes (HR 1.89, 1.50-2.38), resting heart rate ≥ 75 bpm (HR 1.74, 1.30-2.32), history of stroke (HR 1.70, 1.27-2.29), peripheral artery disease (HR 1.48, 1.09-2.01), history of heart failure (HR 1.47, 1.08-2.01) and history of acute myocardial infarction (HR 1.27, 1.05-1.53). Low education and feelings of depression were significantly associated with increased risk. Lifestyle factors such as persistent smoking, insufficient physical activity and central obesity were not significantly related to adverse outcome. Blood pressure and LDL-C levels appeared to be unrelated to cardiovascular events irrespective of treatment. In patients with stabilized CHD, comorbid conditions that may reflect the ubiquitous nature of atherosclerosis, dominate lifestyle-related and other modifiable risk factors in terms of prognosis, at least over a 2-year follow-up period.

Myocardial performance index in female athletes.

BACKGROUND: Long-term intensive training leads to morphological and mechanical changes in the heart generally known as "athlete's heart". Previous studies have suggested that the diastolic and systolic function of the ventricles is unaltered in athletes compared to sedentary. The purpose of this study was to investigate myocardial performance index (MPI) by pulsed wave Doppler (PWD) and by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in female elite athletes compared to sedentary controls. METHODS: The study consisted of 32 athletes (mean age 20 ± 2 years) and 34 sedentary controls (mean age 23 ± 2 years). MPI by PWD and TDI were measured in the left (LV) and right ventricle (RV) in both groups. Moreover, comparisons of MPI by the two methods and between the LV and RV within the two groups were made. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in MPI between athletes and controls (p > 0.05), whereas the LV had significantly higher MPI compared to RV (p < 0.001, in athletes and controls). The agreement and the correlation between the two methods measuring MPI showed low agreement and no correlation (athletes RV r = -0.027, LV r = 0.12; controls RV r = 0.20, LV r = 0.30). CONCLUSION: The global function of the LV and RV measured by MPI with PWD and TDI is similar in female athletes compared to sedentary controls. Conversely, both MPI by PWD and by TDI shows a significant difference between the LV and RV. However, the agreement and correlation between conventional methods of measuring MPI by PWD compared to MPI by TDI is very poor in both these populations.

Glomerular filtration rate and association to stroke, major bleeding, and death in patients with mechanical heart valve prosthesis.

AIMS: The impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on adverse events in patients with mechanical heart valves (MHVs) is unknown. We analyzed the independent association of eGFR and thromboembolism (TE), major bleeding, and mortality in patients with MHV in an observational cohort study. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients (n = 520) with MHV replacement on anticoagulation treatment were followed up prospectively regarding TE, major bleeding, and death at 2 anticoagulation centers during 2008 to 2011. The mean age was 69 years, 72% with aortic valve replacement, and time in therapeutic range 2.0 to 4.0 was 91%. The incidence of the combined end point of major bleeding, TE, and death increased sharply with each decreasing eGFR stratum: 5.5, 8.4, 16, and 32 per 100 patient-years for eGFR >60, 45 to 60, 30 to 45, and <30 mL/min per 1.73 m(2), respectively. After multivariate adjustment for comorbidities, every unit decrease in eGFR increased the risk of major bleeding by 2%, death by 3%, and the combined end point by 1%. There was no association between eGFR and TE. There was an increased proportion of international normalized ratio >3.0 and >4.0 and decreasing time in therapeutic range for each decreasing eGFR stratum (P < .001 for trend). The hazard ratios of the combined end point for eGFR <30, 30 to 45, and 45 to 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) were 3.2 (95% CI 1.8-5.6), 1.5 (95% CI 0.9-2.5), and 0.9 (95% CI 0.6-1.5), respectively, compared to eGFR >60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2). CONCLUSION: In patients with MHV on anticoagulation, eGFR is an independent predictor of major bleeding and death and not TE.

Patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes need improved management: a report from the EUROASPIRE IV survey: a registry from the EuroObservational Research Programme of the European Society of Cardiology.

