Ultrasound-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of the lung: sensitivity and safety variables.

OBJECTIVES: Variables affecting the performance of ultrasound-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (US-TTNB) are not well established. We examined clinical and imaging variables affecting the sensitivity and the complication rates of US-TTNB. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 528 US-TTNBs performed from 2008 to 2017. Univariate analyses were used to assess the influence of clinical and imaging variables on sensitivity and complication rates. Multivariate logistic regression was used to account for possible confounding variables. RESULTS: In 397 malignant lesions, the sensitivity of US-TTNB was 72% (95% CI 68-77%; 285/397). The overall pneumothorax rate was 15% (95% CI 12-18%; 77/528), leading to a chest tube in 2% (95% CI 1-3%; 9/528). Multivariate analysis showed that increasing pleural contact length (up to 30 mm) was associated with increased sensitivity (OR 1.08 per mm; 95% CI 1.04-1.12; p < 0.001), and pleural contact length (OR 0.98 per mm; 95% CI 0.97-0.99; p = 0.013), lesion size (OR 0.98 per mm; 95% CI 0.96-0.99; p = 0.006), and core needle diameter of 18G (OR 0.47 as compared with 20G; 95% CI 0.26-0.83; p = 0.010) were associated with a decreased pneumothorax rate. Graphical inspection of cubic splines showed that the probability of a positive biopsy rose sharply with increasing pleural contact length up to 30 mm and was stable thereafter. A similar, but inverse, relationship was observed for the probability of a pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: Pleural contact length is a key variable predicting the sensitivity of US-TTNB and pneumothorax rate after US-TTNB. Lesion size also predicts pneumothorax rates. KEY POINTS: • US-TTNB has a high sensitivity and a low complication rate for pleural and pulmonary lesions with pleural contact. • Pleural contact length is a key variable predicting the sensitivity of US-TTNB and pneumothorax rate after US-TTNB. • This study suggests that relying on US-TTNB may not be optimal for lesions < 10 mm for which the risk of pneumothorax is as high as the chance of obtaining diagnosis.

Evaluación multimodal de la degeneración estructural de válvulas percutáneas en el seguimiento a largo plazo / Multimodality evaluation of transcatheter structural valve degeneration at long-term follow-up

Introducción y objetivos Evaluar la hemodinámica valvular a largo plazo de las válvulas percutáneas (VCP), y determinar la incidencia, las características y los factores asociados con la degeneración estructural valvular (DEV). Métodos Se incluyó a 212 pacientes a los que se realizó un implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica. Todos los pacientes tenían un seguimiento potencial mínimo de 5 años y al menos 1 examen de ecocardiografía transtorácica (ETT) al menos 1 año tras el procedimiento. Todos los pacientes tuvieron una ETT a 1-5 años y 36, una segunda ETT a los 6-10 años. La DEV se definió como subclínica y clínicamente relevante. A 15 pacientes se les realizó una ecocardiografía transesofágica en el momento del diagnóstico de DEV y 85 tuvieron una evaluación por tomografía computarizada tras 1 (0,5-2) año. Resultados Se observó un aumento del gradiente valvular y una disminución gradual del área valvular (p<0,01). A los 8 años de seguimiento, un 30,2% de los pacientes tenían DEV (clínicamente relevante en el 9,3%). En los casos de DEV, la ecocardiografía transesofágica reveló engrosamiento y movilidad reducida de los velos valvulares en un 80 y un 73% de los casos respectivamente. No se encontraron factores basales o de procedimiento relacionados con la DEV. La tomografía computarizada demostró infraexpansión (3,5%) o excentricidad (8,2%) de la VCP, pero ninguno de estos hallazgos se asoció con DEV. Conclusiones Los resultados de este estudio demuestran un deterioro progresivo (en un periodo de hasta 10 años) de la hemodinámica de las VCP aórticas, con una tasa de DEV de cerca del 30% (clínicamente relevante en < 10%). La morfología/movilidad de los velos valvulares estaba afectada en la gran mayoría de los casos de DEV, pero la geometría de la VCP no tuvo impacto significativo en la hemodinámica valvular. (AU)

