Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in apical ballooning syndrome (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy).

Patients with apical ballooning syndrome may develop dynamic left ventricular outflow obstruction due to systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve leaflet and secondary functional mitral regurgitation, causing decreased cardiac output and hypotension. If suspected, bedside echocardiography will quickly confirm this complication. Positive inotropic/chronotropic agents should be avoided as they may exacerbate outflow tract obstruction, resulting in further hemodynamic compromise.

Atrial natriuretic peptide elevation in congestive heart failure in the human.

A sensitive radioimmunoassay for atrial natriuretic peptide was used to examine the relation between circulating atrial natriuretic peptide and cardiac filling pressure in normal human subjects, in patients with cardiovascular disease and normal cardiac filling pressure, and in patients with cardiovascular disease and elevated cardiac filling pressure with and without congestive heart failure. The present studies establish a normal range for atrial natriuretic peptide in normal human subjects. These studies also establish that elevated cardiac filling pressure is associated with increased circulating concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide and that congestive heart failure is not characterized by a deficiency in atrial natriuretic peptide, but with its elevation.

Identification of atrial natriuretic factor within ventricular tissue in hamsters and humans with congestive heart failure.

In normal mammals, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is present within atrial myocardial cells but is absent from ventricular myocardium. In primitive organisms ANF is present within both atria and ventricle, suggesting that the ventricle may participate both in the synthesis and release of the hormone. The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that ventricular ANF develops as a homeostatic response to intravascular volume overload. Studies were performed on cardiac tissue obtained from (i) normal and cardiomyopathic hamsters, (ii) autopsied humans with and without cardiac disease, and (iii) living humans with congestive heart failure (CHF) undergoing diagnostic right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy. The myocardium was examined for the presence of immunoreactive ANF using a two-stage immunohistochemical technique, with nonimmune rabbit sera used as a negative control. There was unequivocal evidence of focal subendocardial deposits of immunoreactive ANF present in both of the ventricles of all six cardiomyopathic hamsters, four of five autopsied human subjects with CHF, and five of seven biopsied humans. No immunoreactive ANF was observed within the ventricular myocardium of control hamsters or normal humans. Utilizing crude tissue homogenates and radioimmunoassay techniques, the quantity of ANF was determined in cardiac atria, ventricles, and noncardiac skeletal muscle. Heart failure is characterized by a reduction in atrial ANF and an increase in ventricular ANF. This study demonstrates immunoreactive ANF is present within the ventricular myocardium in cardiomyopathic hamsters and humans with CHF, and suggests that the ventricle may be capable of responding to chronic volume overload by producing ANF.

A new simplified immediate prognostic risk score for patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Immediate risk stratification of patients with myocardial infarction in the emergency department (ED) at the time of initial presentation is important for their optimal emergency treatment. Current risk scores for predicting mortality following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are potentially flawed, having been derived from clinical trials with highly selective patient enrollment and requiring data not readily available in the ED. These scores may not accurately represent the spectrum of patients in clinical practice and may lead to inappropriate decision making. METHODS: This study cohort included 1212 consecutive patients with AMI who were admitted to the Mayo Clinic coronary care unit between 1988 and 2000. A risk score model was developed for predicting 30 day mortality using parameters available at initial hospital presentation in the ED. The model was developed on patients from the first era (training set--before 1997) and validated on patients in the second era (validation set-during or after 1997). RESULTS: The risk score included age, sex, systolic blood pressure, admission serum creatinine, extent of ST segment depression, QRS duration, Killip class, and infarct location. The predictive ability of the model in the validation set was strong (c = 0.78). CONCLUSION: The Mayo risk score for 30 day mortality showed excellent predictive capacity in a population based cohort of patients with a wide range of risk profiles. The present results suggest that even amidst changing patient profiles, treatment, and disease definitions, the Mayo model is useful for 30 day risk assessment following AMI.