BACKGROUND: In order to influence every day clinical practice professional organisations issue management guidelines. Cross-sectional surveys are used to evaluate the implementation of such guidelines. The present survey investigated screening for glucose perturbations in people with coronary artery disease and compared patients with known and newly detected type 2 diabetes with those without diabetes in terms of their life-style and pharmacological risk factor management in relation to contemporary European guidelines. METHODS: A total of 6187 patients (18-80 years) with coronary artery disease and known glycaemic status based on a self reported history of diabetes (previously known diabetes) or the results of an oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c (no diabetes or newly diagnosed diabetes) were investigated in EUROASPIRE IV including patients in 24 European countries 2012-2013. The patients were interviewed and investigated in order to enable a comparison between their actual risk factor control with that recommended in current European management guidelines and the outcome in previously conducted surveys. RESULTS: A total of 2846 (46%) patients had no diabetes, 1158 (19%) newly diagnosed diabetes and 2183 (35%) previously known diabetes. The combined use of all four cardioprotective drugs in these groups was 53, 55 and 60%, respectively. A blood pressure target of <140/90 mmHg was achieved in 68, 61, 54% and a LDL-cholesterol target of <1.8 mmol/L in 16, 18 and 28%. Patients with newly diagnosed and previously known diabetes reached an HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) in 95 and 53% and 11% of those with previously known diabetes had an HbA1c >9.0% (>75 mmol/mol). Of the patients with diabetes 69% reported on low physical activity. The proportion of patients participating in cardiac rehabilitation programmes was low (≈40 %) and only 27% of those with diabetes had attended diabetes schools. Compared with data from previous surveys the use of cardioprotective drugs had increased and more patients were achieving the risk factor treatment targets. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in patient management there is further potential to improve both the detection and management of patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease.

Clinical Presentation of Native Mitral Valve Infective Endocarditis Determines Long-Term Outcome after Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Surgery is performed in up to half of all cases of active infective endocarditis (IE) but the associated mortality remains high. The aim was to examine the effect of the preoperative clinical presentation on long-term survival of patients undergoing surgery for isolated native mitral valve infective endocarditis. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 100 patients who had undergone mitral valve surgery from 1998 to 2014 for ongoing isolated, native valve IE. Patients were stratified depending on preoperative symptoms: clinical stroke due to septic cerebral embolism, congestive heart failure, and uncontrolled bacteremia. Group A had none of the clinical symptoms, Group B had one of the above clinical symptoms, and Group C had ≥2 symptoms. Follow-up was 100% complete for survival (median 3.8 years, IQR 0.8-7.7). Event rates were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox-regression was performed. RESULTS: Overall 30-day mortality was 5% (n = 5); 0% in Group A; 8% in Group B (n = 4); and 8% in Group C (n = 1), p = 0.24. Five-year survival was 87.0 ± 6.1% in Group A, 62.6 ± 7.1% in Group B, and 33.8 ± 15.2% in Group C. Grouping by clinical presentation was found to be an independent predictor of mortality (Group B, HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.02-5.50; Group C, HR 4.07, 95% CI 1.56-10.6). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survival after surgery for native mitral valve IE was independently influenced by the presence of preoperative embolic stroke, congestive heart failure or uncontrolled bacteremia alone, or in combination.

[Cardiac troponins - biomarkers for cardiovascular disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Kardiellt troponin ­ en biomarkör för hjärt­kärlsjukdom vid KOL.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are frequently associated and share common risk factors, pathophysiological processes, symptoms and clinical signs. Ischemic heart disease, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and atrial fibrillation are common comorbidities of COPD. COPD has been described as an independent risk factor for CVD. Cardiac troponin elevation, indicating myocardial injury, is associated with both the stable state of COPD and acute exacerbation of COPD. The mechanisms of elevated troponin levels in these conditions are multiple and not fully understood. The aim of this article is to discuss the association between COPD, CVD and cardiac troponins.