Introduction and objectives We assessed the long-term hemodynamic performance of transcatheter heart valve (THV) by paired transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and the incidence, characteristics and factors associated with THV structural valve degeneration (SVD). Methods A total of 212 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement and had a potential follow-up >5 years with at least 1 TTE ≥ 1-year postprocedure were included. All patients had a TTE at 1 to 5 years and 36 had another one at 6 to 10 years. SVD was defined as subclinical (increase >10mmHg in mean transvalvular gradient+decrease >0.3cm2 in valve area and/or new-onset mild or moderate aortic regurgitation) and clinically relevant (increase> 20mmHg in mean transvalvular gradient+decrease> 0.6cm2 in valve area and/or new-onset moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation). Fifteen patients had a transesophageal echocardiography at the time of SVD diagnosis, and 85 an opportunistic computed tomography examination at 1 (0.5-2) years. Results Transvalvular mean gradient increased and valve area decreased over time (P<.01). At 8 years of follow-up, SVD occurred in 30.2% of patients (clinically relevant: 9.3%). Transesophageal echocardiography revealed thickened and reduced-mobility leaflets in 80% and 73% of SVD cases, respectively. No baseline or procedural factors were associated with SVD. THV underexpansion (3.5%) or eccentricity (8.2%) had no impact on valve hemodynamics/SVD at follow-up. Conclusions A gradual THV hemodynamic deterioration occurred throughout a 10-year period, leading to SVD in ∼30% of patients (clinically relevant in < 10%). Leaflet morphology/mobility were frequently impaired in SVD cases, but THV geometry did not influence valve hemodynamics or SVD. (AU)

Cerebral Embolism After Transcarotid Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Factors Associated With Ipsilateral Ischemic Burden.

BACKGROUND: Transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) recipients may be exposed to a higher ipsilateral subclinical cerebral ischemic burden compared with the contralateral hemisphere. We sought (1) to compare the cerebral ischemic burden of the 2 hemispheres after transcarotid TAVR, as evaluated by diffusion weighted-magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), and (2) to identify the factors associated with ipsilateral ischemic burden. METHODS: This prospective study included 52 patients undergoing transcarotid TAVR, followed by a DW-MRI examination. All DW-MRIs were analyzed offline by a radiologist blinded to the clinical data. RESULTS: TAVR was performed through the left (n = 50) or right (n = 2) carotid artery. Procedural success was achieved in all patients, carotid dissection requiring patch closure occurred in 1 patient, and there were no periprocedural stroke events. At least 1 cerebral ischemic lesion was identified in the ipsilateral and contralateral hemisphere in 84.6% and 63.5% of patients, respectively (P = .005), and the number of ischemic lesions per patient was higher in the ipsilateral vs the contralateral hemisphere (2 [interquartile range, 1-5] vs 1 [interquartile range, 0-3], P = .005). The lesion volume (per lesion) and the average lesion volume (per patient) did not differ between the 2 hemispheres. A larger sheath/catheter size (≥18F vs ≤16F) was associated with a higher ipsilateral ischemic burden (P = .026). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid artery access for TAVR was associated with a higher number of cerebral ischemic lesions in the ipsilateral (vs contralateral) cerebral hemisphere. The use of a larger sheath/delivery system (≥18F) was associated with an increased ipsilateral ischemic burden.