In-hospital mortality after balloon aortic valvuloplasty: frequency and associated factors.

Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty has been accompanied by significant early periprocedural morbidity and mortality. Identification of factors associated with increased mortality might allow for improved selection of patients. The Mansfield Scientific Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty Registry was analyzed to identify the frequency of in-hospital death and the factors associated with it. Of 492 patients undergoing the procedure, 37 (7.5%) died during the hospital stay in which valvuloplasty was performed. Twenty-four of these patients died within the first 24 h and the remainder died within 7 days after the procedure. There were significant differences in baseline clinical and hemodynamic characteristics as well as procedural and postprocedural variables between patients dying and those surviving the in-hospital period. Multivariate analysis identified four factors associated with increased mortality: 1) the occurrence of a procedure-related complication, 2) a lower initial left ventricular systolic pressure, 3) a smaller final aortic valve area, and 4) a lower baseline cardiac output. Thus, baseline hemodynamic, procedural and postprocedural variables and complications can be identified that are associated with increased mortality.

Patient age and results of balloon aortic valvuloplasty: the Mansfield Scientific Registry experience. The Mansfield Scientific Aortic Valvuloplasty Registry Investigators.

Patients enrolled in the Mansfield Scientific Aortic Valvuloplasty Registry were followed up a mean of 7 months after balloon aortic valvuloplasty. Results were compared for patients less than 70, 70 to 79 and greater than or equal to 80 years of age at time of valvuloplasty. As assessed by aortic valve area indexed to body surface area, stenosis was more severe in the older patients and the incidence of congestive heart failure was also greater in those aged greater than or equal to 80 years. The results of valvuloplasty were comparable in all three age groups, and indexed final valve area was not significantly different among the groups. In-hospital mortality ranged from 4.2% to 9.4%, but this and other complications were not significantly different among the groups. Total 7 month mortality was 23%. As performed in this registry study, balloon aortic valvuloplasty produced similar results in older and younger patients, despite initially more severe disease in the older patients.

Expression of atrial natriuretic factor in the human ventricle is independent of chamber dilation.

This study investigated the presence of atrial natriuretic factor in ventricular tissue obtained from humans with dilated or restrictive heart disease. In 17 patients with ventricular dilation and impaired systolic function and in 8 patients with restrictive heart disease and preserved systolic function, the presence of ventricular atrial natriuretic factor was investigated in tissue obtained by ventricular endomyocardial biopsy. The objective of the study was to determine if the ventricular presence of atrial natriuretic factor is dependent on ventricular dilation. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume index was greater in the group with dilated cardiomyopathy than in the group with restrictive cardiomyopathy (134 +/- 13 versus 78 +/- 5 ml/m2, p less than 0.05); end-diastolic pressure was elevated in the two groups (20 +/- 2 versus 25 +/- 4 mm Hg, p = NS). With the use of immunohistochemical techniques, ventricular atrial natriuretic factor was clearly detected in 15 of the 17 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and in 6 of the 8 patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy. This study demonstrates the high prevalence of ventricular atrial natriuretic factor in living patients with either systolic or diastolic dysfunction. Whereas in the atria, stretch or dilation may be an important stimulus, atrial natriuretic factor in the ventricular chamber occurs independent of dilation.

Doppler echocardiographic observations during percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty.

To evaluate the hemodynamic changes occurring with percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty for aortic stenosis, Doppler echocardiography was performed during the procedure in 16 patients. During balloon inflation, peak velocity and ejection time of the aortic valve systolic signals increased (26 and 30%, respectively; p less than 0.001). Aortic regurgitation deceleration time decreased from 1,337 to 625 ms (p less than 0.001). In three patients, aortic regurgitation stopped before end-diastole; in four patients, end-diastole forward flow across the aortic valve was documented. The deceleration time of the mitral valve inflow signal decreased from 303 to 194 ms (p less than 0.001) during balloon inflation, concurrently with an increase in left ventricular diastolic pressure. Mitral regurgitation signals became more prominent during inflation in 10 patients. Changes that occur during balloon inflation in the aortic valve include progressive left ventricular outflow obstruction, equalization of diastolic aortic and left ventricular pressures and changes in diastolic compliance.

