A morphological study of the inferior phrenic arteries on multidetector computed tomography and angiography.

INTRODUCTION: The inferior phrenic artery is a paired artery with a variable origin and course, primarily supplying the diaphragm, but also the suprarenal glands, inferior vena cava, stomach, and oesophagus. The aim of this study is to investigate the origin and course of the inferior phrenic arteries on multidetector computed tomography and angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anatomy of the inferior phrenic artery was analysed on 2449 multidetector computed tomography scans. Three-dimensional reconstructions were made of the main variations. Additionally, the course and branching pattern of the inferior phrenic artery were descriptively analysed in a cohort of 28 angiograms. RESULTS: In 565 (23.1%) cases the inferior phrenic arteries arose as a common trunk and in 1884 (76.9%) cases as individual vessels. The most common origins of a common trunk were the coeliac trunk (n=303; 53.6%) and abdominal aorta (n=255; 45.1%). The most common origins of the right inferior phrenic artery were the coeliac trunk (n=965; 51.2%), abdominal aorta (n=562; 29.8%) and renal arteries (n=214; 11.4%). The most common origins of the left inferior phrenic artery were the coeliac trunk (n=1293; 68.6%) and abdominal aorta (n=403; 21.4%). CONCLUSION: The inferior phrenic artery has a very variable anatomy. The most common origins of the inferior phrenic artery are the coeliac trunk and its branches, the abdominal aorta, and the renal arteries.

Impact of liver fibrosis and nodules formation on hemodynamics in young adults after total cavopulmonary connection. A magnetic resonance study.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the relation between the hepatic fibrosis markers, liver morphology and hemodynamics assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). Materials and methods: Adult patients after TCPC performed in childhood between 1993 and 2003 are the subjects of this observational study. The follow-up protocol consisted of clinical and echocardiographic examination, liver elastography, cardiopulmonary exercise test, MRI hemodynamics and liver morphology assessment and direct enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test. Results: The cohort consisted of 39 patients (46% female) with a median age at study 26 (IQR 23-28) years and interval from TCPC 21 (IQR 20-23) years. There was no correlation between ELF test and any MRI variables, but procollagen III amino-terminal peptide (PIIINP), a single component of ELF test, correlated significantly with ventricular end-diastolic volume (r = 0.33; p = 0.042) and inferior vena cava flow (r = 0.47; p = 0.003). Fifteen (38%) patients with liver nodules had compared to other 24 patients higher end-diastolic volume (ml/m2) 102.8 ± 20.0 vs. 88.2 ± 17.7; p = 0.023, respectively. PIIINP correlated significantly with inferior vena cava flow (r = 0.56; p = 0.030) and with end-diastolic volume (r = 0.53; p = 0.043), but only in patients with liver nodules. Conclusion: Gradual progression of liver fibrosis, particularly hepatic arterialization caused by liver nodules formation, increases inferior vena cava flow and subsequent ventricular volume overload may further compromise single ventricle functional reserve in adult patients after TCPC.

Clinical Question Influence on Radiation Dose of Cardiac CT Scan in Children.

Background: To assess the impact of different clinical questions on radiation doses acquired during cardiac computed tomography in children. Methods: A total of 116 children who underwent cardiac CT on a third-generation dual-source CT scanner were included. The clinical questions were divided into three main categories: the extent of scanning in the z-axis, coronary artery assessment and cardiac function assessment. Radiation dose values represented as a dose-length product (DLP) in mGy*cm were recorded from the CT scanner protocols. Results: There were significantly higher doses in cases with cardiac function assessment (median DLP 348 versus 59 mGy*cm, p < 0.01) and in cases with coronary artery assessment (median DLP 133 versus 71 mGy*cm, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The most important factor was the assessment of cardiac function, where the median radiation dose was 4.3× higher in patients with a request for cardiac function assessment. We strongly recommend that clinical requests for cardiac CT should be carefully considered in the paediatric population.

Vascular Remodeling of Clinically Used Patches and Decellularized Pericardial Matrices Recellularized with Autologous or Allogeneic Cells in a Porcine Carotid Artery Model.

