Waist-To-Hip Ratio Predicts Abnormal Overnight Oximetry in Men Independent of Body Mass Index.

Background: Ambulatory overnight oximetry (OXI) has emerged as a cost-effective initial test for sleep disordered breathing. Obesity is closely associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, whether body mass index (BMI) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) predicts abnormal overnight OXI remains unknown. Methods: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 393 men seen in the Executive Health Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota who underwent ambulatory overnight OXI ordered by preventive medicine physicians between January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2010. We compared participant/spouse-reported symptoms (sleepiness, snoring), physician indications for OXI (obesity, fatigue), Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, anthropomorphic measurements (WHR, BMI), and comorbid medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes) with OXI results. Results: 295 of the 393 men who completed OXI had abnormal results. During multivariate analysis, the strongest independent predictor of abnormal OXI for men was WHR (≥1.0, OR = 5.59) followed by BMI (≥30.0 kg/m2, OR = 2.75), age (≥55 yrs, OR = 2.06), and the presence of snoring (OR = 1.91, P < 0.05 for all). A strong association was observed between WHR and abnormal OXI in obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2, OR = 6.28) and non-obese (BMI < 29.9 kg/m2, OR = 6.42, P < 0.01 for both) men. Furthermore, 88 men with abnormal OXI underwent polysomnography with 91% being subsequently diagnosed with OSA. Conclusions: In ambulatory, predominantly middle-aged men undergoing preventive services evaluation many physician indications for OXI were not predictors of abnormal results; however, WHR strongly predicted abnormal OXI in obese and non-obese men. As such, we suggest middle-aged men who snore and have a WHR ≥1.0 should be directly referred to a sleep clinic for polysomnography.

Ventricular strain analysis in patients with no structural heart disease using a vendor-independent speckle-tracking software.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular strain measurements vary depending on cardiac chamber (left ventricle [LV] or right ventricle [RV]), type of strain (longitudinal, circumferential, or radial), ventricular level (basal, mid, or apical), myocardial layer (endocardial or epicardial), and software used for analysis, among other demographic factors such as age and gender. Here, we present an analysis of ventricular strain taking all of these variables into account in a cohort of patients with no structural heart disease using a vendor-independent speckle-tracking software. METHODS: LV and RV full-thickness strain parameters were retrospectively measured in 102 patients (mean age 39 ± 15 years; 62% female). Within this cohort, we performed further layer-specific strain analysis in 20 subjects. Data were analyzed for global and segmental systolic strain, systolic strain rate, early diastolic strain rate, and their respective time-to-peak values. RESULTS: Mean LV global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain values for the entire cohort were - 18.4 ± 2.0%, - 22.1 ± 4.1%, and 43.9 ± 12.1% respectively, while mean RV global and free wall longitudinal strain values were - 24.2 ± 3.9% and - 26.1 ± 5.2% respectively. Women on average demonstrated higher longitudinal and circumferential strain and strain rate than men, and longer corresponding time-to-peak values. Longitudinal strain measurements were highest at the apex compared with the mid ventricle and base, and in the endocardium compared with the epicardium. Longitudinal strain was the most reproducible measure, followed closely by circumferential strain, while radial strain showed suboptimal reproducibility. CONCLUSIONS: We present an analysis of ventricular strain in patients with no structural heart disease using a vendor-independent speckle-tracking software.

Identifying High-Cost Medicare Beneficiaries: Impact of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage.

The objective of this observational longitudinal study of Maryland fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries (2015-2016) was to investigate whether using data on neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage in addition to individual clinical risk data improves identification of high-cost Medicare beneficiaries. Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage is measured using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a validated composite measure based on publically-available US census data (2011-2015) for Maryland census block groups. Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) score, health care utilization, and spending were obtained from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Chronic Condition Warehouse beneficiary file and Part A and Part B claims data (2015). Total cost of care (TCOC) was calculated for 2016. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the relationship of residency in neighborhoods with high ADI and subsequent year health care spending. Among 615,637 Maryland Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, those living in neighborhoods with the greatest disadvantage vs. the least disadvantage incur significantly greater costs in the subsequent year (ADI Quintile 5 $12,439 versus Quintile 1 $8920, P < .001). Clinical risk exacerbates this disparity. Among beneficiaries in the highest HCC score quintile, costs are 27% ($5458, P < .001) higher among beneficiaries in the highest compared with the lowest ADI quintiles without risk adjustment and 24% ($4599, P < .001) higher with risk adjustment. Several sensitivity analyses found the relationship between ADI and TCOC robust. Association between neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and health care cost is most pronounced among the most clinically complex Maryland Medicare beneficiaries. Using ADI in combination with HCC score may facilitate more precise targeting of care management resources.