Fixed subaortic stenosis in atrioventricular canal defect: a Doppler echocardiographic study.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this retrospective study were to describe the Doppler and echocardiographic features of fixed subaortic stenosis in the setting of atrioventricular (AV) canal defect and to document the de novo occurrence of subaortic stenosis and progression of this lesion over time on the basis of sequential echocardiographic studies. BACKGROUND: The coexistence of fixed subaortic and AV canal defect has been sporadically noted, but no single or multicenter experience with this constellation of abnormalities has been previously described. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of subaortic stenosis and complete or partial AV canal defect who had one or more Doppler echocardiographic examinations were identified from a computer data bank. Retrospective analysis was performed, including review of patients' charts, operative notes, recorded videotapes and hard copy recordings when available. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with both subaortic stenosis and AV canal defect were identified over a 13-year period. Fifteen were female and the mean age at diagnosis of subaortic stenosis was 16 years. Fifteen patients had partial AV canal defect with prior repair in 10; 6 patients had complete AV canal defect with prior repair in 4. The mean interval from prior repair to recognition of subaortic stenosis was 6.8 years. In six patients, serial examinations demonstrated the de novo occurrence of subaortic obstruction over a period of 10 to 87 months. In five patients, progression of known subaortic stenosis was documented over a 10- to 59-month period. Surgical resection of subaortic stenosis was performed in 16 patients; the echocardiographic diagnosis was confirmed in 15 of the 16. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest reported echocardiographic series of this lesion complex, it is concluded that subaortic stenosis can occur de novo, is often recognized only after repair of the canal defect and is progressive. Doppler echocardiography is the method of choice for diagnosis and serial follow-up of these patients.

Balloon angioplasty of aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass grafts: a histopathologic study of six grafts from five patients, with emphasis on restenosis and embolic complications.

Among 103 patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty of obstructed aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass grafts at the Mayo Clinic, six grafts from 5 patients were available for histopathologic examination. The interval from graft insertion to angioplasty ranged from 5 to 105 months and that from angioplasty to graft excision ranged from 6 h to 24 months. Angioplasty produced intimal fissures in three grafts initially obstructed by intimal fibromuscular proliferation. Healing and restenosis resulted from filling of lacerations with fibrocellular tissue and apparently also from restitution of muscular tone. In two of three grafts initially narrowed by atherosclerosis, balloon angioplasty cause extensive plaque rupture and restenosis resulted from extrusion of plaque debris and secondary luminal thrombosis. In the third graft, angioplasty produced no distinct lesions and late restenosis was due to progressive atherosclerosis of the vein graft. Atheroembolization was observed in both patients with plaque rupture and was associated with reoperation in one and death in the other. In conclusion, the results derived from six saphenous vein bypass grafts subjected to balloon angioplasty indicate that restenosis may result from intimal fibrocellular proliferation, thrombosis, restitution of muscular tone and progressive atherosclerosis. Symptomatic atheroembolization may occur in grafts greater than 1 year old.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in patients with multivessel coronary disease: how important is complete revascularization for cardiac event-free survival?

