Congenital valvular aortic stenosis in young adults: Predictors for rate of progression of stenosis and aortic dilatation

Background

Congenital aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common obstructive left-sided cardiac lesion in young adults, however little is known about the progression in adults. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the progression rate of AS and aortic dilatation in a large multicenter retrospective cohort of asymptomatic young adults with congenital valvular AS.

Methods

Data were obtained from chart abstraction. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the progression of AS and aortic dilatation over time. A joint model combining longitudinal echocardiographic and survival data was used for survival analysis.

Results

A total of 414 patients (age 29 ± 10 years, 68% male) were included. Median follow-up duration was 4.1 (2.5–5.1) years (1587 patient-years). Peak aortic velocity was 3.4 ± 0.7 m/s at baseline and did not change over time in the total patient population (− 0.01 ± 0.03 m/s/year). Increased left ventricular mass was significantly associated with faster AS progression (p < 0.001). Aortic dilatation was present in 34% at baseline and 48% at follow-up (p < 0.001). The aortic diameter linearly increased over time with a rate of 0.7 ± 0.2 mm/year. Rate of aortic dissection was 0.06% per patient-year. Seventy patients required an aortic valve intervention (4.4% per patient-year), with AS progression rate as most powerful predictor (HR 5.11 (95% CI 3.47–7.53)).

Conclusions

In the majority of patients with mild-to-moderate congenital AS, AS severity does not progress over time. However patients with left ventricular hypertrophy are at risk for faster progression and should be monitored carefully. Although aortic dissections rarely occur, aortic dilatation is common and steadily progresses over time, warranting serial aortic imaging.     

Ascending aorta elasticity in children with isolated bicuspid aortic valve

Background

Aortic dilation is common in children with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) but aortic complications are infrequent. The aim of this study was to investigate elastic properties of the ascending aorta (AAo) and its relation to AAo size in children with isolated BAV without significant valve dysfunction.

Methods

24 children with isolated BAV and 24 healthy controls with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) matched by gender, age and body surface area (BSA) were studied. Aortic strain (AS), aortic distensibility (DIS) and aortic stiffness index (SI) were derived from M-mode echocardiography at the AAo together with cuff blood pressure recordings. BAV children with dilated AAo (z score ≥ 2) and non dilated (z score < 2) were compared.

Results

BAV children had larger aortas than controls at the sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and AAo (p < 0.05). AS was lower in BAV than in controls (10.15 ± 4.93 vs 16.93 ± 5.17 p = 0.000), DIS was lower in BAV than in controls (8.51 ± 3.90 vs 14.37 ± 4.20 p = 0.000) and SI was higher in BAV than in controls (7.19 ± 4.45 vs 4.05 ± 2.33 p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in AS, DIS and SI between children with dilated and non-dilated AAo. AS, DIS and SI were not related to BSA, age or AAo size.

Conclusions

AAo elasticity assessed by transthoracic echocardiography is impaired in BAV children without significant valve dysfunction compared to TAV children. Impaired elasticity seems to be independent from aortic dilation. Measuring aortic elasticity may help to identify children at greater risk for complications as adults.     

Hereditary patterns of bicuspid aortic valve in a hundred families

Background

To study the following characteristics of bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs): 1) the recurrence rate in our population, 2) patterns of hereditary transmission in different BAV morphologies and 3) the aortic dimensions of BAVs in first-degree relatives (FDRs).

Methods

A cross-sectional, prospective study of 100 consecutive families of BAV patients attending a university hospital. The following aortic valve morphologies were analysed and categorised: fusion of the right and left coronary cusps (BAV type A), right and noncoronary cusps (type B) and of the left and noncoronary cusps (type C).