Background: Cardiovascular surgery is confronted by a lack of suitable materials for patch repair. Acellular animal tissues serve as an abundant source of promising biomaterials. The aim of our study was to explore the bio-integration of decellularized or recellularized pericardial matrices in vivo. Methods: Porcine (allograft) and ovine (heterograft, xenograft) pericardia were decellularized using 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate ((1) Allo-decel and (2) Xeno-decel). We used two cell types for pressure-stimulated recellularization in a bioreactor: autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs) isolated from subcutaneous fat of pigs ((3) Allo-ASC and (4) Xeno-ASC) and allogeneic Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJCs) ((5) Allo-WJC and (6) Xeno-WJC). These six experimental patches were implanted in porcine carotid arteries for one month. For comparison, we also implanted six types of control patches, namely, arterial or venous autografts, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE Propaten® Gore®), polyethylene terephthalate (PET Vascutek®), chemically stabilized bovine pericardium (XenoSure®), and detoxified porcine pericardium (BioIntegral® NoReact®). The grafts were evaluated through the use of flowmetry, angiography, and histological examination. Results: All grafts were well-integrated and patent with no signs of thrombosis, stenosis, or aneurysm. A histological analysis revealed that the arterial autograft resembled a native artery. All other control and experimental patches developed neo-adventitial inflammation (NAI) and neo-intimal hyperplasia (NIH), and the endothelial lining was present. NAI and NIH were most prominent on XenoSure® and Xeno-decel and least prominent on NoReact®. In xenografts, the degree of NIH developed in the following order: Xeno-decel > Xeno-ASC > Xeno-WJC. NAI and patch resorption increased in Allo-ASC and Xeno-ASC and decreased in Allo-WJC and Xeno-WJC. Conclusions: In our setting, pre-implant seeding with ASC or WJC had a modest impact on vascular patch remodeling. However, ASC increased the neo-adventitial inflammatory reaction and patch resorption, suggesting accelerated remodeling. WJC mitigated this response, as well as neo-intimal hyperplasia on xenografts, suggesting immunomodulatory properties.

A patient with pulmonary hypertension waiting for donor lungs during the pandemic: 194 days on extracorporeal life support including 143 days on pulmonary artery to left atrium shunt.

Patients with pulmonary hypertension and end-stage lung disease are fraught with high mortality while on a waiting list for lung transplant. With sometimes rapid deterioration they may require veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as an immediate life-saving technique, which is a time-limited solution. The technique of pulmonary artery to left atrium (PA-LA) shunt fitted with an oxygenator enables bridging the patient to transplant for a longer time period. This low-resistance paracorporeal pumpless lung assist device allows for de-adaptation of the right ventricle back to lower afterload before the lung transplantation is carried out. The PA-LA shunt with an oxygenator also conveys a risk of multiple complications with reported median of 10-26 days until transplant. We report a case of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis in a 35-year-old female who had to wait for donor lungs during the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 for 143 days on PA-LA shunt with oxygenator following 51 days on VA-ECMO. The extremely long course associated with multiple complications including three cerebral embolisms, episodes of sepsis and ingrowth of the return cannula into the left ventricular wall gives insight into the limits of this bridging technique.

Effectiveness of alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in patients with late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance.

BACKGROUND: According to European guidelines, alcohol septal ablation (ASA) for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) may be less effective in patients with extensive septal scarring on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). This study aimed to analyze the impact of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR on the effectiveness of ASA. METHOD: We conducted an observational retrospective study involving adult patients with symptomatic drug-refractory HOCM who underwent CMR before ASA at two European centres from May 2010 through June 2019. Patients were compared in binary format based on LGE presence. Moreover, a subanalysis focused on patients with septal fibrosis was performed. The effectiveness of ASA was evaluated by echocardiographic, ECG and clinical findings. RESULTS: Of the 113 study patients, 54 (48%) had LGE on CMR. The LGE quantification performed in 29 patients revealed septal fibrosis in 17. The mean follow-up was 4.4 ±â€¯2.6 years. Baseline parameters were similar between groups except for basal septal thickness that was greater in LGE+ group (21.1 ±â€¯3.9 mm for LGE+ vs. 19.2 ±â€¯3.2 mm for LGE-: p = .005). ASA improved symptoms in all groups and reduced left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) (delta gradient reduction: LGE+: 62 ±â€¯37.3%; septal LGE+: 75.6 ±â€¯20.8%; LGE-: 72.5 ±â€¯21.0%). However, 13% of the LGE+ and 2% of the LGE- group had residual LVOTO above 30 mmHg (p = .027). CONCLUSION: ASA was effective in all patients with HOCM, whether they had LGE on CMR or not and whether they had septal fibrosis or not.