Effect of pioglitazone versus insulin glargine on cardiac size, function, and measures of fluid retention in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Both insulin and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are effective in the treatment of hyperglycaemia and amelioration of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes but have side effects including weight gain and fluid retention. The use of TZDs has been further hampered by the risk of adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure. The present study evaluated the effect of pioglitazone or insulin glargine on cardiac function and size as well as on surrogate markers of fluid retention such as weight, haemoglobin and natriuretic peptides. METHODS: Thirty patients with inadequate glycaemic control on metformin and sulfonylurea were randomised to receive add-on therapy with insulin glargine or pioglitazone for 26 weeks. Echocardiographic data and blood samples were collected from the two groups before the start of the treatment and after 26 weeks. Left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial end-systolic volumes were quantified, weight measured and blood samples analyzed. RESULTS: After 26 weeks of treatment, the changes in HbA1c, weight and haemoglobin were similar between the two groups. HDL increased significantly in the pioglitazone group. While there was an increase in natriuretic peptides in the pioglitazone group (NT-proBNP 11.4 +/- 19.6 to 22.8 +/- 44.0, p = 0.046), the difference between the treatment groups was not significant. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume increased by 11% and left atrial end-systolic volume by 17% in the pioglitazone group (Both, p < 0.05, between treatment groups). There was a borderline significant increase in ejection fraction in the pioglitazone group. CONCLUSION: This randomised pilot-study showed that six-month treatment with pioglitazone induced significant increases in natriuretic peptides and alterations of cardiac size. These changes were not observed with insulin glargine, which also is known to induce fluid retention. Larger randomised trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

Right ventricular metastasis of leiomyosarcoma.

Metastatic presentation of leiomyosarcoma in the heart is very rare. We present transthoracic echocardiography and combined PET/CT images of a case with a large right ventricular metastasis of leiomyosarcoma. The patient was placed on cytostatic drugs for palliative purposes, but passed away one month later because of an untreatable ventricular tackycardia.

Impact of gender on echocardiographic characteristics in heart transplant recipients.

AIMS: Assessment following heart transplantation (HTx) is routinely performed using transthoracic echocardiography. Differences in long-term mortality following HTx related to donor-recipient matching have been reported, but effects of gender on cardiac size and function are not well studied. The aims of this study were to evaluate differences in echocardiographic characteristics of HTx recipients defined by gender. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study prospectively enrolled 123 (n = 34 female) HTx recipients of which 23 recipients was donor-recipient gender mismatched. Patients were examined with 2-dimensional echocardiography using Philips iE33 ultrasound system. Data were analysed across strata based on recipient gender and gender mismatch. Male recipients had larger left ventricular (LV) mass, thicker septal wall (P<0·001) and larger absolute LV volumes (P<0·001). Mean LV ejection fraction (EF) was higher in females (P<0·05), but no differences in conventional parameters of right ventricular (RV) function were found. Ventricular strain was higher in females than in males: LV global longitudinal strain (P<0·01), RV global longitudinal strain (P<0·05) and RV lateral free wall (P<0·05). The male group receiving a female donor heart had comparable EF and strain parameters to the female group receiving a gender-matched heart. CONCLUSION: We found that female recipient gender was associated with smaller chamber size, higher LV EF and better LV and RV longitudinal strain. Gender-mismatched male recipients appeared to exhibit function parameters similar to gender-matched female recipients. Our results indicate that the gender aspect, analogous to current reference guidelines in general population, should be taken into consideration when examining patients post-HTx.

[Endocarditis team in the Scania region - experiences from the first year]. / Multidisciplinärt endokarditteam på plats i Skåne - Första årets erfarenhet visar riktningen framåt.

International guidelines recommend that the treatment of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) should be directed by a multidisciplinary endocarditis team. The aim of this study was to describe the first-year experience of multidisciplinary rounds by the endocarditis team in Scania, Sweden. This was a retrospective study on all possible and definitive IE episodes that were assessed by the endocarditis team from January 1st to December 31st, 2017. Descriptive statistics were used. A total of 145 multidisciplinary rounds were held and addressed 100 episodes in 97 patients. The median age was 71 years and 66% were males. The most common causative pathogens were alpha-hemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and enterococci. The endocarditis team recommended surgery in 40 % of episodes. The transfer of patients between different hospitals was facilitated by the team.  The IE team evaluated a large proportion of patients with IE in the region and provided a rapid expert opinion on the optimal management of complicated cases of IE.