The relative influences of revascularization status and baseline characteristics on long-term outcome were examined in 867 patients with multivessel coronary disease who had undergone successful coronary angioplasty. These patients represented 83% of a total of 1,039 patients in whom angioplasty had been attempted with an in-hospital mortality and infarction rate of 2.5% and 4.8%, respectively. Emergency coronary bypass surgery was needed in 4.9%. Of the 867 patients, 41% (group 1) were considered to have complete revascularization and 59% (group 2) to have incomplete revascularization. Univariate analysis revealed major differences between these two groups with patients in group 2 characterized by advanced age, more severe angina, a greater likelihood of previous coronary surgery and infarction, more extensive disease and poorer left ventricular function. Over a mean follow-up period of 26 months, the probability of event-free survival was significantly lower for group 2 only with respect to the need for coronary artery surgery (p = 0.004) and occurrence of severe angina (p = 0.04). The difference in mortality was of borderline significance (p = 0.051) and there were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in either the incidence of myocardial infarction or the need for repeat angioplasty. Multivariate analysis identified independent baseline predictors of late cardiac events that were then used to adjust the probabilities of event-free survival. This adjustment effectively removed any significant influence of completeness of revascularization on event-free survival for any of the above end points including the combination of death, myocardial infarction and need for coronary artery surgery. Therefore, late outcome in these patients is not significantly influenced by revascularization status but depends more on baseline patient characteristics.

Long-term outcome of patients with biopsy-proved myocarditis: comparison with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were 1) to assess the long-term outcome of patients with biopsy-proved lymphocytic myocarditis (Dallas criteria), and 2) to compare the outcome of these patients with that of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. BACKGROUND: Endomyocardial biopsy is frequently performed in patients presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy to identify lymphocytic myocarditis. Most previous studies of the natural history of myocarditis were performed before the establishment of the Dallas criteria. Thus, it is important to evaluate the prognostic value of positive endomyocardial biopsy findings in patients presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy, using standardized criteria for lymphocytic myocarditis. METHODS: All endomyocardial biopsy results from the Mayo Clinic (October 1979 to April 1988) with a diagnosis of myocarditis were reclassified according to the Dallas criteria. Patients whose biopsy specimens showed borderline or lymphocytic myocarditis were included in the study group; those with systemic inflammatory diseases known to be associated with myocardial involvement were excluded. Study group survival was compared with that for a cohort of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1976 to 1987 who had endomyocardial biopsy findings negative for myocarditis. RESULTS: Biopsy specimens from 41 patients met the Dallas criteria for a diagnosis of myocarditis (n = 28) or borderline myocarditis (n = 13). Of these 41 patients, 9 were excluded because of the presence of systemic diseases known to be associated with myocarditis, and 5 patients were excluded because of lack of available follow-up data. The myocarditis study group therefore included 27 patients (10 with borderline myocarditis, 17 with myocarditis). Fifty-eight patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent endomyocardial biopsy served as the comparison cohort. Ejection fraction was lower in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy ([mean +/- SD] 25 +/- 11%) than in those with myocarditis (38 +/- 19%, p = 0.001), even though a higher proportion of myocarditis group patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV (63%) than patients in the dilated cardiomyopathy group (30%, p = 0.005). There was no difference in 5-year survival rate between the myocarditis and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy groups (56% vs. 54%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the long-term outcome of patients with biopsy-proved myocarditis seen in a referral setting is poor, although no different from that of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. With the current lack of proved effective treatment for lymphocytic myocarditis and no demonstration of survival benefit for patients with myocarditis, these data suggest that endomyocardial biopsy performed to exclude myocarditis is of limited prognostic value in the routine evaluation of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Instantaneous pressure gradient: a simultaneous Doppler and dual catheter correlative study.