Multimodality evaluation of transcatheter structural valve degeneration at long-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We assessed the long-term hemodynamic performance of transcatheter heart valve (THV) by paired transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and the incidence, characteristics and factors associated with THV structural valve degeneration (SVD). METHODS: A total of 212 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement and had a potential follow-up >5 years with at least 1 TTE ≥ 1-year postprocedure were included. All patients had a TTE at 1 to 5 years and 36 had another one at 6 to 10 years. SVD was defined as subclinical (increase >10mmHg in mean transvalvular gradient+decrease >0.3cm2 in valve area and/or new-onset mild or moderate aortic regurgitation) and clinically relevant (increase> 20mmHg in mean transvalvular gradient+decrease> 0.6cm2 in valve area and/or new-onset moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation). Fifteen patients had a transesophageal echocardiography at the time of SVD diagnosis, and 85 an opportunistic computed tomography examination at 1 (0.5-2) years. RESULTS: Transvalvular mean gradient increased and valve area decreased over time (P<.01). At 8 years of follow-up, SVD occurred in 30.2% of patients (clinically relevant: 9.3%). Transesophageal echocardiography revealed thickened and reduced-mobility leaflets in 80% and 73% of SVD cases, respectively. No baseline or procedural factors were associated with SVD. THV underexpansion (3.5%) or eccentricity (8.2%) had no impact on valve hemodynamics/SVD at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A gradual THV hemodynamic deterioration occurred throughout a 10-year period, leading to SVD in ∼30% of patients (clinically relevant in < 10%). Leaflet morphology/mobility were frequently impaired in SVD cases, but THV geometry did not influence valve hemodynamics or SVD.

Interaction Between Balloon-Expandable Valves and Coronary Ostia: Angiographic Analysis and Impact on Coronary Access.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the position of balloon-expandable valves in relation to the coronary ostia using an angiographic- and computed tomography (CT)-based analysis, and to determine the impact of valve position on coronary angiography (CA)/percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) feasibility and results. METHODS: A total of 533 patients who received a Sapien XT or Sapien 3 valve were included in the angiographic analysis. Of these, 49 benefited from an opportunistic electrocardiography-gated CT after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and were included in the CT analysis. RESULTS: Regarding the left coronary artery (LCA) ostium, the top of the transcatheter heart valve (THV) frame was infraostial in 49% of cases, and the valve totally covered the LCA ostium in 27% of patients. The stent frame of the Sapien 3 valve completely covered the LCA ostium more frequently than the Sapien XT valve (43% vs 12%, respectively; P<.001) and the relative implantation depth was significantly less ventricular in the Sapien 3 group than in the Sapien XT group (28.0 ± 12.3% vs 36.8 ± 12.6%, respectively; P<.001). The CT evaluation found similar results to angiographic evaluation. A total of 53 patients (10%) underwent CA (± PCI) following TAVR, and valve position did not influence CA performance/quality and PCI results. CONCLUSIONS: The stent frame of balloon-expandable Sapien valves exceeded the coronary ostia in about one-fourth of patients, and this percentage was >40% with the new-generation Sapien 3 valve. However, THV position did not affect the feasibility, quality, and results of CA/PCI post TAVR.

Predicting Malignancy Risk of Screen-Detected Lung Nodules-Mean Diameter or Volume.

OBJECTIVE: In lung cancer screening practice low-dose computed tomography, diameter, and volumetric measurement have been used in the management of screen-detected lung nodules. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of nodule malignancy risk prediction tools using diameter or volume and between computer-aided detection (CAD) and radiologist measurements. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression models were prepared by using data from two multicenter lung cancer screening trials. For model development and validation, baseline low-dose computed tomography scans from the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer Study and a subset of National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) scans with lung nodules 3 mm or more in mean diameter were analyzed by using the CIRRUS Lung Screening Workstation (Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands). In the NLST sample, nodules with cancer had been matched on the basis of size to nodules without cancer. RESULTS: Both CAD-based mean diameter and volume models showed excellent discrimination and calibration, with similar areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.947. The two CAD models had predictive performance similar to that of the radiologist-based model. In the NLST validation data, the CAD mean diameter and volume models also demonstrated excellent discrimination: areas under the curve of 0.810 and 0.821, respectively. These performance statistics are similar to those of the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer Study malignancy probability model with use of these data and radiologist-measured maximum diameter. CONCLUSION: Either CAD-based nodule diameter or volume can be used to assist in predicting a nodule's malignancy risk.

Prediction of lung cancer risk at follow-up screening with low-dose CT: a training and validation study of a deep learning method.

