Current Usefulness of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

This review article describes in depth the current usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Pre-intervention, 3D-transesophageal echocardiography allows us to accurately evaluate the aortic valve morphology and to measure the valve annulus, helping us to choose the appropriate size of the prosthesis, especially useful in cases where the computed tomography is not of adequate quality. Although it is not currently used routinely during the intervention, it remains essential in those cases of greater complexity, such as for patients with greater calcification and bicuspid valve, mechanical mitral prosthesis, and "valve in valve" procedures. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography is the best technique to detect and quantify paravalvular regurgitation, a fundamental aspect to decide whether immediate valve postdilation is needed. It also allows to detect early any immediate complications such as cardiac tamponade, aortic hematoma or dissection, migration of the prosthesis, malfunction of the prosthetic leaflets, or the appearance of segmental contractility disorders due to compromise of the coronary arteries ostium. Transesophageal echocardiography is also very useful in follow-up, to check the proper functioning of the prosthesis and to rule out complications such as thrombosis of the leaflets, endocarditis, or prosthetic degeneration.

Impact of a pulmonary embolism response team initiative on hospital mortality of patients with bilateral pulmonary embolism / Impacto de una iniciativa de equipo de respuesta a la embolia pulmonar en la mortalidad hospitalaria de pacientes con embolia pulmonar bilateral

Introduction Pulmonary embolism (PE) response teams (PERT) for the management of high-risk PE (HR-PE) and intermediate-high risk PE (IHR-PE) are encouraged in PE guidelines. We aimed to assess the impact of a PERT initiative on mortality in these groups of patients, compared with standard care. Methods We conducted a prospective, single-center registry, including consecutive patients with HR-PE and IHR-PE with PERT activation from February-2018 to December-2020 (PERT group, n=78 patients) and compared it with an historic cohort of patients admitted to our hospital in a previous 2-year period (2014–2016), managed with standard of care (SC-group, n=108 patients). Results Patients in the PERT group were younger and less comorbid. The risk profile at admission and the percentage of HR-PE was similar in both cohorts (13% in SC-group and 14% in PERT-group, p=0.82). Reperfusion therapy was more frequently indicated in PERT-group (24.4% vs 10.2%, p=0.01), with no differences in fibrinolysis treatment, while catheter-directed therapy (CDT) was more frequent in PERT group (16.7% vs 1.9%, p<0.001). Reperfusion and CDT were associated with lower in-hospital mortality (2.9% vs 15.1%, p=0.001 for reperfusion and 1.5% vs 16.5%, p=0.001 for CDT). The primary outcome, 12-month mortality, was lower in the PERT-group (9% vs 22.2%, p=0.02), There were no differences in 30-day readmissions. In multivariate analysis PERT activation was associated with lower mortality at 12 months (HR 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.09–0.7, p=0.008). Conclusion A PERT initiative in patients with HR-PE and IHR-PE was associated with a significant reduction in 12-month mortality compared with standard of care, and also with an increase in the use of reperfusion, especially catheter-directed therapies (AU)

Introducción Las guías de manejo de embolia pulmonar (EP) recomiendan organizar equipos de respuesta a la embolia pulmonar (PERT) para el manejo de la EP de riesgo intermedio-alto (EP-IAR) y de alto riesgo (EP-AR). Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el impacto de una iniciativa PERT sobre la mortalidad en estos pacientes, en comparación con la atención estándar. Métodos Realizamos un registro prospectivo unicéntrico, incluyendo pacientes consecutivos con EP-IAR y EP-AR con activación del PERT desde febrero de 2018 hasta diciembre de 2020 (grupo PERT, n=78 pacientes) y lo comparamos con una cohorte histórica de pacientes ingresados en nuestro hospital en un período previo de 2 años (2014-2016), manejados con atención estándar (grupo SC, n=108 pacientes). Resultados Los pacientes del grupo PERT eran más jóvenes y con menos comorbilidades. El perfil de riesgo al ingreso y el porcentaje de EP-AR fue similar en ambas cohortes (13% en el grupo SC y 14% en el grupo PERT, p=0,82). La terapia de reperfusión fue más frecuentemente indicada en el grupo PERT (24,4% vs. 10,2%, p=0,01), sin diferencias en el uso de fibrinólisis, mientras que la terapia dirigida por catéter (CDT) fue más frecuente en el grupo PERT (16,7% vs. 1,9%, p<0,001). La reperfusión y la CDT se asociaron con una menor mortalidad hospitalaria (2,9% vs. 15,1%, p=0,001 para reperfusión y 1,5% vs. 16,5%, p=0,001 para CDT). El objetivo primario, la mortalidad a los 12 meses, fue menor en el grupo PERT (9% frente al 22,2%, p=0,02). No hubo diferencias en los reingresos a los 30 días. En el análisis multivariado la activación de PERT se asoció con una menor mortalidad a los 12 meses (hazard ratio 0,25, intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,09-0,7, p=0,008)(AU)

