Evaluation of Image Quality for High Heart Rates for Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography with Advancement in CT Technology: The CONVERGE Registry.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate image quality in patients with heart rates above or equal to 70 beats per minute (bpm), performed on a 16 cm scanner (256-slice General Electric Revolution) in comparison to a CT scanner with only 4 cm of coverage (64 slice Volume CT). BACKGROUND: Recent advancements in image acquisition, such as whole-heart coverage in a single rotation and post-processing methods in coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), include motion-correction algorithms, such as SnapShot Freeze (SSF), which improve temporal resolution and allow for the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) with lower motion scores and better image qualities. Studies from the comprehensive evaluation of high temporal- and spatial-resolution cardiac CT using a wide coverage system (CONVERGE) registry (a multicenter registry at four centers) have shown the 16 cm CT scanner having a better image quality in comparison to the 4 cm scanner. However, these studies failed to include patients with undesirable or high heart rates due to well-documented poor image acquisition on prior generations of CCTA scanners. METHODS: A prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study comparing image quality, quantitively and qualitatively, on scans performed on a 16 cm CCTA in comparison to a cohort of images captured on a 4 cm CCTA at four centers. Participants were recruited based on broad inclusion criteria, and each patient in the 16 cm CCTA arm of the study received a CCTA scan using a 256-slice, whole-heart, single-beat scanner. These patients were then matched by age, gender, and heart rate to patients who underwent CCTA scans on a 4 cm CT scanner. Image quality was graded based on the signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and on a Likert scale of 0-4: 0, very poor-4, excellent. RESULTS: 104 patients were evaluated for this study. The mean heart rate was 75 ± 7 in the 4 cm scanner and 75 ± 7 in the 16 cm one (p = 0.426). The signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were higher in the 16 cm scanner (p = 0.0001). In addition, more scans were evaluated as having an excellent quality on the 16 cm scanner than on the 4 cm scanner (p < 0.0001) based on a 4-point Likert scale. CONCLUSIONS: The 16 cm scanner has a superior image quality for fast heart rates compared to the 4 cm scanner. This study shows that there is a significantly higher frequency of excellent and good studies showing better contrast-to-noise and signal-to-noise ratios with the 16 cm scanner compared to the 4 cm scanner.

Inherited Moderate Factor X Deficiency Presenting as Cardiac Tamponade.

Factor X deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder that varies in the severity of its clinical manifestations. The symptoms of this disorder can occur at any age, although most severe cases appear in childhood. The rarity of this condition has not allowed for the establishment of evidence-based management guidelines, and thus, individuals afflicted with factor X deficiency are treated based on limited literature and the opinions of clinicians with extensive experience. In this case report, we discuss a unique presentation of a 38-year-old male who was found to have cardiac tamponade as a result of his newly diagnosed inherited moderate factor X deficiency. This was discovered by obtaining a factor X activity assay and confirmed with genetic testing which demonstrated a missense variant on the factor X gene on chromosome 13. His management involved correction of his factor X deficiency with fresh frozen plasma, a pericardiocentesis, and placement of a pericardial window. He has been asymptomatic and without hemorrhagic episodes for the 10 months following his discharge.

Predictors of cardiogenic shock in cardiac surgery patients receiving intra-aortic balloon pumps.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery leads to severely increased mortality. Intra-aortic balloon pumps may be used during the preoperative period to increase coronary perfusion. The purpose of this study was to characterize predictors of postoperative cardiogenic shock in cardiac surgery patients with and without intra-aortic balloon pumps support. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of our institutional database of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for patients operated between January 2008 to July 2015. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model postoperative cardiogenic shock in both the intra-aortic balloon pumps and matched control cohorts. RESULTS: Overall, 4,741 cardiac surgery patients were identified during the study period, of whom 192 (4%) received a preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump. Intra-aortic balloon pumps patients had a greater prevalence of diabetes, previous cardiac surgery, congestive heart failure, and an urgent/emergent status (P < .001). Intra-aortic balloon pumps patients also had greater 30-day mortality and more postoperative cardiogenic shock (9% vs 3%, P < .001). On multivariable analysis of the matched control cohort, postoperative cardiogenic shock remained multifactorial. Among the intra-aortic balloon pumps cohort, only sex, previous percutaneous coronary intervention and preoperative arrhythmia remained significant on multivariable analysis (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: Factors associated with cardiogenic shock among postcardiac surgery patients differ between those patients receiving intra-aortic balloon pumps and those who do not. Further analysis of the effects of prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pumps support is warranted. (Surgery 2017;160:XXX-XXX.).

Fenestrated Transcatheter ASD Closure in Adults with Diastolic Dysfunction and/or Pulmonary Hypertension: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter fenestrated ASD closure and to summarize the literature regarding the published techniques and outcomes of transcatheter partial ASD closure. BACKGROUND: Patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) or right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and/or pulmonary hypertension (PHT) may suffer untoward consequences of complete closure of an ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). Therefore, for patients that fall under these categories we suggest partial occlusion of the defect, which may be better tolerated than complete defect closure. METHODS AND PATIENTS: After obtaining IRB approval, a search for patients that have undergone percutaneous ASD closure was performed in the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center database to identify which patients received a fenestrated ASD closure device. RESULTS: Eight consecutive patients ranging between 22 and 83 years of age (mean 48 years) with PHT and/or LVDD or RV dysfunction who underwent fenestrated transcatheter ASD closure at UCLA were identified. None of the subjects experienced complications related to the procedure. Postprocedure clinical evaluation showed improvement in symptoms and exercise capacity. Available follow-up transthoracic echocardiography data (mean 4 months, range 0-20 months) demonstrated patent fenestrations in four of eight patients. None of the patients had thromboembolic or infectious complications and there were no device migrations, erosions or embolizations. CONCLUSIONS: Partial ASD occlusion in patients with diastolic dysfunction or RV dysfunction and/or PHT is safe and may be better tolerated than complete ASD closure in selected patients.