Background: Current lung cancer screening guidelines use mean diameter, volume or density of the largest lung nodule in the prior computed tomography (CT) or appearance of new nodule to determine the timing of the next CT. We aimed at developing a more accurate screening protocol by estimating the 3-year lung cancer risk after two screening CTs using deep machine learning (ML) of radiologist CT reading and other universally available clinical information. Methods: A deep machine learning (ML) algorithm was developed from 25,097 participants who had received at least two CT screenings up to two years apart in the National Lung Screening Trial. Double-blinded validation was performed using 2,294 participants from the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer Study (PanCan). Performance of ML score to inform lung cancer incidence was compared with Lung-RADS and volume doubling time using time-dependent ROC analysis. Exploratory analysis was performed to identify individuals with aggressive cancers and higher mortality rates. Findings: In the PanCan validation cohort, ML showed excellent discrimination with a 1-, 2- and 3-year time-dependent AUC values for cancer diagnosis of 0·968±0·013, 0·946±0·013 and 0·899±0·017. Although high ML score cohort included only 10% of the PanCan sample, it identified 94%, 85%, and 71% of incident and interval lung cancers diagnosed within 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively, after the second screening CT. Furthermore, individuals with high ML score had significantly higher mortality rates (HR=16·07, p<0·001) compared to those with lower risk. Interpretation: ML tool that recognizes patterns in both temporal and spatial changes as well as synergy among changes in nodule and non-nodule features may be used to accurately guide clinical management after the next scheduled repeat screening CT.

Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement for Treating Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation: Initial Experience With the NaviGate Bioprosthesis.

Despite the growing evidence with emerging transcatheter tricuspid valve repair therapies, the experience with transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement remains sparse. We describe a case of severe tricuspid regurgitation in a 79-year-old patient deemed unsuitable for isolated tricuspid valve surgery, successfully treated with a 40-mm self-expandable NaviGate (NaviGate Cardiac Structures, Inc, Lake Forest, CA) valved stent via a transatrial approach, with excellent result and hemodynamic performance at 4 months.

Transcatheter valve-in-valve overexpansion for treating a large dysfunctional tricuspid bioprosthesis.

Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation within dysfunctional surgical bioprosthesis has become an alternative to redo open-heart surgery. However, suitability for valve-in-valve implantation in the tricuspid position is often limited by large surgical valve sizes. We report a case of a transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation with a 29-mm balloon-expandable prosthesis within a 33-mm failed bioprosthesis (exceeding manufacturer's sizing recommendations). Overexpansion of a 29-mm SAPIEN XT valve by 1-ml overfilling of the deployment balloon was successfully performed, with no valve dislocation/embolization or residual tricuspid regurgitation. This case illustrates the feasibility of tricuspid valve-in-valve procedures in selected patients with large failed tricuspid bioprostheses.

Giant Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm Mimicking Mediastinal Mass and Associated with Incessant Atrial Arrhythmias.

Left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) is a rare entity. Clinical manifestations include arrhythmias and systemic embolization. We show here an example of a large and ectopic LAAA mimicking a mediastinal mass on chest X-ray and presenting with incessant atrial arrhythmias. Subsequent investigations leading to the correct diagnosis are described.