Unexpected rupture of the left ventricular free wall in the echo-lab.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular free wall rupture is an uncommon but catastrophic event following myocardial infarction, and considered the second leading cause of death in acute myocardial infarct. Different types of rupture exist from acute to sub acute types, but prognosis is usually poor. Early recognition and aggressive treatment is recommended. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 75-year-old man who was referred to our echo-lab for an out patient evaluation because of 1-week duration of worsening of chest pain. Standard transthoracic echocardiography showed hypokinesia in the apical portion of the anterior wall and basal portion of the inferior wall. The patient complained of shortness of breath immediately after the conclusion of the exam, and soon afterward became unconscious. Renewed echocardiography approximately 1 min after syncope displayed a newly developed echo-lucent rim around the heart consistent with left ventricular free wall rupture. Resuscitation was performed followed by attempts to evacuate the blood by needle aspiration, which failed. Open pericardiocentesis stabilised the patient until surgery could be performed. The patient survived and could be discharged 2 weeks later. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the fact that rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential if patients with left ventricular free wall rupture are to survive.

Reported normal values and weighted means for commonly used echocardiography pulsed Doppler and tissue Doppler measurements.

Pulsed Doppler (PW) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) measurements are part of every echocardiography examination for evaluation of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and filling pressure. The purpose of this study was to summarize published data on normal values for PW and TDI measurements. A PubMed search was performed on the 10th of October 2016 to identify relevant articles. Studies were considered relevant if they included more than 200 healthy individuals. A total of 13 studies were identified. Of these, 13 studies with 7777 subjects reported PW measurement over the mitral valve, six studies with 4082 subjects reported PW measurement in the pulmonary vein and 10 studies with 5988 subjects reported TDI. We also report weighted mean values for 14 different variables. As expected, measurements varied with age. There were no major differences between men and women. In contrast, there was a large difference in reported values between studies, in corresponding age groups. This review therefore raises caution about relying on normal values from just one study.

Late right ventricular performance after mitral valve repair assessed by exercise echocardiography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the right ventricular (RV) performance during exercise in patients who underwent mitral valve repair for chronic mitral valve insufficiency relative to healthy individuals and to assess exercise capacity using a semisupine ergometer. METHODS: We studied 56 patients who underwent mitral valve repair for degenerative posterior mitral leaflet prolapse between 2005 and 2014 and a control group of 13 healthy individuals. Clinical data were collected prospectively, and echocardiographic measurements of RV function were obtained at rest and at peak exercise. RESULTS: One-third of the study patients had RV systolic dysfunction as indicated by tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE) at rest. Resting TAPSE was lower in the study group (16.7 ± 3.3 mm) than in the control group (24.4 ± 4.3 mm), p < 0.001. TAPSE increased in both groups during exercise and exercise was shown to have a significant main effect on TAPSE F(1, 52) = 80, p < 0.001. TAPSE increased more in the control group and an interaction was detected between the participant groups (study group vs. control group) and exercise, F(1, 52) = 24, p < 0.001. In the study group, Poor postoperative RV function was associated with preoperative left ventricular dilatation but was not correlated with impaired maximum exercise capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the excellent clinical outcome during rest and exercise after mitral valve repair, our results suggest patients that have undergone mitral valve repair due to posterior leaflet prolapse have significantly reduced RV function at rest and during exercise compared to healthy controls at long-term follow-up, as measured by TAPSE.

