New Insights and Perspective on Bioprosthetic Valve Fracture From Bench Testing and Computed Tomography Analysis.

Background: Bioprosthetic valve fracture (BVF) during valve-in-valve TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) is a procedural adjunct designed to optimize the expansion of the transcatheter heart valve and reduce patient-prosthesis mismatch by using a high-pressure balloon to intentionally fracture the surgical heart valve (SHV). Methods: We performed bench testing on 15 bioprosthetic SHV to examine the optimal balloon size and pressure for BVF. We assessed morphological changes and expansion of SHV by computed tomography angiography. Successful BVF was defined as balloon waist disappearance on fluoroscopy and/or sudden pressure drop during balloon inflation. Results: Nine valves met the definition of BVF, 3 of which were confirmed by disruption of the stent frame. We classified surgical valves into 3 subsets: 1) fracturable with metal stent frame (MSF), 2) fracturable with polymer stent frame (PSF) and 3) nonfracturable. In general, valves with MSF were fractured using a balloon size = true internal diameter plus 3-5 mm inflated at high pressure (16-20 ATM) whereas valves with PSF could be fractured with a balloon size = true internal diameter plus 3-5 mm and lower balloon pressure (6-14 ATM). Gains in computed tomography angiography derived inflow area after BVF were 12.3% for MSF and 3.6% for PSF SHV. Conclusions: Gains in CT-determined valve area after BVF depend on the physical properties of the SHV, which in turn influences pressure thresholds and balloon sizing strategy for optimal BVF. Elastic recoil of PSF valves limits the gains in inflow area after BVF.

Altered properties of amyloidogenic prion protein in genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with PRNP V180I mutation in response to pentosan polysulfate.

Genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (gCJD) with V180I prion protein gene (PRNP) mutation shows weaker prion protein (PrP) deposition histologically compared with sporadic CJD, and it is more difficult to detect protease-resistant prion protein in immunoblotting. However, we previously reported the autopsy case of a patient with V180I gCJD who was treated with pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS); this case had increased protease-resistant PrP deposition. It has been suggested that PPS might reduce protease-resistant PrP; however, the detailed pharmacological and histopathological effects of PPS in humans remain unknown. We examined autopsied human brain tissue from four cases with V180I gCJD that were added to our archives between 2011 and 2021: two cases treated with PPS and two cases without PPS. We conducted a neuropathological assessment, including immunohistochemistry for PrP. We also performed immunoblotting for PrP on homogenate samples from each brain to detect protease-resistant PrP using both a conventional procedure and size-exclusion gel chromatography for the purification of oligomeric PrP. Both PPS-treated cases showed long survival time over 5 years from onset and increased PrP deposition with a characteristic pattern of coarse granular depositions and congophilic PrP microspheres, whereas the cases without PPS showed around 1-year survival from onset and relatively mild neuronal loss and synaptic PrP deposition. Although cortical gliosis seemed similar among all cases, aquaporin 4-expression as a hallmark of astrocytic function was increased predominantly in PPS cases. Immunoblotting of non-PPS cases revealed protease-resistant PrP in the oligomeric fraction only, whereas the PPS-treated cases showed clear signals using conventional procedures and in the oligomeric fraction. These unique biochemical and histopathological changes may reflect the progression of V180I gCJD and its modification by PPS, suggesting the possible existence of toxic PrP-oligomer in the pathophysiology of V180I gCJD and beneficial effects of PPS toward the aggregation and detoxication of toxic PrP-oligomer.