Participant selection for lung cancer screening by risk modelling (the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer [PanCan] study): a single-arm, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Results from retrospective studies indicate that selecting individuals for low-dose CT lung cancer screening on the basis of a highly predictive risk model is superior to using criteria similar to those used in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST; age, pack-year, and smoking quit-time). We designed the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer (PanCan) study to assess the efficacy of a risk prediction model to select candidates for lung cancer screening, with the aim of determining whether this approach could better detect patients with early, potentially curable, lung cancer. METHODS: We did this single-arm, prospective study in eight centres across Canada. We recruited participants aged 50-75 years, who had smoked at some point in their life (ever-smokers), and who did not have a self-reported history of lung cancer. Participants had at least a 2% 6-year risk of lung cancer as estimated by the PanCan model, a precursor to the validated PLCOm2012 model. Risk variables in the model were age, smoking duration, pack-years, family history of lung cancer, education level, body-mass index, chest x-ray in the past 3 years, and history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Individuals were screened with low-dose CT at baseline (T0), and at 1 (T1) and 4 (T4) years post-baseline. The primary outcome of the study was incidence of lung cancer. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00751660. FINDINGS: 7059 queries came into the study coordinating centre and were screened for PanCan risk. 15 were duplicates, so 7044 participants were considered for enrolment. Between Sept 24, 2008, and Dec 17, 2010, we recruited and enrolled 2537 eligible ever-smokers. After a median follow-up of 5·5 years (IQR 3·2-6·1), 172 lung cancers were diagnosed in 164 individuals (cumulative incidence 0·065 [95% CI 0·055-0·075], incidence rate 138·1 per 10 000 person-years [117·8-160·9]). There were ten interval lung cancers (6% of lung cancers and 6% of individuals with cancer): one diagnosed between T0 and T1, and nine between T1 and T4. Cumulative incidence was significantly higher than that observed in NLST (4·0%; p<0·0001). Compared with 593 (57%) of 1040 lung cancers observed in NLST, 133 (77%) of 172 lung cancers in the PanCan Study were early stage (I or II; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: The PanCan model was effective in identifying individuals who were subsequently diagnosed with early, potentially curable, lung cancer. The incidence of cancers detected and the proportion of early stage cancers in the screened population was higher than observed in previous studies. This approach should be considered for adoption in lung cancer screening programmes. FUNDING: Terry Fox Research Institute and Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance to Evaluate Aortic Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Residual aortic regurgitation (AR) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with greater mortality; yet, determining AR severity post-TAVR using Doppler echocardiography remains challenging. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is purported as a more accurate means of quantifying AR; however, no data exist regarding the prognostic value of AR as assessed by CMR post-TAVR. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the effect of AR assessed with CMR on clinical outcomes post-TAVR. METHODS: We included 135 patients from 3 centers. AR was quantified using regurgitant fraction (RF) measured by phase-contrast velocity mapping CMR at a median of 40 days post-TAVR, and using Doppler echocardiography at a median of 6 days post-TAVR. Median follow-up was 26 months. Clinical outcomes included mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure. RESULTS: Moderate-severe AR occurred in 17.1% and 12.8% of patients as measured by echocardiography and CMR, respectively. Higher RF post-TAVR was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio: 1.18 for each 5% increase in RF [95% confidence interval: 1.08 to 1.30]; p < 0.001) and the combined endpoint of mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio: 1.19 for each 5% increase in RF; 95% confidence interval: 1.15 to 1.23; p < 0.001). Prediction models yielded significant incremental predictive value; CMR performed a median of 40 days post-TAVR had a greater association with post-TAVR clinical events compared with early echocardiography (p < 0.01). RF ≥30% best predicted poorer clinical outcomes (p < 0.001 for either mortality or the combined endpoint of mortality and heart failure rehospitalization). CONCLUSIONS: Worse CMR-quantified AR was associated with increased mortality and poorer clinical outcomes following TAVR. Quantifying AR with CMR may identify patients with AR who could benefit from additional treatment measures.

Válvulas Portico y SAPIEN XT en el tratamiento de pacientes con anillo aórtico pequeño: comparación de resultados hemodinámicos / Self-expanding Portico valve versus balloon-expandable SAPIEN XT valve in patients with small aortic annuli: comparison of hemodynamic performance