Correction to: Pilot study of the multicentre DISCHARGE trial: image quality and protocol adherence results of computed tomography and invasive coronary angiography.

The original version of this article, published on 16 December 2019, unfortunately contained two mistakes.

Is left bundle branch block pattern on the ECG caused by variable ventricular activation sequence?

BACKGROUND: The presence and extent of ventricular dyssynchrony are currently assessed from the QRS complex morphology and width. However, similar electrocardiography (ECG) pattern may be caused by variable ventricular activation sequence. This may then contribute to interindividually different response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS: Electroanatomical mapping and magnetic resonance imaging scan were performed in 11 patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB, QRS 170 ± 14 ms) and heart failure of ischemic (coronary artery disease (CAD), n = 2) and nonischemic (dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), n = 9) etiology. Ventricular activation sequence was studied during LBBB and final CRT programming. Presence and extent of scarring were analyzed in the 17-segment left-ventricular (LV) model. RESULTS: Regardless of etiology, presence of typical LBBB was associated with diffuse prolongation of impulse conduction with right-to-left activation sequence. Basal lateral wall was constant site of late activation. This activation pattern was present in "true LBBB," but also in LBBB-like pattern (persistent S wave in V5-6) and left axis deviation. Activation started in right vetricular (RV) apex in patients with left axis deviation at RV free wall in normal axis. Individuals with CAD and DCM patient displayed focal scar. Despite that they exhibited typical LBBB and activation sequence mirrored findings in other LBBB individuals. Reverse remodeling (∆LVESV > 15% after 6 months) was evident in 10 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Both typical LBBB and LBBB-like pattern might be associated with constant activation sequence regardless of etiology and scar localization. Activation initiation in RV apex, not LV activation sequence can be surrogate for left axis deviation. CRT caused inter- and intraventricular LV resynchronization without significantly changed RV activation sequence and duration.

Pilot study of the multicentre DISCHARGE Trial: image quality and protocol adherence results of computed tomography and invasive coronary angiography.

OBJECTIVE: To implement detailed EU cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) quality criteria in the multicentre DISCHARGE trial (FP72007-2013, EC-GA 603266), we reviewed image quality and adherence to CCTA protocol and to the recommendations of invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in a pilot study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From every clinical centre, imaging datasets of three patients per arm were assessed for adherence to the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the pilot study, predefined standards for the CCTA protocol and ICA recommendations, image quality and non-diagnostic (NDX) rate. These parameters were compared via multinomial regression and ANOVA. If a site did not reach the minimum quality level, additional datasets had to be sent before entering into the final accepted database (FADB). RESULTS: We analysed 226 cases (150 CCTA/76 ICA). The inclusion/exclusion criteria were not met by 6 of the 226 (2.7%) datasets. The predefined standard was not met by 13 of 76 ICA datasets (17.1%). This percentage decreased between the initial CCTA database and the FADB (multinomial regression, 53 of 70 vs 17 of 75 [76%] vs [23%]). The signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio of the FADB did not improve significantly (ANOVA, p = 0.20; p = 0.09). The CTA NDX rate was reduced, but not significantly (initial CCTA database 15 of 70 [21.4%]) and FADB 9 of 75 [12%]; p = 0.13). CONCLUSION: We were able to increase conformity to the inclusion/exclusion criteria and CCTA protocol, improve image quality and decrease the CCTA NDX rate by implementing EU CCTA quality criteria and ICA recommendations. KEY POINTS: • Failure to meet protocol adherence in cardiac CTA was high in the pilot study (77.6%). • Image quality varies between sites and can be improved by feedback given by the core lab. • Conformance with new EU cardiac CT quality criteria might render cardiac CTA findings more consistent and comparable.