Normal Reference Ranges for Transthoracic Echocardiography Following Heart Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Heart function following heart transplantation (HTx) is influenced by numerous factors. It is typically evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography, but reference values are currently unavailable for this context. The primary aim of the present study was to derive echocardiographic reference values for chamber size and function, including cardiac mechanics, in clinically stable HTx patients. METHODS: The study enrolled 124 healthy HTx patients examined prospectively. Patients underwent comprehensive two-dimensional echocardiographic examinations according to contemporary guidelines. Results were compared with recognized reference values for healthy subjects. RESULTS: Compared with guidelines, larger atrial dimensions were seen in HTx patients. Left ventricular (LV) diastolic volume was smaller, and LV wall thickness was increased. With respect to LV function, both ejection fraction (62 ± 7%, P < .01) and global longitudinal strain (-16.5 ± 3.3%, P < .0001) were lower. All measures of right ventricular (RV) size were greater than reference values (P < .0001), and all measures of RV function were reduced (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 15 ± 4 mm [P < .0001], RV systolic tissue Doppler velocity 10 ± 6 cm/sec [P < .0001], fractional area change 40 ± 8% [P < .0001], and RV free wall strain -16.9 ± 4.2% [P < .0001]). Ejection fraction and LV global longitudinal strain were significantly lower in patients with previous rejection. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that the distribution of routinely used echocardiographic measures differs between stable HTx patients and healthy subjects. In particular, markedly larger RV and atrial volumes and mild reductions in both LV and RV longitudinal strain were evident. The observed differences could be clinically relevant in the assessment of HTx patients, and specific reference values should be applied in this context.

Right ventricular speckle tracking assessment for differentiation of pressure- versus volume-overloaded right ventricle.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction may be caused by either pressure or volume overload. RV function is conventionally assessed with echocardiography using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S') and RV index of myocardial performance (RIMP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) and RV-free wall strain (RV-free) could add additional information to differentiate these two causes of RV overload. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study enrolled 89 patients with an echocardiographic trans-tricuspid gradient >30 mmHg. Forty-five patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (pressure overload) were compared with 44 patients with an atrial septum defect (volume overload). RV size was larger in the volume group (P<0·05). TAPSE and S' were lower in the pressure group (P<0·05, P<0·01). RVFAC was lower in the pressure group (P<0·001) as well as RVGLS (-12·1 ± 3·3% versus -20·2 ± 3·4%, P<0·001) and RV-free (-12·9 ± 3·3% versus -19·4 ± 3·4%, P<0·001). CONCLUSION: In this study, RVGLS and RV-free could more accurately discriminate RV pressure from volume overload than conventional measures. The reason could be that TAPSE and S' are unable to differentiate active deformation from passive entrainment caused by the left ventricle. The pressure group had evidence of marked RV hypertrophy despite standard functional parameters (TAPSE and S) within normal range. This would enhance the value of strain to more sensitively detect abnormal function. A cut-off value of below -16% for RVGLS and RV-free predicts RV pressure overload with high accuracy.

Cost-effectiveness of optimized adherence to prevention guidelines in European patients with coronary heart disease: Results from the EUROASPIRE IV survey.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of optimized guideline adherence in patients with a history of coronary heart disease. METHODS: An individual-based decision tree model was developed using the SMART risk score tool which estimates the 10-year risk for recurrent vascular events in patients with manifest cardiovascular disease (CVD). Analyses were based on the EUROASPIRE IV survey. Outcomes were expressed as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). RESULTS: Data from 4663 patients from 13 European countries were included in the analyses. The mean estimated 10-year risk for a recurrent vascular event decreased from 20.13% to 18.61% after optimized guideline adherence. Overall, an ICER of 52,968€/QALY was calculated. The ICER lowered to 29,093€/QALY when only considering high-risk patients (≥20%) with decreasing ICERs in higher risk patients. Also, a dose-response relationship was seen with lower ICERs in older patients and in those patients with higher risk reductions. A less stringent LDL target (<2.5 mmol/L vs. <1.8 mmol/L) lowered the ICER to 32,591€/QALY and intensifying cholesterol treatment in high-risk patients (≥20%) instead of high-cholesterol patients lowered the ICER to 28,064€/QALY. An alternative method, applying risk reductions to the CVD events instead of applying risk reductions to the risk factors lowered the ICER to 31,509€/QALY. CONCLUSION: Depending on the method used better or worse ICERs were found. In addition, optimized guidelines adherence is more cost-effective in higher risk patients, in patients with higher risk reductions and when using a less strict LDL-C target. Current analyses advice to maximize guidelines adherence in particular patient subgroups.

