Prognosis of Paradoxical Low-Flow Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis: A Severe, Non-critical Form, With Surgical Treatment Benefits.

Objectives: To determine the risk of mortality and need for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with low-flow low-gradient (LFLG) aortic stenosis (AS). Methods: A longitudinal multicentre study including consecutive patients with severe AS (aortic valve area [AVA] < 1.0 cm2) and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients were classified as: high-gradient (HG, mean gradient ≥ 40 mmHg), normal-flow low-gradient (NFLG, mean gradient < 40 mmHg, indexed systolic volume (SVi) > 35 ml/m2) and LFLG (mean gradient < 40 mmHg, SVi ≤ 35 ml/m2). Results: Of 1,391 patients, 147 (10.5%) had LFLG, 752 (54.1%) HG, and 492 (35.4%) NFLG. Echocardiographic parameters of the LFLG group showed similar AVA to the HG group but with less severity in the dimensionless index, calcification, and hypertrophy. The HG group required AVR earlier than NFLG (p < 0.001) and LFLG (p < 0.001), with no differences between LFLG and NFLG groups (p = 0.358). Overall mortality was 27.7% (CI 95% 25.3-30.1) with no differences among groups (p = 0.319). The impact of AVR in terms of overall mortality reduction was observed the most in patients with HG (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.12-0.23; p < 0.001), followed by patients with LFLG (HR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.13-0.49; p < 0.001), and finally patients with NFLG (HR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.20-0.44; p < 0.001), with a risk reduction of 84, 75, and 71%, respectively. Conclusions: Paradoxical LFLG AS affects 10.5% of severe AS, and has a lower need for AVR than the HG group and similar to the NFLG group, with no differences in mortality. AVR had a lower impact on LFLG AS compared with HG AS. Therefore, the findings of the present study showed LFLG AS to have an intermediate clinical risk profile between the HG and NFHG groups.

Takotsubo syndrome during surgery for pheochromocytoma: an unexpected complication.

Takotsubo syndrome is a rare cause of systolic dysfunction and can be found as a clinical manifestation of pheochromocytoma. We present a case of rapid onset of systolic dysfunction with cardiogenic shock, which developed after the surgical excision of an adrenal gland tumor in a 60-year-old male. Coronary angiography excluded coronary artery disease. The echocardiography and ventriculography images suggested Takotsubo cardiomyopathy pattern. Following 2 weeks of inotropic and vasopressor therapy, the left ventricular function gradually improved, until complete resolution.

Changes in mitral valve geometry after percutaneous valve repair with the MitraClip® System.

The aim of our study was to assess the anatomical changes of the mitral valve apparatus after percutaneous repair with the MitraClip® system. We included consecutive patients who underwent MitraClip® implantation in our center. Patients were assessed by 2- and 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, acquired before and immediately after MitraClip® implantation. Off-line images analysis was performed to assess mitral annular diameters (antero-posterior and inter-commisural), area and circumference. Mitral tenting distance, area and volume were evaluated for functional mitral regurgitation. Patients had a 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography at follow-up (8 months). 38 patients with successful results (residual mitral regurgitation grade ≤ II) were included. The anteroposterior annulus diameter (ADP) decreased (from 35 ± 5 to 28 ± 5 mm, p < 0.001) with smaller decreases in the annular area and circumference and in the inter-commissural diameter. Annular ellipticity improved. The reduction in APD and tenting distance was sustained at follow-up. Successful percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip® system induces a stable change in mitral valve geometry mainly at the ADP, suggesting a significant annuloplasty that contributes to the reduction of mitral regurgitation.

A comprehensive echocardiographic study of the right ventricular systolic function in pregnant women with inherited thrombophilia.