Clinical perspective on the myocarditis and cardiomyopathies.

Myocardial diseases are often encountered in cardiology and pose a significant diagnostic challenge. Myocarditis is an acute inflammatory disease of the heart muscle. Pathophysiology of myocarditis is a complex interplay of genetic background, innate immunity, viral or bacterial agents and formation of autoreactive antibodies and lymphocytes that maintain the inflammation after the infection was eliminated. Differentiation of myocardial infarction or heart failure of different etiology is crucial in the acute stage. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables with sufficient sensitivity and specificity diagnosis of myocardial inflammation and scar. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) with histology and immunohistochemistry is a gold standard for detection of myocarditis. EMB is indicated in selected patients with life-threatening symptoms where EMB may have therapeutic consequences. Giant cell myocarditis and eosinophilic myocarditis are specific examples of such a condition. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the myocardial sample is used to detect viral genome. Serum antibodies or PCR from blood are not helpful in determining the etiology of myocarditis. Viral presence in myocardium is found in patients who do not have histological evidence of myocarditis which makes the association of positive PCR and etiology of myocarditis obscure. Cardiomyopathies (CMP) are characterized by structural and functional cardiac abnormalities that cannot be explained by coronary artery disease or abnormal loading conditions (valvular disease, arterial hypertension, congenital heart disease). CMP are classified based on the prevailing morphology regardless of primary (genetic, idiopathic) or secondary (systemic disease) etiology. European Society of Cardiology defines five types of CMP: hypertrophic, dilated, restrictive, arrhythmogenic and unclassified. CMP diagnosis is based on the imaging with echocardiography, coronary angiography, invasive hemodynamics and cardiac MRI. EMB is rarely indicated in dilated or restrictive CMP. Genetic testing is used to determine pathogenic mutations in phenotype positive patients and in familiar screening. Genetically determined CMP are mostly monogenic and autosomal dominant. Incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity cause variable or even negative phenotypes in genotype positive individuals. Genetic screening of a large number of genes and non-coding DNA results in findings of many variants of uncertain significance which make the interpretation of the genetic testing difficult.

Treating great and small saphenous vein insufficiency with histoacryl in patients with symptomatic varicose veins and increased risk of surgery.

BACKGROUND: Treating great and small saphenous vein trunk insufficiency with cyanoacrylate glue is the least taxing treatment method of all available techniques. Due to long-term unavailability of commercial kits with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (histoacryl) in the Czech Republic, we used a modified technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-six limbs in 49 patients suffering from great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein insufficiency in combination with symptomatic chronic venous insufficiency and complicating comorbidities were treated with a modified endovascular cyanoacrylate glue application technique. RESULTS: The immediate success rate of the treatment was 98 %. In follow-up intervals of six weeks, six months, one year, and two years, the anatomical success rates of embolization (recanalization of no more than 5 cm of the junction) were 98, 96, 94, and 94 %, respectively. At identical intervals the venous insufficiency was scored according to the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire and the American Venous Clinical Severity Score. In both cases, improvement was demonstrated over the two-year follow-up, with a 0.5 % significance level. Specific clinical signs of venous insufficiency were also evaluated, such as pain, oedema, clearance of varicose veins, and healing of venous ulceration. One severe complication - a pulmonary embolism - was reported, without consequences. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that treating insufficient saphenous veins with modified histoacryl application brought a relief from symptoms of venous insufficiency and that the efficiency of this technique is comparable to commonly used methods.

Multimodality Imaging of Carotid Stenosis.

Four diagnostic modalities are used to image the following internal carotid artery: digital subtraction angiography (DSA), duplex ultrasound (DUS), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The aim of this article is to describe the potentials of these techniques and to discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Invasive DSA is still considered the gold standard and is an indivisible part of the carotid stenting procedure. DUS is an inexpensive but operator-dependent tool with limited visibility of the carotid artery course. Conversely, CTA and MRA allow assessment of the carotid artery from the aortic arch to intracranial parts. The disadvantages of CTA are radiation and iodine contrast medium administration. MRA is without radiation but contrast-enhanced MRA is more accurate than noncontrast MRA. The choice of methods depends on the clinical indications and the availability of methods in individual centers. However, the general approach to patient with suspected carotid artery stenosis is to first perform DUS and then other noninvasive methods such as CTA, MRA, or transcranial Doppler US.