Assessment of Mitral Valve Repair With Exercise Echocardiography: Artificial Chordae vs Leaflet Resection.

Mitral valve (MV) repair with artificial chordae (AC) or leaflet resection (LR) is associated with good hemodynamics at rest. The aim of this study was to compare these techniques in terms of exercise capacity and echocardiographic parameters of hemodynamics at rest and peak exercise. We conducted a study in 2015 of 56 patients, who had undergone surgery for degenerative posterior mitral leaflet prolapse between 2005 and 2014 using either AC (n = 24) or LR (n = 32). Clinical data were collected, exercise capacity was measured, and resting echocardiography and peak exercise echocardiography were performed. No significant differences were detected among groups regarding exercise duration or peak exercise workload measured in Watts (W) (AC: 136 ± 43 W and LR: 131 ± 40 W; P = 0.65). The mean mitral gradient at rest was 3.0 ± 1.3 mm Hg in the AC group and 3.0 ± 1.0 mm Hg in the LR group (P = 0.90). The mean MV gradients at peak exercise did not differ significantly between groups (AC: 8.3 ± 3.4 and LR: 11.3 ± 8.7; P = 0.19). Four patients (17%) in the AC group and 1 (3%) in the LR group had systolic anterior motion, P = 0.15. We conclude that both methods of posterior MV leaflet repair were associated with good hemodynamics at rest and peak exercise. The groups had comparable exercise capacity. MV pressure gradients at rest and peak exercise were similar in both groups.

Epidemiology of valvular heart disease in a Swedish nationwide hospital-based register study.

OBJECTIVE: Transitions in the spectrum of valvular heart diseases (VHDs) in developed countries over the 20th century have been reported from clinical case series, but large, contemporary population-based studies are lacking. METHODS: We used nationwide registers to identify all patients with a first diagnosis of VHD at Swedish hospitals between 2003 and 2010. Age-stratified and sex-stratified incidence of each VHD and adjusted comorbidity profiles were assessed. RESULTS: In the Swedish population (n=10 164 211), the incidence of VHD was 63.9 per 100 000 person-years, with aortic stenosis (AS; 47.2%), mitral regurgitation (MR; 24.2%) and aortic regurgitation (AR; 18.0%) contributing most of the VHD diagnoses. The majority of VHDs were diagnosed in the elderly (68.9% in subjects aged ≥65 years), but pulmonary valve disease incidence peaked in newborns. Incidences of AR, AS and MR were higher in men who were also more frequently diagnosed at an earlier age. Mitral stenosis (MS) incidence was higher in women. Rheumatic fever was rare. Half of AS cases had concomitant atherosclerotic vascular disease (48.4%), whereas concomitant heart failure and atrial fibrillation were common in mitral valve disease and tricuspid regurgitation. Other common comorbidities were thoracic aortic aneurysms in AR (10.3%), autoimmune disorders in MS (24.5%) and abdominal hernias or prolapse in MR (10.7%) and TR (10.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically diagnosed VHD was primarily a disease of the elderly. Rheumatic fever was rare in Sweden, but specific VHDs showed a range of different comorbidity profiles . Pronounced sex-specific patterns were observed for AR and MS, for which the mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

Quadricuspid aortic valve not discovered by transthoracic echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital heart defect. Several different anatomical variations of a quadricuspid aortic valve has been described and aortic regurgitation is the predominant valvular dysfunction associated with quadricuspid aortic valve. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old woman presented with almost a years history of increasing dyspnoea on exertion. The patient have had two previous transthoracic echocardiographic exams in the last six years and they had only documented moderate aortic regurgitation. Transoesophageal echocardiography displayed a rare case of quadricuspid aortic valve with three cusps of equal size and one larger cusp. The malformation was associated with severe aortic regurgitation. CONCLUSION: Liberal use of transoesophageal echocardiography is often warranted if optimal display of valvular morphology is desired.