Edoxaban for 12 Months Versus 3 Months in Patients With Cancer With Isolated Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis (ONCO DVT Study): An Open-Label, Multicenter, Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The optimal duration of anticoagulation therapy for isolated distal deep vein thrombosis in patients with cancer is clinically relevant, but the evidence is lacking. The prolonged anticoagulation therapy could have a potential benefit for prevention of thrombotic events; however, it could also increase the risk of bleeding. METHODS: In a multicenter, open-label, adjudicator-blinded, randomized clinical trial at 60 institutions in Japan, we randomly assigned patients with cancer with isolated distal deep vein thrombosis, in a 1-to-1 ratio, to receive either a 12-month or 3-month edoxaban treatment. The primary end point was a composite of a symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) or VTE-related death at 12 months. The major secondary end point was major bleeding at 12 months, according to the criteria of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. The primary hypothesis was that a 12-month edoxaban treatment was superior to a 3-month edoxaban treatment with respect to the primary end point. RESULTS: From April 2019 through June 2022, 604 patients were randomized, and after excluding 3 patients who withdrew consent, 601 patients were included in the intention-to-treat population: 296 patients in the 12-month edoxaban group and 305 patients in the 3-month edoxaban group. The mean age was 70.8 years, 28% of the patients were men, and 20% of the patients had symptoms of deep vein thrombosis at baseline. The primary end point of a symptomatic recurrent VTE event or VTE-related death occurred in 3 of the 296 patients (1.0%) in the 12-month edoxaban group and in 22 of the 305 patients (7.2%) in the 3-month edoxaban group (odds ratio, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03-0.44). The major secondary end point of major bleeding occurred in 28 of the 296 patients (9.5%) in the 12-month edoxaban group and in 22 of the 305 patients (7.2%) in the 3-month edoxaban group (odds ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.75-2.41). The prespecified subgroups did not affect the estimates on the primary end point. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cancer with isolated distal deep vein thrombosis, 12 months was superior to 3 months for an edoxaban treatment with respect to the composite outcome of a symptomatic recurrent VTE or VTE-related death. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03895502.

Usefulness of combining CISS and digital subtraction angiography in diagnosis of isolated posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissection.

A 63-year-old man was admitted to our stroke center with brain infarction in the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) territory. The initial MRI showed no findings suggestive of arterial dissection, and post-discharge MRI showed no temporal changes. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed vasodilation of the proximal portion of the PICA but it was uncertain whether dissection was present. Discrepancy between the outer contour seen on constructive interference in steady state (CISS) MRI and the inner contour seen on DSA suggested the presence of intramural hematoma. The patient was diagnosed with brain infarction caused by isolated PICA dissection (iPICAD). Imaging evaluation of combined CISS and DSA may be particularly useful for identification of small iPICAD lesions.

Usefulness of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Extracranial Vertebral Artery Dissection.

Extracranial vertebral artery dissection is a cerebrovascular disease that occurs most commonly in young people. A 32-year-old man experienced sudden cervical pain and was diagnosed with left vertebral artery dissection after arterial changes were identified by ultrasonography. The reduction in the size of an intramural hematoma in the left vertebral artery and in the peak systolic velocity were evaluated over time. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and cerebral angiography are generally performed to diagnose and follow-up extracranial vertebral artery dissection; however, carotid ultrasonography has an advantage over these modalities by enabling the simultaneous observation of vascular morphology and hemodynamics.

Deformation of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Prostheses: Implications for Hypoattenuating Leaflet Thickening and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) therapy continues to grow, there have been concerns about the occurrence of hypoattenuating leaflet thickening (HALT), which may affect prosthesis function or durability. This study aimed to examine prosthesis frame factors and correlate their extent to the frequency of HALT and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We prospectively examined 565 patients with cardiac computed tomography screening for HALT at 30 days after balloon-expandable SAPIEN3 and self-expanding EVOLUT TAVR. Deformation of the TAVR prostheses, asymmetric prosthesis leaflet expansion, prosthesis sinus volumes, and commissural alignment were analyzed on the postprocedural computed tomography. For descriptive purposes, an index of prosthesis deformation was calculated, with values >1.00 representing relative midsegment underexpansion. A time-to-event model was performed to evaluate the association of HALT with the clinical outcome. RESULTS: Overall, HALT was present in 21% of SAPIEN3 patients and in 16% of EVOLUT patients at 30 days after TAVR. The occurrence of HALT was directly associated with greater prosthesis frame deformation (P<0.001), worse asymmetry of the leaflets (P<0.001), and smaller TAVR neosinus volumes (P<0.001). These relations were present in both prosthetic types and in all of their size ranges (all P<0.05). In multivariable analyses that include clinical variables previously associated with HALT (eg, anticoagulant therapy), variables of TAVR prosthesis deformation remained predictive of HALT. Although HALT was not associated with changes in prosthetic hemodynamics, its presence was associated with the risk of mortality at 1 year, with respect to greater incidences of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.98 [95% CI, 1.57-5.63]; P=0.001), cardiac death (hazard ratio, 4.58 [95% CI, 1.81-11.6]; P=0.001), and a composite outcome of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.14-3.30]; P=0.02) with adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Nonuniform expansion of TAVR prostheses resulting in frame deformation, asymmetric leaflet, and smaller neosinus volume is related to occurrence of HALT in patients who undergo TAVR. These data may have implications for both prosthesis valve design and deployment techniques to improve clinical outcomes for these patients.