MRI - ultrasound fusion guided biopsy of the prostate: lesion volume as a predictor of cancer in patients with repeat biopsies.

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to analyze the diagnostic value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prostate lesion volume (PLV) and its correlation with the subsequent MRI-ultrasound (MRI-US) fusion biopsy results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2014 and July 2016, 150 men underwent MRI-US fusion biopsies at our institution. All suspicious prostate lesions were graded according to the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) and their volumes were measured. These lesions were subsequently biopsied. All data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The PLV of all suspicious lesions was correlated with the presence of cancer on the final MRI-US fusion biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. RESULTS: There were 206 suspicious lesions identified in 150 men. The overall cancer detection rate was 102/206 (49.5%). The mean PLV for benign lesions was 0.63 ± 0.94 cm3 versus 1.44 ± 1.76 cm3 for cancerous lesions (P < 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference between the PLV of PIRADS 5 lesions when compared to PIRADS 4, 3, and 2 lesions (P < 0.0001, < 0.0001, and 0.006, respectively). The area under the curve for volume in predicting prostate cancer (PCa) was 0.66. The optimal volume for predicting PCa was 0.26 cm3 with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 80.7%, 42.7%, 41.2%, and 74.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PLV may serve as a useful measure to triage patients prior to MRI-US fusion biopsy and help better understand the limits of this technology for individual patients.

Right and left ventricular interaction in pulmonary hypertension: Insight from velocity vector imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether global peak systolic strain (PSS) and peak systolic strain rate (PSSR) derived from velocity vector imaging (VVI) allow early recognition of regional and global right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and the impact of this on left ventricular (LV) function in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT). BACKGROUND: RV function is an important determinant of prognosis in patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, heart transplant, and congenital heart diseases. However, evaluation of the right ventricle is often limited by its complex geometry and inadequate visualization of RV free wall. Furthermore, the impact of RV dysfunction on the LV function is not well elucidated. METHODS: Ninety-nine participants, 35 control patients with normal RV systolic pressure (RVSP) (<30 mm Hg) and 64 patients with PHT (25 with mild-to-moderate increase in RVSP [≥36 and <60 mm Hg] and 39 with severe increase in RVSP [≥60 mm Hg]), underwent comprehensive echo-Doppler assessment and velocity vector imaging (VVI) for strain rate analysis. RV regional peak systolic and diastolic tangential velocity, strain, and strain rate were obtained from the basal, mid and apical segments of the RV free wall and interventricular septum (IVS) from apical 4-chamber view at end-expiration. Similar data were obtained from eighteen LV segments from apical 4-chamber, 2-chamber, and long-axis views. RESULTS: Peak systolic strain, strain rate, and tangential velocity at all segments in the RV free wall and IVS were decreased compared to controls in patients with PHT (P < 0.001). Significant correlation (r > 0.60; P < 0.001) was noted between RVSP and systolic and diastolic strain and strain rate at basal segment in IVS and global RV function. Peak early diastolic strain rate at all segments was also decreased in PHT patients compared with control patients (P < 0.01). Furthermore, RV systolic and diastolic strain and strain rate were lower in group 2 with mild-to-moderate hypertension while the conventional echo parameters were normal. Except for IVS segments, other LV segments had no statistical differences in systolic and diastolic velocity, strain, and strain rate compared to controls. However, they were lower than the published normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Strain and strain rate derived from VVI demonstrates early recognition of systolic and diastolic RV dysfunction in patients with PHT compared to controls. PHT is associated with global and regional RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Systolic and diastolic strain and strain rate from LV was lower compared to controls but were not statistically significant. This may indicate subclinical LV dysfunction in these patients, suggesting that conventional LV function parameters may not be sensitive to recognize subclinical LV dysfunction.

Stress Management and Resilience Intervention in a Women's Heart Clinic: A Pilot Study.