Impact of the gestational changes on cardiac contractility is not clearly defined. Our aim was to evaluate subtle changes of the right ventricular systolic function during pregnancy, assessed by new echocardiographic techniques, in a population tested for inherited thrombophilia. 87 pregnant women, with a mean age of 32 ± 4 years, genetically tested for inherited thrombophilia (22 with high-risk inherited thrombophilia and 65 control group) were included. All participants had four echocardiographic assessments, three during pregnancy (one in each trimester) and the forth at 6 months after giving birth. The right ventricular (RV) systolic function was assessed by fractional area change, ejection fraction (EF) by 3D echocardiography, tricuspid annular velocity by tissue Doppler, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and strain by speckle tracking. Pulmonary artery pressure was estimated using the pressure gradient between right atrium and RV. Parameters of RV systolic function, at visits 2-4, had lower values compared with the first visit and were significantly lower in the high-risk thrombophilia group. Tricuspid regurgitation and pressure gradient between the right atrium and the RV had a significant increase during pregnancy for all subjects. At visit 1, there were no differences between groups, but at the next three visits there were higher values of the gradient in the high-risk thrombophilia group. High-risk inherited thrombophilia impacts the RV contractility, with higher pulmonary artery pressure. Further studies are needed to assess long-term impact on RV of high-risk inherited thrombophilia.

Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Pregnant Women with Inherited Thrombophilia.

Objectives:The impact of the gestational changes on left ventricular contractility is not clearly defined. Our aim was to evaluate the subtle changes of left ventricular systolic function during pregnancy, assessed by new echocardiographic techniques, in a population tested for inherited thrombophilia. Material and methods:Eighty seven consecutive pregnant women, with a mean age of 32±4 years, genetically tested for inherited thrombophilia (22 with thrombophilic mutations and risk of thrombosis and 65 without significant mutations, considered as the control group) were included. All participants had four clinical and echocardiographyc visits: three during pregnancy (one in each trimester) and the forth six months after giving birth. Left ventricular (LV) systolic function was assessed from ejection fraction (EF) by 2D and 3D echocardiography, mitral annular velocities by tissue Doppler, and strain rate by 2D speckle tracking. Outcomes:There were no differences between groups for any of the echo parameters at each of the four visits. Comparing the third visit with the first one, all parameters of LV systolic function had significantly lower values at the end of pregnancy; EF decreased from 58% to 55% (2D echo), from 60% to 56% (3D TomTec), and from 58% to 55% (Auto4DLVQ), with p<0.001 for all three methods. Moreover, strain assessed by speckle traking decreased during pregnancy, with no differences between groups. In addition to this, mitral annular velocities obtained by tissue Doppler assessment decreased during the gestational period, with no differences between groups. At six months after giving birth, all values were normalized. Conclusion:During pregnancy, LV contractility has a slight decrease, with no criteria of systolic dysfunction. Thrombophilic mutations, with correct anticoagulant treatment, has no impact on LV systolic function.

Therapeutic Implications of Inherited Thrombophilia in Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Inherited (hereditary) thrombophilia is a genetic disorder that affects coagulation, being responsible for more than 60% of idiopathic (spontaneous or unprovoked) thromboembolic events. Association of inherited thrombophilia with pregnancy increases the risk of thromboembolic disease, and it may be related to many complications, such as preeclampsia, recurrent miscarriage intrauterine growth restriction, early detachment of placenta, and prematurity. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY: Interpretation of a positive test for thrombophilia in pregnant women is difficult because they have many natural changes in the coagulation system. Genetic diagnosis of thrombophilia, after a thrombotic event or during a pregnancy complication, has a major importance, not only to define its etiology but also to determine the duration of anticoagulant treatment and risk stratification for prophylaxis treatment. DATA SOURCES: Literature search was performed using electronic database (PubMed) between April 1981 and November 2018. We used different keywords and MeSH terms to generate the most relevant results related to the inherited thrombophilia and its impact on pregnancy. RESULTS: Screening for inherited thrombophilia in young women is recommended in case of personal history of venous thromboembolism, first-degree relatives with a history of high-risk thrombophilia, or personal history of second-trimester miscarriage. Decision to recommend thromboprophylaxis with anticoagulant treatment in pregnant women with inherited thrombophilia is determined by history of venous thromboembolism, type and associated risk of inherited thrombophilia, and presence of additional risk factors. Low-molecular-weight heparins are the preferred agents for prophylaxis in pregnancy, while the doses vary depending on thrombophilia type, personal history, and associated risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Association between 2 procoagulant conditions, inherited thrombophilia and pregnancy, has an important impact for the mother and fetus. This review will summarize the impact of each inherited prothrombotic factor on cardiovascular and pregnancy outcomes and will discuss the role of anticoagulation treatment for women diagnosed with inherited thrombophilia.