Association of Left Ventricular Remodeling Assessment by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance With Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Aortic Regurgitation.

Importance: Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) causes left ventricular (LV) volume overload, which results in progressive LV remodeling negatively affecting outcomes. Whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) volumetric quantification can provide incremental risk stratification over standard clinical and echocardiographic evaluation in patients with chronic moderate or severe AR is unknown. Objective: To compare LV remodeling measurements by CMR and echocardiography between patients with and without heart failure symptoms and to verify the association of remodeling measurements of patients with chronic moderate or severe AR but no or minimal symptoms with clinical outcomes receiving medical management. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with at least moderate chronic native AR evaluated by 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and CMR examination within 90 days from each other between January 2012 and February 2020 at Allina Health System. Data were analyzed from June 2021 to January 2022. Exposures: Clinical evaluation and risk stratification by CMR. Main Outcomes and Measures: The end point was a composite of death, heart failure hospitalization, or progression of New York Heart Association functional class while receiving medical management, censoring patients at the time of aortic valve replacement (when performed) or at the end of follow-up. Results: Of the 178 included patients, 119 (66.9%) were male, 158 (88.8%) presented with no or minimal symptoms (New York Heart Association class I or II), and the median (IQR) age was 58 (44-69) years. Compared with patients with no or minimal symptoms, symptomatic patients had greater LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) by CMR (median [IQR], 66 [46-85] mL/m2 vs 42 [30-58] mL/m2; P < .001), while there were no significant differences by echocardiography (LVESVi: median [IQR], 38 [30-58] mL/m2 vs 27 [20-42] mL/m2; P = .07; LV end-systolic diameter index: median [IQR], 21 [17-25] mm/m2 vs 18 [15-22] mm/m2; P = .17). During the median (IQR) follow-up of 3.3 (1.6-5.8) years, 50 patients with no or minimal symptoms receiving medical management developed the composite end point, which, in multivariate analysis adjusted for age and EuroSCORE II, was independently associated with LVESVi of 45 mL/m2 or greater and aortic regurgitant fraction of 32% or greater, the latter adding incremental prognostic value to CMR volumetric assessment. Conclusions and Relevance: In patients with chronic moderate or severe AR, patients presenting with heart failure symptoms have greater LVESVi by CMR than those with no or minimal symptoms. In patients with no or minimal symptoms, CMR quantification of LVESVi and AR severity may identify those at risk of death or incident heart failure and therefore should be considered in the clinical evaluation and decision-making of these patients.

Coaptation Reserve Predicts Optimal Reduction in Mitral Regurgitation and Long-Term Survival With Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair.

BACKGROUND: Although transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is effective and safe, there is a need for better prediction of optimal outcomes. We aimed to determine predictors of optimal reduction in mitral regurgitation (MR) and survival with TEER. METHODS: We examined mitral anatomy and its change with TEER on outcomes in 183 patients (age, 82 [77-87] years; 53% women). Coaptation reserve was measured as the distance of continuous apposition of the A2 and P2 leaflet segments in 2-dimensional apical long-axis imaging at the site of the predominant jet of MR. Augmentation in coaptation was measured as the total amount of leaflet insertion. Addressable coaptation area was calculated using the physical boundaries of the TEER device. RESULTS: Coaptation reserve, its augmentation, and addressable coaptation area were strong predictors of MR reduction (all P<0.001), as well as heart failure hospitalization and death. For patients with either mild or no residual MR, median values for coaptation reserve, its augmentation, and addressable coaptation area were 3.7 (2.8-4.5) mm, 7.3 (5.2-9.5) mm, and 59.0 (48.0-71.8) mm2, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analyses determined the best values for optimal MR reduction as a coaptation reserve of >3.0 mm (P<0.001), addressable coaptation area of ≥52 mm2 (P<0.001), and coaptation augmentation of ≥4.7 mm (P<0.001). These values were associated with greater 2-year survival free of all-cause mortality and persisting even in analyses restricted to those with mild or no residual MR after TEER. CONCLUSIONS: Coaptation reserve and its augmentation are simple, independent parameters that predict optimal MR reduction and better survival in patients undergoing TEER. These findings may have implications for patient selection and expanded use of the therapy.