Background: In general, women report higher stress levels than men. High baseline anxiety, depression, and stress levels are associated with greater risk of cardiovascular diseases. Current evidence for efficacy of stress management interventions for women is limited. This study aimed at assessing the effect of a stress management and resiliency training (SMART) program for decreasing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Methods: Fifty moderately or severely stressed Women's Heart/Preventive Cardiology Clinic patients consented to the SMART intervention delivered online (n = 36) or in-person (n = 9). Primary outcome measures were the observed changes between baseline and at 12 weeks for the following psychometric tools: General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ-9), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Brief Resiliency Scale (BRS). Results: Forty-five patients completed the study. We observed significant improvements in PSS and GAD-7, but not in PHQ-9 or BRS, after the SMART intervention. When assessing outcomes among those with depressive symptoms at baseline (PHQ-9 > 15), we observed significant changes in PSS, GAD-7, and PHQ-9. No differences between online and in-person program delivery methods were found (all p-values >0.05). Conclusions: Training exposure using the SMART program to decrease stress and anxiety in women seeking preventive cardiology services was feasible and similarly effective, whether delivered online or in a single in-person session. Impacts on depression and resilience likely require a more intensive approach. In the future, larger randomized clinical trials with additional training and longer follow-up are warranted.

QT prolongation and sudden cardiac death risk in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Risk assessment for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains complex. The goal of this study was to assess electrocardiogram (ECG)-derived risk factors on SCD in a large HCM population Methods: Retrospective review of adults with HCM evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN from 1 December 2002 to 31 December 2012 was performed. Data inclusive of ECG and 24-hour ambulatory Holter monitor were assessed. SCD events were documented by ventricular fibrillation (VF) noted on implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), or appropriate VT or VF-terminating ICD shock. RESULTS: Overall, 1615 patients (mean age 53.7 ± 15.2 years; 943 males, 58.4%) were assessed, with mean follow-up 2.46 years and 110 SCD events. Via logistic regression (n = 820), the odds of SCD increased with increasing number of conventional risk factors. With one risk factor the OR was 4.88 (p < .0001; CI 2.22-10.74), two risk factors the OR was 6.922 (p < .0001; CI 2.94-16.28) and three or more risk factors, the OR was 13.997 (p < .0001; CI 5.649-34.68). Adding QTc > 450 to this logistic regression model had OR 1.722 (p = .04, CI 1.01-2.937) to predict SCD. QTc ≥ 450 was a significant predictor for death (HR 1.88, p = .021, CI 1.10-3.20). There was no correlation between sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, first degree AV block, atrial fibrillation, left bundle branch block, right bundle branch block, premature atrial complexes, premature ventricular complexes, supraventricular tachycardia, PR interval, QRS interval and SCD. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged QTc was a risk factor for SCD and death even when controlling for typical risk factors.

Impact of aortic wall thrombus on late changes in renal function among patients treated by fenestrated-branched endografts.

OBJECTIVE: Renal function deterioration is an important determinant of mortality in patients treated for complex aortic aneurysms. We have previously determined that catheter and guidewire manipulation in diseased aortas during fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR) is associated with risk of renal function deterioration. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of atherothrombotic aortic wall thrombus (AWT) on renal function deterioration among patients treated by F-BEVAR for pararenal and extent IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS: Clinical data of 212 patients treated for complex aortic aneurysms with F-BEVAR were entered into a prospectively maintained database (2007-2015). AWT was evaluated by computed tomography angiography using volumetric measurements in nonaneurysmal aortic segments. AWT was classified as mild, moderate, or severe using objective assessment of the number of affected segments, thrombus type, thickness, area, and circumference. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined using Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage renal disease (RIFLE) criteria, and renal function deterioration was defined by a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >30% from baseline. Patient survival and renal outcomes were assessed at dismissal, at 6 to 8 weeks, at 6 months, and annually, including AKI, serum creatinine concentration, eGFR, chronic kidney disease stage, need for renal replacement therapy, and presence of kidney infarction. RESULTS: There were 169 male (80%) and 43 female (20%) patients with a mean age of 75 ± 7 years. Aneurysm extent was pararenal in 157 patients and extent IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in 55 patients. A total of 700 renal-mesenteric arteries were incorporated (3.1 ± 1 vessels/patient). AWT was classified as mild in 98 patients (46%), moderate in 75 (35%), and severe in 39 (19%). At 30 days, 45 patients (21%) developed AKI. Decline in eGFR and kidney infarction were associated with higher AWT volume index and severe AWT classification (P < .05). There was no association of AWT with 30-day mortality, which was 0.5% for the entire cohort. Mean follow-up was 29 ± 23 months. Freedom from renal function deterioration was 73% ± 6% for mild, 81% ± 6% for moderate, and 66% ± 8% for severe AWT patients at 3 years (P = .012) and 46% ± 9% and 82% ± 4% for those with or without AKI after the initial procedure (P < .001). Overall, 41 patients (19%) had progression of chronic kidney disease stage, but none of the patients required renal replacement therapy. Survival was 73% ± 5% for mild, 72% ± 6% for moderate, and 69% ± 10% for severe AWT patients at 3 years (P = .67). CONCLUSIONS: AWT is a significant predictor of AKI and continued decline in renal function after the initial F-BEVAR procedure. Longer follow-up time is needed to determine the actual impact of AWT on survival.