Introducción y objetivos: La válvula autoexpandible Portico es una nueva válvula de implante transcatéter que ha mostrado resultados prometedores en estudios preliminares; sin embargo, no existen estudios que comparen este dispositivo con sistemas previos de válvula aórtica transcatéter. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar los resultados hemodinámicos de la válvula autoexpandible Portico con los de la válvula expandible mediante balón SAPIEN XT en un estudio de casos apareados con análisis en un laboratorio central de ecocardiografía Métodos: Se emparejó a 22 pacientes tratados mediante implante transcatéter de la válvula Portico de 23 mm con 40 pacientes tratados con la válvula SAPIEN XT de 23 mm, según los siguientes parámetros: área y diámetro medio del anillo aórtico por tomografía computarizada multidetector, fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, área de superficie corporal e índice de masa corporal. El diámetro medio del anillo aórtico fue de 19,6 ± 1,3 mm por ecocardiografía transtorácica y de 21,4 ± 1,2 mm por tomografía computarizada, sin diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Se obtuvieron imágenes de ecocardiografía Doppler antes de la intervención y en el seguimiento realizado al cabo de 1 mes y se analizaron en un laboratorio central de ecocardiografía. Resultados: No se objetivaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos en el gradiente transaórtico medio residual (SAPIEN XT, 10,4 ± 3,7 mmHg; Portico, 9,8 ± 1,1 mmHg; p = 0,49) ni en el área efectiva del orificio valvular (SAPIEN XT, 1,36 ± 0,27 cm2; Portico, 1,37 ± 0,29 cm2; p = 0,54). La incidencia del desajuste protésico (área efectiva del orificio valvular < 0,65 cm2/m2) fue similar en ambos grupos (el 13,5 frente al 10,0%; p = 0,56). No se observaron diferencias entre los grupos en cuanto a la incidencia de fugas paravalvulares moderadas o graves (el 5,0 frente al 4,8%; p = 0,90). Conclusiones: El implante transcatéter de la válvula autoexpandible Portico produjo resultados hemodinámicos a corto plazo similares a los de la válvula expandible por balón SAPIEN XT en el tratamiento de pacientes con estenosis aórtica grave y anillo aórtico pequeño. Son necesarios estudios prospectivos con seguimiento a más largo plazo y en pacientes con anillo aórtico mayor (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The self-expanding Portico valve is a new transcatheter aortic valve system yielding promising preliminary results, yet there are no comparative data against earlier generation transcatheter aortic valve systems. The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic performance of the Portico and balloon-expandable SAPIEN XT valves in a case-matched study with echocardiographic core laboratory analysis. Methods: Twenty-two patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the Portico 23-mm valve and were matched for aortic annulus area and mean diameter measured by multidetector computed tomography, left ventricular ejection fraction, body surface area, and body mass index with 40 patients treated with the 23-mm SAPIEN XT. Mean aortic annulus diameters were 19.6 ± 1.3 mm by transthoracic echocardiography and 21.4 ± 1.2 mm by computed tomography, with no significant between-group differences. Doppler echocardiographic images were collected at baseline and at 1-month of follow-up and were analyzed in a central echocardiography core laboratory. Results: There were no significant between-group differences in residual mean transaortic gradients (SAPIEN XT: 10.4 ± 3.7 mmHg; Portico: 9.8 ± 1.1 mmHg; P = .49) and effective orifice areas (SAPIEN XT: 1.36 ± 0.27 cm2; Portico, 1.37 ± .29 cm2; P = .54). Rates of severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (effective orifice area < 0.65 cm2/m2) were similar (SAPIEN XT: 13.5%; Portico: 10.0%; P = .56). No between-group differences were found in the occurrence of moderate-severe paravalvular leaks (5.0% vs 4.8% of SAPIEN XT and Portico respectively;P = .90). Conclusions: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the self-expanding Portico system yielded similar short-term hemodynamic performance compared with the balloon-expandable SAPIEN XT system for treating patients with severe aortic stenosis and small annuli. Further prospective studies with longer-term follow-up and in patients with larger aortic annuli are required (AU)

Computer Vision Tool and Technician as First Reader of Lung Cancer Screening CT Scans.

OBJECTIVES: To implement a cost-effective low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening program at the population level, accurate and efficient interpretation of a large volume of LDCT scans is needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate a workflow strategy to identify abnormal LDCT scans in which a technician assisted by computer vision (CV) software acts as a first reader with the aim to improve speed, consistency, and quality of scan interpretation. METHODS: Without knowledge of the diagnosis, a technician reviewed 828 randomly batched scans (136 with lung cancers, 556 with benign nodules, and 136 without nodules) from the baseline Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer Study that had been annotated by the CV software CIRRUS Lung Screening (Diagnostic Image Analysis Group, Nijmegen, The Netherlands). The scans were classified as either normal (no nodules ≥1 mm or benign nodules) or abnormal (nodules or other abnormality). The results were compared with the diagnostic interpretation by Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer Study radiologists. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity and specificity of the technician in identifying an abnormal scan were 97.8% (95% confidence interval: 96.4-98.8) and 98.0% (95% confidence interval: 89.5-99.7), respectively. Of the 112 prevalent nodules that were found to be malignant in follow-up, 92.9% were correctly identified by the technician plus CV compared with 84.8% by the study radiologists. The average time taken by the technician to review a scan after CV processing was 208 ± 120 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: Prescreening CV software and a technician as first reader is a promising strategy for improving the consistency and quality of screening interpretation of LDCT scans.