Impact of a pulmonary embolism response team initiative on hospital mortality of patients with bilateral pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism (PE) response teams (PERT) for the management of high-risk PE (HR-PE) and intermediate-high risk PE (IHR-PE) are encouraged in PE guidelines. We aimed to assess the impact of a PERT initiative on mortality in these groups of patients, compared with standard care. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-center registry, including consecutive patients with HR-PE and IHR-PE with PERT activation from February-2018 to December-2020 (PERT group, n=78 patients) and compared it with an historic cohort of patients admitted to our hospital in a previous 2-year period (2014-2016), managed with standard of care (SC-group, n=108 patients). RESULTS: Patients in the PERT group were younger and less comorbid. The risk profile at admission and the percentage of HR-PE was similar in both cohorts (13% in SC-group and 14% in PERT-group, p=0.82). Reperfusion therapy was more frequently indicated in PERT-group (24.4% vs 10.2%, p=0.01), with no differences in fibrinolysis treatment, while catheter-directed therapy (CDT) was more frequent in PERT group (16.7% vs 1.9%, p<0.001). Reperfusion and CDT were associated with lower in-hospital mortality (2.9% vs 15.1%, p=0.001 for reperfusion and 1.5% vs 16.5%, p=0.001 for CDT). The primary outcome, 12-month mortality, was lower in the PERT-group (9% vs 22.2%, p=0.02), There were no differences in 30-day readmissions. In multivariate analysis PERT activation was associated with lower mortality at 12 months (HR 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.7, p=0.008). CONCLUSION: A PERT initiative in patients with HR-PE and IHR-PE was associated with a significant reduction in 12-month mortality compared with standard of care, and also with an increase in the use of reperfusion, especially catheter-directed therapies.

Combined off-pump mitral repair and thoracoscopic maze surgery.

A 67-year-old man with severe mitral regurgitation and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was admitted to our institution for surgical repair. The procedure was carried out off-pump. We first performed a totally thoracoscopic maze box lesion set with epicardial transmural radiofrequency, and clipped the left atrial appendage. The mitral valve prolapse was repaired by implanting three transapical neochordae. Six months later, the patient was in sinus rhythm with minimal residual mitral regurgitation on echocardiography. This novel approach is less invasive than the standard surgical correction and should ensure a faster recovery with similar safety and efficacy in selected cases.

Novedades en imagen cardiaca 2014 / Update on cardiac imaging techniques 2014

En este artículo se realiza una revisión de las aportaciones de las técnicas de imagen más relevantes a la cardiología que se han publicado durante este año. El ecocardiograma sigue siendo la piedra angular en el diagnóstico y el seguimiento de las valvulopatías, con un esfuerzo continuo para mejorar su cuantificación y obtener parámetros pronósticos de seguimiento. El estudio de la función miocárdica regional se afianza en el diagnóstico de la disfunción ventricular subclínica, y el ecocardiograma transesofágico tridimensional se ha convertido en el perfecto aliado del intervencionismo en las cardiopatías estructurales. La cardiorresonancia y la tomografía computarizada cardiaca acaparan la mayoría de las publicaciones en imagen cardiaca relativas a la cardiopatía isquémica, reflejo de unas técnicas más que consolidadas en la práctica clínica. La medicina nuclear destaca en el estudio de la viabilidad miocárdica tras el intervencionismo en el síndrome coronario agudo y refuerza su rendimiento en el diagnóstico de la cardiopatía isquémica (AU)

In this article, we review the contributions of the most important imaging techniques used in cardiology, reported in 2014. Echocardiography remains the cornerstone for diagnosing and monitoring valvular heart disease, and there has been a continuing effort to improve quantification of this condition and obtain prognostic parameters for follow-up. The study of regional myocardial function is anchored in the diagnosis of subclinical ventricular dysfunction, and 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography has become the perfect ally in interventional procedures for structural heart disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac computed tomography are the focus of most publications on cardiac imaging in ischemic heart disease, reflecting their consolidated use in clinical practice. Nuclear medicine excels in the study of myocardial viability after interventional treatment of acute coronary syndromes and its performance is validated in the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease (AU)

Update on cardiac imaging techniques 2014.

In this article, we review the contributions of the most important imaging techniques used in cardiology, reported in 2014. Echocardiography remains the cornerstone for diagnosing and monitoring valvular heart disease, and there has been a continuing effort to improve quantification of this condition and obtain prognostic parameters for follow-up. The study of regional myocardial function is anchored in the diagnosis of subclinical ventricular dysfunction, and 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography has become the perfect ally in interventional procedures for structural heart disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac computed tomography are the focus of most publications on cardiac imaging in ischemic heart disease, reflecting their consolidated use in clinical practice. Nuclear medicine excels in the study of myocardial viability after interventional treatment of acute coronary syndromes and its performance is validated in the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease.