Grade-response relationship between blood pressure and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic adults: assessment with coronary CT angiography.

Hypertension is known to be a strong risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, severity, and plaque characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis according to grade of blood pressure (BP) using coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in asymptomatic adults. We enrolled 8,238 asymptomatic subjects who underwent coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) and CCTA for health screening purposes. Subjects were classified according to JNC 7 guidelines (normal, systolic BP/diastolic BP < 120/80; pre-hypertension [PH], 120-139/80-89; hypertension stage 1 [H1], 140-159/90-99; hypertension stage 2 [H2], >160/100). Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH; systolic BP > 140, diastolic BP < 80) was additionally categorized. With CCTA, the presence of plaques, severity of stenosis, and plaque types were assessed. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for plaque, obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (luminal stenosis ≥50 %), non-calcified plaque (NCP), and CACS > 100 were assessed according to BP grade. After adjustment for clinical risk factors, the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis, NCP, and CACS > 100 gradually increased from PH stage (all P values for trend <0.05), while the risk of obstructive CAD increased from the H1 stage (AORs of H1 and H2: 1.70 and 2.33, respectively). In the ISH group, the AOR of subclinical atherosclerosis (1.64) was higher than in the H1 group (1.55), while the AOR of obstructive CAD (2.58) was higher than in the H2 group (2.33). Therefore, our study strongly suggests that coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic adults shows a grade-response relationship according to hypertension grade.

Dual-source computed tomography angiography and intravascular ultrasound assessment of restenosis in patients after coronary stenting for bifurcation left main stenosis: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-source computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) compared to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for the detection of restenosis in patients who underwent coronary stenting for bifurcation left main (LM) stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients underwent percutaneous intervention of the LM and were subsequently examined (median 9.2 months after procedure) using IVUS and CTCA for the detection of restenosis. RESULTS: Significant restenosis was detected according to IVUS examination in 6 patients (25%) and 8 segments (13%). Based on segment analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of CTCA for the detection of restenosis were 89%, 68%, 32%, 97%, respectively. There was moderate to good correlation between the minimal luminal area (MLA), measured by CTCA and IVUS for LM, the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the left circumflex artery (LCx) (r=0.64, p<0.01; r=0.49, p=0.03; r=0.76, p<0.01, respectively). A Bland-Altman analysis showed that the MLAs measured by CTCA were underestimated in all segments (mean difference 1.67 ±2.2 mm(2) for LM; 2.0 ±2.0 mm(2) for LAD; 1.79 ±1.79 mm(2) for LCx). An ROC analysis of the MLAs derived by CTCA for detecting significant stenosis was performed. The area under the curve for all analysed segments was 0.73. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that in patients after LM bifurcation stenting CTCA performs well in the exclusion of in-segment restenosis. However, due to the low positive predictive value of CTCA, the finding of any restenosis should be confirmed by invasive examination.

Long-term positive remodeling of the right coronary artery after reimplantation from the pulmonary artery to the ascending aorta.

A 53-year-old woman, nonsmoking patient, with a history of surgically corrected anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery 17 years prior to admission, presented to our department complaining of mild, left-sided exertional chest pain for the past 3 months. She underwent a computed tomography examination of the heart and coronary angiography revealing postsurgical changes to the coronary vasculature and severe stenosis of the left circumflex artery, which was successfully treated by percutaneous stent implantation.

Computed tomography angiography-guided recanalization of saphenous vein graft chronic total occlusion.

Computed tomography (CT) angiography can augment conventional coronary angiography relative to length of vessel occlusion and quality of distal run-off. In this case report we describe the significance of CT angiography in the revascularization decision-making process of a patient following occlusion of both coronary artery bypass grafts.