The Utility of Screening for Coccidioidomycosis in Recipients of Inhibitors of Tumor Necrosis Factor α.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors (TNFi) are commonly used to treat immune-mediated disorders, but they are associated with an increased risk of mycobacterial and fungal infections. We compared the outcomes of TNFi recipients screened for asymptomatic coccidioidomycosis with those of unscreened patients to compare the development of symptomatic coccidioidomycosis and to describe its outcomes for patients with abnormal coccidioidal screenings. METHODS: We searched electronic health records from 4 September 2010 through 26 September 2016 for all patients receiving a TNFi for dermatologic, rheumatologic, or gastroenterologic diagnoses, then categorized patients by whether or not they had undergone coccidioidal serologic testing for screening or diagnostic purposes. RESULTS: A total of 2793 patients had a TNFi prescribed. Of those, 1951 met the inclusion criteria: 1025/1951 (52.5%) never had coccidioidal screening; 925/1951 (47.4%) had serologic screening either before beginning TNFi therapy or annually, or both after beginning a TNFi. Symptomatic coccidioidomycosis developed in 35/1025 (3.4%) unscreened patients. Of those screened, 861/925 (93.1%) had negative serologic tests, of which 11/861 (1.3%) subsequently developed symptomatic coccidioidomycosis; 36/925 (3.9%) had coccidioidomycosis at screening (7, probable infection; 11, possible infection; 18, asymptomatic seropositive result); and 17 had only positive findings for immunoglobulin M antibodies and did not meet the definition for coccidioidomycosis. The unscreened cohort was more likely to have symptomatic coccidioidomycosis than the screened cohort (35/1025 vs 11/861, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Screening for asymptomatic coccidioidomycosis within a Coccidioides-endemic area allowed for identifying and managing asymptomatic coccidioidomycosis before patients began TNFi therapy. Less symptomatic infection developed in the screened than the unscreened cohort.

Comparison of the Utility of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack Stratified by Age Group (<60, 60 to 80, ≥80 Years).

The objective was to study the utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in affecting acute ischemic stroke treatment of older adults (age ≥80 years). Patients hospitalized in January 2010 and February 2015 were included who had TEE ordered as part of their diagnostic workup at a tertiary medical center. We studied 515 hospitalized patients with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack who underwent TEE. The proportion of patients with important TEE findings was 35%. However, TEE changed management in only 2.5% of cases. When anticoagulation for proximal mobile aorta atheroma was excluded, no change in management resulted from TEE for patients older than 80 years. In conclusion, TEE has a low likelihood of a pathologic finding that resulted in a change in treatment strategy, especially in patients ≥80 years of age.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography predicts early subclinical cardiotoxicity associated with anthracycline-trastuzumab chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Combined anthracycline-trastuzumab chemotherapy has been associated with LV dysfunction. We aimed to assess early changes in left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) mechanics associated with combined anthracycline-trastuzumab treatment for breast cancer. As well as explore whether early changes in 2-dimensional (2D)-speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) could predict later chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. METHODS: Sixty-six patients with breast cancer who received anthracycline-trastuzumab treatment were included (mean [±SD] age, 52 [9] years). Echocardiograms were available for analysis with 2D-STE at the following time points: pretreatment (T0), first cycle (T1), and second cycle (T2) of combined chemotherapy. All patients had a normal pretreatment LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Cardiotoxicity was defined as a decrease in LVEF of at least 10 percentage points from baseline on follow-up echocardiography. RESULTS: Cardiotoxicity developed in 13 of the 66 patients (20%). The mean (±SD) LVEF at T0 was 66% (±6); at T1 60% (±7); and at T2, 54% (±6). For the 53 patients without cardiotoxicity, the LVEF was 65% (±4%) at T0, 63% (±5%) at T1, and 62% (±4) at T2. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) at T1 was the strongest indicator of subsequent cardiotoxicity (area under the curve, 0.85; cutoff value, - 14.06; sensitivity, 91%; specificity, 83%; P = .003). Compared with baseline (T0), left ventricular longitudinal strain, LV circumferential strain, circumferential peak systolic strain rate (SR), circumferential peak early diastolic SR, right ventricular longitudinal strain, and longitudinal peak systolic SR at T1 and T2 were reduced significantly in patients with cardiotoxicity (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Anthracycline-trastuzumab treatment leads to early deterioration of LV GLS, circumferential strain, and systolic SR. Right ventricular GLS and SR were also affected. Early changes in GLS are good predictors of subsequent development of anthracycline-trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity.