To more precisely measure the beat to beat and instantaneous pressure gradients across outflow stenotic lesions, simultaneous Doppler and dual catheter pressure gradient measurements were performed in 95 patients (mean age 42 years, range 1.5 to 85). There were 38 right ventricular and 62 left ventricular outflow obstructive lesions. Forty-nine patients also had a nonsimultaneous Doppler study performed within 7 days before catheterization. The simultaneous pressure waveforms and Doppler spectral velocity profiles were digitized at 10 ms intervals deriving maximal, mean and instantaneous gradients (mm Hg). For simultaneous maximal Doppler and catheter gradient measurements, the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.95 (SEE = 10 mm Hg), for Doppler and catheter mean gradients it was 0.94 (SEE = 8 mm Hg) and for maximal Doppler and peak to peak catheter gradients it was 0.92 (SEE = 13 mm Hg). The correlation of maximal and mean Doppler gradients with the respective catheter gradients was similarly high when the right and left ventricular outflow lesions were analyzed separately. However, the maximal Doppler gradient was significantly higher than the peak to peak catheter gradient. This was more evident with left ventricular outflow stenotic lesions. The correlation of the outpatient maximal Doppler and catheter gradients (r = 0.80, SEE = 17 mm Hg) was significantly lower than the simultaneous correlation (r = 0.96, SEE = 10 mm Hg) in the 49 patients with two Doppler studies. Continuous wave Doppler echocardiography accurately measures the instantaneous pressure gradient across both left and right ventricular outflow obstructive lesions. The maximal Doppler gradient should not be equated with the peak to peak catheter gradient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with cardiogenic shock.

In cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has been reported to significantly improve the modest survival benefits afforded by emergency surgical revascularization and thrombolytic therapy. The records of all patients who underwent angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock were retrospectively reviewed to determine whether coronary angioplasty improves survival. Of the 45 patients, 28 (group 1, 62%) had successful dilation of the infarct-related artery and 17 (group 2, 38%) had unsuccessful angioplasty. The groups were similar in extent of coronary artery disease, infarct location, incidence of multivessel disease and hemodynamic variables. The overall hospital survival rate was 56% (71% in group 1 and 29% in group 2). Group 1 patients had more left main coronary artery disease, and group 2 patients were older and had a higher incidence of prior myocardial infarction. Multivariate analysis showed that the survival advantage in patients with successful angioplasty was statistically significant (p = 0.014) when these factors were taken into account. At a mean follow-up interval of 2.3 years (range 1 month to 5.6 years), there were five deaths (four cardiac and one noncardiac), for a 2.3-year survival rate of 80% in patients surviving to hospital discharge. During the follow-up period, 36% of hospital survivors had repeat hospitalization for cardiac evaluation, 8% had myocardial infarction, 8% had coronary artery bypass surgery and 24% had angina.

Prediction of the severity of aortic stenosis by Doppler aortic valve area determination: prospective Doppler-catheterization correlation in 100 patients.

Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography was performed prospectively in 100 patients with aortic stenosis who were undergoing clinically indicated cardiac catheterization. The purpose of this study procedure was to determine various Doppler variables predictive of the severity of aortic stenosis and to compare Doppler- and catheterization-derived aortic valve areas. Doppler-derived mean gradient correlated well with corresponding gradient by catheterization (r = 0.86). Peak Doppler aortic flow velocity greater than or equal to 4.5 m/s and Doppler-derived mean aortic gradient greater than or equal to 50 mm Hg were specific (93 and 94%, respectively) for severe aortic stenosis (defined as catheterization-derived aortic valve area less than or equal to 0.75 cm2) but were not sensitive (44 and 48%, respectively). Doppler-derived aortic valve area calculated by the continuity equation correlated well with catheterization-derived aortic valve area calculated by the Gorlin equation when either the time-velocity integral ratio (r = 0.83) or the peak flow velocity ratio (r = 0.80) between the left ventricular outflow tract and the aortic valve was used in the continuity equation. A velocity ratio of less than or equal to 0.25 alone was sensitive (92%) in detecting severe aortic stenosis. Therefore, use of various Doppler-derived values allows reliable noninvasive estimation of the severity of aortic stenosis.