Clinical Impact of Hypoattenuating Leaflet Thickening After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT), identified on functional cardiac computed tomography (CTA), can affect valve function and clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of HALT on clinical outcomes in patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: In July 2015, Minneapolis Heart Institute implemented prospective screening of HALT at 30-day post-TAVR with CTA. Patients with evidence of HALT were recommended to initiate anticoagulation for 3 to 6 months with warfarin. Echocardiographic, ischemic, and bleeding outcomes were compared between HALT+ and HALT- patients. Survival rates were compared between HALT+ and HALT- patients using log-rank test, with Cox regression analysis used to identify variables independently associated with long-term death landmarked at time of CTA. This analysis included patients treated from July 1, 2015 to October 31, 2019. RESULTS: Of 856 patients undergoing TAVR during the study period, 638 (75%) underwent CTA post-TAVR (median time 31 [30-37] days). HALT+ was evident in 79 (12.3%). HALT+ patients were more likely prescribed warfarin at 1, 3, and 12 months (all P<0.001) and had similar gradients compared with HALT- patients. After a median follow-up of 2.2 years (1.5-3.2), HALT+ patients had increased mortality (30% versus 20%; P=0.001). In Cox regression analysis, presence of HALT (hazard ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.13-2.97]; P=0.014) remained independently associated with long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In a large, real-world cohort of patients receiving TAVR followed by systematic screening with CTA 30-days post-procedure, HALT was found in 12% of patients and independently associated with long-term mortality. Findings of this nonrandomized, observational cohort study require independent validation.

Association of baseline and change in global longitudinal strain by computed tomography with post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement outcomes.

AIMS: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedural planning requires computed tomography angiography (CTA) which allows for the assessment of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (CTA-LVGLS). There is, however, limited data on the feasibility of CTA-LVGLS, and its prognostic value. This study sought to evaluate the incremental prognostic value of baseline CTA-LVGLS, change in CTA-LVGLS after TAVR, and their association with post-TAVR outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 431 patients who underwent multiphasic gated CTA using dual-source system for TAVR planning at baseline and 1-month follow-up were included [median (interquartile range) age, 83 (77-87) years; 44% female, STS-PROM score: 3.3 (2.3-5.1)%, Echo-left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): 60 (55-65)%, CTA-LVGLS: -18.0 (-21.6 to -14.2)%, feasible in 97% of patients]. CTA-LVGLS was measured using dedicated feature-tracking software. Over a median follow-up of 19 (13-27) months, 99 endpoints of all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization occurred. The relative hazard of the endpoint increased as baseline CTA-LVGLS worsened with -18.2% as the threshold for higher events (P = 0.005). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, CTA-LVGLS remained associated with the endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval, CI), 1.08 (1.03-1.14); P = 0.005] and incrementally improved prognostication (C-index difference, 0.026). Although CTA-LVGLS improved after TAVR [-18.3 (-21.6 to -14.3)% vs. -18.7 (-21.9 to -15.4)%, P < 0.001], patients without CTA-LVGLS improvement had higher risk of the endpoint than those with improvement or preserved baseline global longitudinal strain [HR (95% CI), 1.92 (1.19-3.12); P = 0.008]. CONCLUSIONS: In this predominantly low-risk TAVR cohort of patients, mostly with normal LVEF, assessment of CTA-LVGLS is highly feasible improving risk stratification by providing independent and incremental prognostic value over clinical and echocardiographic characteristics.

Cardiac Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Tricuspid Valve: Preprocedural Planning and Postprocedural Follow-up.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions (TTVIs) are rapidly growing as a less invasive treatment of high surgical risk patients with advanced TR. A comprehensive anatomic and functional assessment of the tricuspid valve and right-sided chambers is essential for candidate selection and procedural planning. Advanced imaging with cardiac computed tomography (CCT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can provide accurate anatomic and functional assessment of the tricuspid valve, its apparatus, and the right-sided chambers. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the emerging role of CCT and CMR for TR patient evaluation, TTVI planning, and follow-up.