Improving Value of Care for Older Adults With Advanced Medical Illness and Functional Decline: Cost Analyses of a Home-Based Palliative Care Program.

CONTEXT: Identifying high-value health care delivery for patients with clinically complex and high-cost conditions is important for future reimbursement models. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the Medicare reimbursement savings of an established palliative care homebound program. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study involving 50 participants enrolled in a palliative care homebound program and 95 propensity-matched control patients at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, between September 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. Total Medicare reimbursement was compared in the year before enrollment with the year after enrollment for participants and controls. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in demographic characteristics or prognostic indices between the two groups. Total Medicare reimbursement per program participant the year before program enrollment was $16,429 compared with $14,427 per control patient, resulting in $2004 higher charges per program patient. In 12 months after program enrollment, mean annual payment was $5783 per patient among participants and $22,031 per patient among the matched controls. In the second year, the intervention group had a decrease of $10,646 per patient; the control group had an increase of $7604 per patient. The difference between the participant group and control group was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and favored the palliative care homebound program enrollees by $18,251 (95% CI, $11,268-$25,234). CONCLUSION: The Mayo Clinic Palliative Care Homebound Program reduced annual Medicare expenditures by $18,251 per program participant compared with matched control patients. This supports the role of home-based palliative medicine in delivering high-value care to high-risk older adults.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness (Peak Oxygen Uptake): Safe and Effective Measure for Cardiovascular Screening Before Kidney Transplant.

BACKGROUND: Significant heterogeneity exists in practice patterns and algorithms used for cardiac screening before kidney transplant. Cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), is an established validated predictor of future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in both healthy and diseased populations. The literature supports its use among asymptomatic patients in abrogating the need for further cardiac testing. METHODS AND RESULTS: We outlined a pre-renal transplant screening algorithm to incorporate VO2peak testing among a population of asymptomatic high-risk patients (with diabetes mellitus and/or >50 years of age). Only those with VO2peak <17 mL/kg per minute (equivalent to <5 metabolic equivalents) underwent further noninvasive cardiac screening tests. We conducted a retrospective study of the a priori dichotomization of the VO2peak <17 versus ≥17 mL/kg per minute to determine negative and positive predictive value of future cardiac events and all-cause mortality. We report a high (>90%) negative predictive value, indicating that VO2peak ≥17 mL/kg per minute is effective to rule out future cardiac events and all-cause mortality. However, lower VO2peak had low positive predictive value and should not be used as a reliable metric to predict future cardiac events and/or mortality. In addition, a simple mathematical calculation documented a cost savings of ≈$272 600 in the cardiac screening among our study cohort of 637 patients undergoing evaluation for kidney and/or pancreas transplant. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that incorporating an objective measure of cardiorespiratory fitness with VO2peak is safe and allows for a cost savings in the cardiovascular screening protocol among higher-risk phenotype (with diabetes mellitus and >50 years of age) being evaluated for kidney transplant.