Self-expanding Portico Valve Versus Balloon-expandable SAPIEN XT Valve in Patients With Small Aortic Annuli: Comparison of Hemodynamic Performance.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The self-expanding Portico valve is a new transcatheter aortic valve system yielding promising preliminary results, yet there are no comparative data against earlier generation transcatheter aortic valve systems. The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic performance of the Portico and balloon-expandable SAPIEN XT valves in a case-matched study with echocardiographic core laboratory analysis. METHODS: Twenty-two patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the Portico 23-mm valve and were matched for aortic annulus area and mean diameter measured by multidetector computed tomography, left ventricular ejection fraction, body surface area, and body mass index with 40 patients treated with the 23-mm SAPIEN XT. Mean aortic annulus diameters were 19.6±1.3mm by transthoracic echocardiography and 21.4±1.2mm by computed tomography, with no significant between-group differences. Doppler echocardiographic images were collected at baseline and at 1-month of follow-up and were analyzed in a central echocardiography core laboratory. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences in residual mean transaortic gradients (SAPIEN XT: 10.4±3.7mmHg; Portico: 9.8±1.1mmHg; P=.49) and effective orifice areas (SAPIEN XT: 1.36±0.27cm(2); Portico, 1.37±.29cm(2); P=.54). Rates of severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (effective orifice area<0.65cm(2)/m(2)) were similar (SAPIEN XT: 13.5%; Portico: 10.0%; P=.56). No between-group differences were found in the occurrence of moderate-severe paravalvular leaks (5.0% vs 4.8% of SAPIEN XT and Portico respectively; P=.90). CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the self-expanding Portico system yielded similar short-term hemodynamic performance compared with the balloon-expandable SAPIEN XT system for treating patients with severe aortic stenosis and small annuli. Further prospective studies with longer-term follow-up and in patients with larger aortic annuli are required.

Transcatheter mitral "valve-in-ring" implantation: a word of caution.

Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve and valve-in-ring procedures have emerged as a potential alternative for patients with failed mitral bioprosthesis or mitral valve repair who are at very high or prohibitive surgical risk. However, transcatheter mitral valve-in-ring implantation (TMViRI) remains a challenging procedure, partially because of the oval shape of mitral rings, which may lead to prosthesis dysfunction when the ring is not able to adopt the circular shape of the transcatheter valve. We present a case of failed TMViRI in a dysfunctional mitral homograft. The potential factors leading to procedural failure are discussed.

Plasma pro-surfactant protein B and lung function decline in smokers.

Plasma pro-surfactant protein B (pro-SFTPB) levels have recently been shown to predict the development of lung cancer in current and ex-smokers, but the ability of pro-SFTPB to predict measures of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity is unknown. We evaluated the performance characteristics of pro-SFTPB as a biomarker of lung function decline in a population of current and ex-smokers. Plasma pro-SFTPB levels were measured in 2503 current and ex-smokers enrolled in the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer Study. Linear regression was performed to determine the relationship of pro-SFTPB levels to changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) over a 2-year period as well as to baseline FEV1 and the burden of emphysema observed in computed tomography (CT) scans. Plasma pro-SFTPB levels were inversely related to both FEV1 % predicted (p=0.024) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) (p<0.001), and were positively related to the burden of emphysema on CT scans (p<0.001). Higher plasma pro-SFTPB levels were also associated with a more rapid decline in FEV1 at 1 year (p=0.024) and over 2 years of follow-up (p=0.004). Higher plasma pro-SFTPB levels are associated with increased severity of airflow limitation and accelerated decline in lung function. Pro-SFTPB is a promising biomarker for COPD severity and progression.