Right ventricular dysfunction by computed tomography associates with outcomes in severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Although cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) assessment of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is feasible, the incremental prognostic value remains uncertain in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) evaluation. This study sought to determine the incremental clinical utility of RVD identification by CCTA while accounting for clinical and echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: Patients who underwent multiphasic ECG-gated functional CCTA using dual-source system for routine TAVR planning were evaluated. Biphasic contrast protocol injection allowed for biventricular contrast enhancement. CCTA-based RVD was defined as right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) â€‹< â€‹50%. The association of CCTA-RVD with all-cause mortality and the composite outcome of death or heart failure hospitalization after TAVR was evaluated and examined for its incremental utility beyond clinical risk assessment and echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: A total of 502 patients were included (median [IQR] age, 82 [77 to 87] years; 56% men) with a median follow-up of 22 [16 to 32] months. Importantly, 126 (25%) patients were identified as having RVD by CCTA that was not identified by echocardiography. CCTA-defined RVD predicted death and the composite outcome in both univariate analyses (HR for mortality, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.44-3.22; p â€‹< â€‹0.001; HR for composite outcome, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.48-3.01; p â€‹< â€‹0.001) and in multivariate models that included clinical risk factors and echocardiographic findings (HR for mortality, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.11-2.74; p â€‹= â€‹0.02; HR for composite outcome, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.09-2.44; p â€‹= â€‹0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Functional CCTA assessment pre-TAVR correctly identified 25% of patients with RVD that was not evident on 2D echocardiography. The presence of RVD on CCTA independently associates with clinical outcomes post-TAVR.

Computed Tomography Planning for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement.

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is a rapidly evolving treatment for mitral regurgitation. As with transcatheter aortic valve replacement, multidetector computed tomography analysis plays a central role in defining the candidacy, device selection and safety for TMVR procedures. This contemporary review will describe in detail the multidetector computed tomography data collection, analysis, and planning for TMVR procedures in patients with native mitral regurgitation as well as in those with failed surgical prosthetic mitral valve replacement or surgical mitral valve repair.

Primary Nondural Central Nervous System Marginal ZoneB-Cell Lymphoma of the Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Type Mimicking CNS Inflammatory Diseases.

Marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (MZBCLs) are non-Hodgkin lymphomas arising from postgerminal center marginal zone B cells. MZBCLs are subclassified into extranodal, nodal, and splenic MZBCLs. Primary nondural central nervous system (CNS) MZBCLs of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type are among the extranodal examples. Their clinicopathological features are not well characterized. Therefore, the clinicopathological features of 8 primary nondural CNS MZBCLs of the MALT type were assessed to establish their pathological diagnostic criteria. Histologically, all cases of primary nondural CNS MZBCLs of the MALT type showed perivascular expansive monotonous proliferation of small atypical B lymphoid cells with plasma cell differentiation, low Ki-67 labeling index, and minimal invasion from the perivascular space. In addition, no vascular changes such as glomeruloid changes, obliterative fibrointimal proliferation, and intramural lymphocytic infiltration were seen. These key histological characteristics should be considered when diagnosing cases that are suspected to be primary nondural CNS MZBCLs of the MALT type. Additionally, regarding PCR for the detection of immunoglobulin heavy variable gene and T-cell receptor γ gene rearrangements, the former is detected, but the latter is not detected in all cases. Therefore, PCR detection including sequence analysis should be added when diagnosing difficult cases based on the key histological characteristics.