Greater Occipital Nerve Block for Acute Treatment of Migraine Headache: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Greater occipital nerve (GON) blocks are frequently used to treat migraine headaches, although a paucity of supporting clinical evidence exists. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of GON block in acute treatment of migraine headache, with a focus on pain relief. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was undertaken between January 2009 and August 2014 and included patients who underwent at least 1 GON block and attended at least 1 follow-up appointment. Change in the 11-point numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) was used to assess the response to GON block. Response was defined as "minimal" (<30% NPRS point reduction), "moderate" (31-50% NPRS point reduction), or "significant" (>50% NPRS point reduction). RESULTS: A total of 562 patients met inclusion criteria; 423 were women (75%). Mean age was 58.6 ± 16.7 years. Of these 562, 459 patients (82%) rated their response to GON block as moderate or significant. No statistically significant relationship existed between previous treatment regimens and response to GON block. GON block was equally effective across the different age and sex groups. CONCLUSIONS: Greater occipital block seems to be an effective option for acute management of migraine headache, with promising reductions in pain scores.

Left Ventricular Septal Hypertrophy in Elderly Patients With Aortic Stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Left ventricular (LV) septal hypertrophy in aortic stenosis raises diagnostic and therapeutic questions. However, the etiology and clinical consequences of this finding have not been well studied. The aim of this study was to perform a morphologic evaluation of the LV in aortic stenosis and to investigate the contributing factors and consequences of septal hypertrophy. METHODS: Patients with moderate or severe aortic stenosis were prospectively enrolled. Patients with previous myocardial infarction, wall motion abnormalities, at least moderate valvular regurgitation, known cardiomyopathy, an LV ejection fraction of less than 50%, and age younger than 65 years were excluded. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent a final analysis. Septal hypertrophy (LV septal wall thickness ≥15 mm) was confirmed in 21 of 41 patients. The septal hypertrophy group had higher peak aortic valve velocity, a higher diabetes mellitus rate, and a higher rate and longer duration of hypertension than those without septal hypertrophy. The peak aortic valve velocity (odds ratio, 7.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-37.1) and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 7.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-46.2) were the significant factors associated with septal hypertrophy by multivariate analysis. Intraventricular conduction disturbance on electrocardiography was more frequent in the septal hypertrophy group (P = .021). CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular septal hypertrophy was commonly observed in elderly patients with aortic stenosis, and a higher aortic valve velocity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were associated factors. Intraventricular conduction disturbance occurred more often in patients with septal hypertrophy than those without, which implies the pathophysiologic consequence. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of septal hypertrophy and intraventricular conduction disturbance on the prognosis of patients after aortic valve interventions.

Comparison of open surgical techniques for repair of types III and IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare outcomes after repair of type III and type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) by three different open surgical techniques at a tertiary care institution. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent elective repair of type III and type IV TAAAs at our institution between 1999 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups according to surgical technique: clamp and sew (CS), left-sided heart bypass (LHB), and visceral branching (VB) followed by aortic reconstruction. Primary end points were early mortality and complications; secondary end points were need for blood transfusion, duration of operation, and long-term survival. RESULTS: Between 1999 and 2011, there were 121 consecutive patients (83 men, 38 women) with 52 type III and 69 type IV TAAAs who underwent elective repair (CS, 65 patients; LHB, 31 patients; VB, 25 patients). Perioperative spinal drainage was used in 84%. Procedure duration was longest in the VB group (mean, 9.1 hours vs 7.7 hours and 5.7 hours for CS and LHB; P < .001), but transfusion requirement was largest in the LHB group (mean, 3.5 L vs 1.7 L and 2.1 L for CS and VB; P = .015). Mean duration of mesenteric ischemia was significantly shorter in the VB group vs CS and LHB (18 minutes vs 35 minutes for CS and 30 minutes for LHB; P < .0001). Mean intensive care unit and hospital stays were the same (9, 10, and 8 days [P = .82]; 18, 20, and 18 days [P = .76]). Overall 30-day mortality was 6.6%, not different between groups (6%, 10%, and 4%; P = .68). Mean follow-up was 45 ± 42 months, and actuarial overall survival at 3 and 5 years was 70% and 64%, with no difference between groups (P = .36). CONCLUSIONS: For repair of type III and type IV TAAAs, the sequential VB technique has the longest duration, but it has the advantage of the shortest mesenteric and visceral ischemia times without improvement in early outcomes. Irrespective of the techniques used, complications, early mortality, risk of spinal cord injury, and survival were the same.