Update on cardiac imaging techniques 2013.

Cardiac imaging is a cornerstone of diagnosis in heart conditions, and an essential tool for assessing prognosis and establishing treatment decisions. This year, echocardiography stands out as a guide in interventional procedures and in choosing the size of the prosthesis. It is also proving to be a valuable technique in low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis. Three-dimensional echocardiography is advancing our knowledge of cardiac anatomy and valvular measurements. The parameters indicating tissue deformation have predictive power in valve disease and in the follow-up of drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography are proving useful in ischemic heart disease and in the diagnosis of cardiac inflammation and infections. The role of computed tomography has been strengthened in noninvasive coronary angiography, the emergency room management of chest pain, assessment of chronic occlusions, and morphologic study of coronary plaque. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging remains the gold standard for tissue characterization in ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathies, and is assuming a greater role in stress studies and in the assessment of myocardial viability.

Novedades en imagen cardiaca 2013 / Update on cardiac imaging techniques 2013

La imagen cardiaca es la piedra angular del diagnóstico en cardiología, así como un instrumento esencial en la valoración pronóstica y las decisiones terapéuticas. Este año, la ecocardiografía destaca como guía en el intervencionismo y en la elección del tamaño de las prótesis. Se consolida la entidad de la estenosis aórtica de bajo flujo y bajo gradiente. El método tridimensional avanza en el conocimiento anatómico y la cuantificación valvular. Los parámetros de deformación muestran su poder predictor en valvulopatías y en el seguimiento en la cardiotoxicidad inducida por fármacos. La tomografía computarizada por emisión monofotónica y la tomografía por emisión positrónica consolidan su utilidad en cardiopatía isquémica y destacan en el diagnóstico de inflamaciones e infecciones cardiacas. La tomografía computarizada cardiaca afianza su papel en la coronariografía no invasiva, el manejo del dolor torácico en urgencias, la valoración de las oclusiones crónicas y el estudio morfológico de la placa. La resonancia magnética cardiaca permanece como técnica de referencia en la caracterización tisular tanto en cardiopatía isquémica como en las miocardiopatías y afianza su papel en el estudio de estrés y la valoración de la viabilidad (AU)

Cardiac imaging is a cornerstone of diagnosis in heart conditions, and an essential tool for assessing prognosis and establishing treatment decisions. This year, echocardiography stands out as a guide in interventional procedures and in choosing the size of the prosthesis. It is also proving to be a valuable technique in low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis. Three-dimensional echocardiography is advancing our knowledge of cardiac anatomy and valvular measurements. The parameters indicating tissue deformation have predictive power in valve disease and in the follow-up of drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography are proving useful in ischemic heart disease and in the diagnosis of cardiac inflammation and infections. The role of computed tomography has been strengthened in noninvasive coronary angiography, the emergency room management of chest pain, assessment of chronic occlusions, and morphologic study of coronary plaque. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging remains the gold standard for tissue characterization in ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathies, and is assuming a greater role in stress studies and in the assessment of myocardial viability (AU)

Novedades en imagen cardiaca 2012 / Update on cardiac imaging techniques 2012

La imagen cardiaca es uno de los pilares de la cardiología actual. La cantidad de situaciones en que las técnicas de imagen aportan información importante en clínica o investigación es sencillamente interminable, por lo que es imposible recoger en el formato reducido de un artículo todas las novedades importantes sobre imagen cardiaca que han aparecido en la literatura médica en el año 2012. Resumimos las publicaciones más importantes del año, entre las que destacan el desarrollo progresivo de las técnicas de deformación miocárdica y la ecocardiografía tridimensional y la incorporación creciente al trabajo clínico diario de la resonancia magnética y la tomografía computarizada (AU)

Cardiac imaging is one of the basic pillars of modern cardiology. The potential list of scenarios where cardiac imaging techniques can provide relevant information is simply endless so it is impossible to include all relevant new features of cardiac imaging published in the literature in 2012 in the limited format of a single article. We summarize the year's most relevant news on cardiac imaging, highlighting the ongoing development of myocardial deformation and 3-dimensional echocardiography techniques and the increasing use of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in daily clinical practice (AU)

Update on cardiac imaging techniques 2012.

Cardiac imaging is one of the basic pillars of modern cardiology. The potential list of scenarios where cardiac imaging techniques can provide relevant information is simply endless so it is impossible to include all relevant new features of cardiac imaging published in the literature in 2012 in the limited format of a single article. We summarize the year's most relevant news on cardiac imaging, highlighting the ongoing development of myocardial deformation and 3-dimensional echocardiography techniques and the increasing use of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in daily clinical practice.

Síndrome de la cimitarra: estudio con angiorresonancia magnética / Scimitar syndrome: application of magnetic resonance angiography

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