Echocardiographic assessment of commissural calcium: a simple predictor of outcome after percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to determine whether the presence of calcium in the mitral valve commissures, as demonstrated echocardiographically, could predict outcome and to compare this with an established echocardiographic scoring system. BACKGROUND: Percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy is an effective form of treatment for mitral valve stenosis. It is important to identify patients who would benefit from this procedure. Commissural splitting is the dominant mechanism by which mitral valve stenosis is relieved by this technique, and thus commissural morphology may predict outcome. METHODS: One hundred forty-nine consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy at the Mayo Clinic were evaluated retrospectively. The morphology of the mitral valve apparatus on the baseline echocardiograms was scored in blinded manner using a semiquantitative grading system of leaflet thickening, mobility, calcification and subvalvular thickening (Abascal score). Additionally, each of the medial and lateral commissures was graded for the presence or absence of calcification. End points were death, New York Heart Association functional class, repeat percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy and mitral valve replacement at follow-up. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 1.8 years (maximum 7.9 years). Univariate predictors of death and all events combined included age, the use of a double-balloon technique, the presence of calcium in a commissure and the Abascal score, as continuous variables. Patients with an Abascal score < or = 8 showed a trend toward improved survival at 36 months free of death, repeat percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy or mitral valve replacement (78 +/- 6% vs. 67 +/- 8%, p = 0.07) and free of all events combined (75 +/- 6% vs. 64 +/- 8%, p = 0.07) versus those patients with a score > 8. However, survival at 36 months free of death, repeat percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy or mitral valve replacement (86 +/- 4% vs. 40 +/- 4%) and free of all events combined (82 +/- 5% vs. 38 +/- 10%) at follow-up was significantly different between patients without commissural calcium and those with commissural calcium (p < 0.001). In a Cox regression model with Abascal score and commissural calcium and their interaction, calcification emerged as the only significant variable (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of commissural calcium is a strong predictor of outcome after percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy. Patients with evidence of calcium in a commissure have a lower survival rate and a higher incidence of mitral valve replacement and all end points combined. Thus, the simple presence or absence of commissural calcification assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography can be used to predict outcome.

Sensitivity of two-dimensional echocardiography in the direct visualization of atrial septal defect utilizing the subcostal approach: experience with 154 patients.

In the standard precordial echocardiographic imaging planes, there is frequent dropout of atrial septal echoes in the region of the fossa ovalis that can be minimized by use of the subcostal imaging approach. The diagnostic sensitivity of this approach was reviewed in 154 patients (mean age 31 years, range 2 months to 74 years) with documented atrial septal defect in whom a satisfactory image of the atrial septum could be obtained. Subcostal two-dimensional echocardiography successfully visualized 93 (89%) of the 105 ostium secundum atrial septal defects, all 32 (100%) ostium primum defects and 7 (44%) of the 16 sinus venosus defects. A defect was not visualized (false negative response) in 12 patients (11%) with an ostium secundum defect and in 9 patients (56%) with a sinus venosus defect. In three of the former and five of the latter, a two-dimensional echocardiographic contrast examination established the presence of the interatrial shunt. Twenty-four patients (16%) with clinical findings of uncomplicated atrial septal defect confirmed by two-dimensional echocardiography underwent surgical repair of the defect without preoperative cardiac catheterization. There were no perioperative complications. Two-dimensional echocardiographic examination of the atrial septum utilizing the subcostal approach is the preferred method for the confident, noninvasive diagnosis and categorization of atrial septal defects. Two-dimensional echocardiographic contrast and Doppler examinations complement the technique and enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Angioplasty in total coronary artery occlusion.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was attempted without streptokinase in 24 patients with total coronary artery occlusion but without acute transmural myocardial infarction. The maximal duration of occlusion was estimated to be 1 week or less in 10 patients, more than 1 to 4 weeks in 6, more than 4 to 12 weeks in 3 and more than 12 weeks in 5. Dilation of the occluded artery was attempted in the left anterior descending coronary artery in 17 patients, in the right coronary artery in 4 and in the circumflex coronary artery in 3. Angioplasty was successful in 13 patients (54%): left anterior descending coronary artery in 59%, right coronary artery in 50% and circumflex coronary artery in 33%. In patients with successful dilation, there was a mean decrease in coronary artery stenosis from 100 to 23%. In the 19 patients whose occlusion was estimated to be of 12 weeks' duration or less, angioplasty was successful in 68%. In the five patients whose occlusion was estimated to be of more than 12 weeks' duration, dilation was not successful in any (p = 0.006). It is concluded that in selected patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease and recent coronary artery occlusion without associated acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty alone may be effective in restoring patency.