Divergence in the approach to tumor necrosis factor α-inhibitor recipients with coccidioidomycosis.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor α-inhibitors (TNFIs) have been associated with increased risk of certain fungal infections, including coccidioidomycosis. The optimal treatment approach to coccidioidomycosis in TNFI recipients is unknown. METHODS: We constructed an anonymous, voluntary survey for practicing pulmonary and infectious disease physicians in the state of Arizona regarding approach to TNFI patients with coccidioidomycosis. RESULTS: There is no current consensus on managing these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is necessary to determine the optimal approach to TNFI recipients with coccidioidomycosis.

Acoustically Active Catheter for Intracardiac Navigation by Color Doppler Ultrasonography.

Navigation of intracardiac catheters by echocardiography is challenging because of the fundamental limitations of B-mode ultrasonography. We describe a catheter fitted with a piezoelectric crystal, which vibrates and produces an instantaneous marker in color flow Doppler scans. The navigation learning curve was explored first in six pigs. Accuracy and precision of targeting with the navigation marker "off" (i.e., B-mode imaging) and "on" were assessed in another six pigs. Paired comparisons confirmed significantly (p = 0.04) shorter mean distances achieved in each pig with the color Doppler marker. Pooled (mean ± standard deviation) distance of the catheter tip from the target crystal was 5.27 ± 1.62 mm by B-mode guidance and 3.66 ± 1.45 mm by color Doppler marker navigation. Dye injection targeted into the ischemic border zone was successful in 8 of 10 pigs. Intracardiac catheter navigation with color Doppler ultrasonography is more accurate compared with conventional guidance by B-mode imaging.

Peripheral arterial disease preoperatively may predict graft failure and mortality in kidney transplant recipients.

Patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing kidney transplant often have diffuse atherosclerosis and high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates. We analyzed the correlation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), here quantified by an abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) measured within the 5 years prior to kidney transplant, with graft failure and mortality rates (primary end points) after adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, known coronary artery disease or heart failure, years of dialysis). Of 1055 patients in our transplant population, 819 had arterial studies within the 5 years prior to transplant. Secondary end points included myocardial infarction; cerebrovascular accident; and limb ischemia, gangrene, or amputation. Low ABI was an independent and significant predictor of organ failure (OR, 2.77 (95% CI, 1.68-4.58), p<0.001), secondary end points (HR, 1.39 (95% CI, 0.97-1.99), p<0.076), and death (HR, 1.84 (95% CI, 1.26-2.68), p=0.002). PAD was common in this population: of 819 kidney transplant recipients, 46% had PAD. Low ABI was associated with a threefold greater risk of graft failure, a twofold greater risk of death after transplant, and a threefold greater risk of secondary end points. Screening for PAD is important in this patient population because of the potential impact on long-term outcomes.

Impact of Left Atrial Appendage Closure During Cardiac Surgery on the Occurrence of Early Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation, Stroke, and Mortality: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of 10 633 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic exclusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is often performed during cardiac surgery ostensibly to reduce the risk of stroke. However, the clinical impact of LAA closure in humans remains inconclusive. METHODS: Of 10 633 adults who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery between January 2000 and December 2005, 9792 patients with complete baseline characteristics, surgery procedure, and follow-up data were included in this analysis. A propensity score-matching analysis based on 28 pretreatment covariates was performed and 461 matching pairs were derived and analyzed to estimate the association of LAA closure with early postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) (atrial fibrillation ≤30 days of surgery), ischemic stroke, and mortality. RESULTS: In the propensity-matched cohort, the overall incidence of POAF was 53.9%. In this group, the rate of early POAF among the patients who underwent LAA closure was 68.6% versus 31.9% for those who did not undergo the procedure (P<0.001). LAA closure was independently associated with an increased risk of early POAF (adjusted odds ratio, 3.88; 95% confidence interval, 2.89-5.20), but did not significantly influence the risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-1.58) or mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-1.13). CONCLUSIONS: After adjustment for treatment allocation bias, LAA closure during routine cardiac surgery was significantly associated with an increased risk of early POAF, but it did not influence the risk of stroke or mortality. It remains uncertain whether prophylactic exclusion of the LAA is warranted for stroke prevention during non-atrial fibrillation-related cardiac surgery.