Left Atrial Appendage Flow Velocity and Multiple Infarcts in Cryptogenic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: To validate the hypothesis that cryptogenic stroke with multiple infarcts included embolic stroke due to left atrial appendage (LAA) dysfunction, the present retrospective observational study was aimed to clarify the association between LAA flow velocity (LAA-FV) and multiple infarcts in patients with cryptogenic stroke. METHODS: From consecutive patients with cryptogenic stroke admitted to our hospital within 7 days after onset, patients without brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on admission or without transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during acute hospitalization were excluded, and the remaining patients were enrolled. Multiplicity of fresh infarcts was assessed using diffusion-weighted images from brain MRI. LAA-FV was defined as LAA peak emptying flow velocity on TEE. RESULTS: Of 786 enrolled patients, 522 patients (66%) had a single infarct, and the remaining 264 patients (34%) had multiple infarcts. The percentage of multiple infarcts decreased with increasing quartiles of LAA-FV (p for trend <0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for multiple infarcts decreased with increasing quartiles of LAA-FV (adjusted odds ratio in the fourth quartile, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.60; compared with the first quartile). LAA-FV as a continuous variable was negatively associated with multiple infarcts (adjusted odds ratio per 10 cm/s, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced LAA-FV on TEE was associated with multiple infarcts in patients with cryptogenic stroke. The present findings indicate that cryptogenic stroke with multiple infarcts includes embolic stroke due to LAA dysfunction.

Prosthesis-patient mismatch defined by cardiac computed tomography versus echocardiography after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUNDS: Evaluation of prosthesis-patient mismatch (P-PM) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has provided conflicting results regarding its impact on outcomes. Whether post-TAVR computed tomography angiography (CTA) evaluation of P-PM can improve our understanding is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the inter-modality (TTE vs. CTA) agreement, inter-valve platform (balloon-expanding valve [BEV] vs. self-expandable valve [SEV]) differences in P-PM severity, and outcomes related to P-PM after TAVR. METHODS: We analyzed patients with both CTA and TTE before and after TAVR. Indexed effective orifice area was calculated using two methods: TTE-derived left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area from measured diameter and post-TAVR CTA-measured area. Body size specific cut-offs for P-PM severity were used: for body mass index (BMI) â€‹< â€‹30 â€‹kg/m2, moderate â€‹= â€‹0.66-0.85 â€‹cm2/m2 and severe≤0.65 â€‹cm2/m2; for BMI ≥30 â€‹kg/m2, moderate â€‹= â€‹0.56-0.70 â€‹cm2/m2 and severe≤0.55 â€‹cm2/m2. RESULTS: A total of 447 patients were included (median age, 83 years; 54% male). The prevalence of P-PM (moderate or severe) was lower with CTA vs. TTE (3.5% vs. 19.5%, p â€‹< â€‹0.001). The prevalence of P-PM measured by TTE was more common in BEV compared to SEV (p â€‹= â€‹0.002), while CTA assessment showed no difference in P-PM incidence and severity between TAVR platforms (p â€‹= â€‹0.40). In multivariable analysis, CTA-defined but not TTE-defined P-PM was associated with mortality after TAVR (HR:3.97; 95%CI,1.55-10.2; p â€‹= â€‹0.004). Both CTA-defined and TTE-defined P-PM were associated with the composite of death and heart failure rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: Although post-TAVR CTA substantially downgraded the prevalence of P-PM compared to TTE, it identified a subset of patients with clinically relevant P-PM which associated with outcomes.

Natural history observations in moderate aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The natural history of patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) is poorly understood. We aimed to determine the long-term outcomes of patients with moderate AS. METHODS: We examined patients with moderate AS defined by echocardiography in our healthcare system, and performed survival analyses for occurrence of death, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and progression of AS, with accounting for symptoms, left ventricular dysfunction, and comorbidities. RESULTS: We examined 729 patients with moderate AS (median age, 76 years; 59.9 % men) with a median follow-up of 5.0 years (interquartile range: 2.0 to 8.1 years). The 5-year overall survival was 52.3 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 48.6 % to 56.0 %) and survival free of death or HF hospitalization was 43.2 % (95 % CI: 39.5 % to 46.9 %). Worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was associated with poor long-term survival, with mortality rates ranging from 7.9 % (95 % CI: 6.6-9.2 %) to 25.2 % (95 % CI: 20.2-30.3 %) per year. Among patients with minimal or no symptoms, no futility markers, and preserved left ventricular function, 5-year overall survival was 71.9 % (95 % CI: 66.4-77.4 %) and survival free of death or HF hospitalization was 61.4 % (95 % CI: 55.5-67.3 %). Risk factors associated with adverse events were age, NYHA class, low ejection fraction and high aortic valve velocity (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with moderate AS are at significant risk of death. Our findings highlight the need for more study into appropriate therapeutic interventions to improve the prognosis of these patients.