Extracardiac conduit obstruction: initial experience in the use of Doppler echocardiography for noninvasive estimation of pressure gradient.

Extracardiac valved conduits are often employed in the repair of certain complex congenital heart defects; late obstruction is a well recognized problem that usually requires catheterization for definitive diagnosis. A reliable noninvasive method for detecting conduit stenosis would be clinically useful in identifying the small proportion of patients who develop this problem. Continuous wave Doppler echocardiography has been used successfully to estimate cardiac valvular obstructive lesions noninvasively. Twenty-three patients with prior extracardiac conduit placement for complex congenital heart disease underwent echocardiographic and continuous wave Doppler echocardiographic examinations to determine the presence and severity of conduit stenosis. In 20 of the 23 patients, an adequate conduit flow velocity profile was obtained, and in 10 an abnormally increased conduit flow velocity was present. All but one patient had significant obstruction proven at surgery and in one patient, surgery was planned. In three patients, an adequate conduit flow velocity profile could not be obtained but obstruction was still suspected based on high velocity tricuspid regurgitant Doppler signals. In these three patients, subsequent surgery also proved that conduit stenosis was present. Doppler-predicted gradients and right ventricular pressures showed an overall good correlation (r = 0.90) with measurements at subsequent cardiac catheterization. Continuous wave Doppler echocardiography appears to be a useful noninvasive tool for the detection and semiquantitation of extracardiac conduit stenosis.

Rescue echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis for cardiac perforation complicating catheter-based procedures. The Mayo Clinic experience.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of rescue echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis as a primary strategy for the management of acute cardiac perforation and tamponade complicating catheter-based procedures. BACKGROUND: In this era of interventional catheterization, acute tamponade from cardiac perforation as a complication is encountered more frequently. The safety and efficacy of echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis in this life-threatening situation and outcomes of patients managed by this technique are unknown. METHODS: Of the 960 consecutive echocardiographically guided pericardiocenteses performed at the Mayo Clinic (1979 to 1997), 92 (9.6%) were undertaken in 88 patients with acute tamponade that developed in association with a diagnostic or interventional catheter-based procedure. Most of the patients were hemodynamically unstable at the time of pericardiocentesis, with clinically overt tamponade in 40% and frank hemodynamic collapse (systolic blood pressure <60 mm Hg) in 57%. Clinical end points of interest were the success and complication rates of rescue pericardiocentesis and patient outcomes, including the need for other interventions, clinical and echocardiographic follow-up findings and survival. RESULTS: Rescue pericardiocentesis was successful in relieving tamponade in 91 cases (99%) and was the only and definitive therapy in 82% of the cases. Major complications (3%) included pneumothorax (n=1), right ventricular laceration (n=1) and intercostal vessel injury with right ventricular laceration (n=1); all were treated successfully. Minor complications (2%) included a small pneumothorax and an instance of transient nonsustained ventricular tachycardia; all were resolved spontaneously. Further surgical intervention was performed in 16 patients (18%). No deaths resulted from the rescue pericardiocentesis procedure itself. Early death (<30 days) in this series was due to injuries from cardiac catheter-based procedures (n=3), perioperative complications (n=2) and underlying cardiac diseases (n=2). Clinical or echocardiographic follow-up for a minimum of 3 months or until death (if <3 months) for recurrent effusion or development of pericardial constriction was achieved in 87 (99%) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis was safe and effective for rescuing patients from tamponade and reversing hemodynamic instability complicating invasive cardiac catheter-based procedures. For most patients, this was the definitive and only therapy necessary.