Results

There were 553 subjects studied, 100 cases with a BAV (46.8 ± 15 years, 66% male, type 67% A, 32% B and 1% C; 42% with aortic dilatation), 348 FDRs (44.8% male), and 105 healthy control subjects (50% male). We detected 16 BAVs among 348 FDRs. The recurrence rates were 15% for families, 4.6% for FDRs, 7.05% in men and 2.60% in women. The morphologic concordance in family members was 68.8%. The aortic dimensions in 270 adult FDRs with a tricuspid aortic valve were significantly smaller compared with BAV patients (sinus index diameter 1.60 ± 0.19 cm/m² vs. 1.82 ± 0.29 cm/m², p < 0.001; tubular index diameter 1.51 ± 0.23 cm/m² vs. 2.00 ± 0.45 cm/m², p < 0.001) and similar to 103 control subjects(sinus index diameter 1.60 ± 0.19 cm/m² vs. 1.59 ± 0.17 cm/m², p = 0.600 and tubular index diameter 1.51 ± 0.23 cm/m² vs. 1.53 ± 0.18 cm/m², p = 0.519).

Conclusions

In our population, the BAV recurrence rate in FDRs was low (4.6%). The hereditary transmission of morphologic BAV types seems by chance, and the aortic dimensions in tricuspid FDRs are normal.     

Incremental prognostic value of cardiac computed tomography angiography in asymptomatic aortic stenosis: Significance of aortic valve calcium score

Background

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) provides the simultaneous evaluation of the aortic valve, myocardium, and coronary arteries. In particular, aortic valve calcium score (AVCS) can be accurately measured on the same scanning sequence used to measure coronary artery calcification, with no additional cost or radiation exposure. We sought to evaluate the prognostic value of CCTA measures, including AVCS, in asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and results

Sixty-four initially asymptomatic patients with AS with a normal ejection fraction were prospectively enrolled and followed for median 29 (IQR = 18–50) months. During follow-up, 27 (42%) patients experienced cardiac events, including five cardiac deaths, eleven aortic valve replacements. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis identified three CCTA measures as significant predictors of cardiac events: aortic valve area (per 0.1 cm² decrease; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.34); multi-vessel obstructive coronary artery disease (HR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.10–7.32); and AVCS (per 100; HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04–1.15). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with AVCS greater than or equal to the median value of 723 had significantly worse outcomes than those with AVCS less than 723 (p < 0.0001). The C-statistic value for cardiac events substantially increased when these CCTA measures were added to clinical characteristics plus echocardiographic peak transaortic velocity (0.913 vs. 0.702, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients with asymptomatic AS, CCTA measures of valve area, coronary stenosis, and calcification severity provide independent and incremental prognostic value after accounting for the echocardiographic severity of stenosis.     

Prognostic significance of the absence of normal septal Q waves before aortic valve replacement

Purpose

Aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of absence of septal Q waves in patients scheduled for aortic valve replacement.

Material and Methods

Sixty-one patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis were retrospectively evaluated. Septal Q waves were defined as Q waves of < 2 mm in amplitude and < 40 ms in width and absence of septal Q waves was defined as simultaneous loss of Q waves from at least three of the leads I, aVL, V5 and V6. Septal Q waves were absent in 17 patients (Group AQ, 27.8%) and were present in 44 patients (Group PQ, 72.1 %) preoperatively. Newly developed AV block > 1st degree and newly developed left bundle branch block were primary endpoints.

Results

Preoperatively, absence of normal septal Q waves was significantly associated with increased risk of postoperative AV block (HR: 11.18, range 1.37–91.21, 95% CI, p = 0.02) whereas it was not associated with increased risk for newly developed LBBB (HR: 3.15 0.62–15.83, 95% CI, p = 0.16).

Conclusion

Absence of normal septal Q waves in the preoperative ECG may predict further delay in conduction which might develop in the early postoperative course of aortic valve replacement.     

Load independent impairment of reverse remodeling after valve replacement in hypertensive aortic stenosis patients

Background

We evaluated the impact of hypertension on the left ventricular mass regression in aortic stenosis after aortic valve replacement.

Methods

We prospectively studied 135 patients with severe aortic stenosis at baseline and 1 year after surgery. In 32 patients we analyzed myocardial gene expression of collagen types I and III, connective tissue growth factor, transforming growth factor-β1, metalloproteinase-2 and its tissue inhibitor and compared its levels vs controls.

Results

Seventy-six patients (56.3%) had a history of hypertension. Hypertensive patients were older, had higher Euroscore-II and NYHA class, with no differences in stenosis severity. At 1 year follow-up there was a median decrease of mass index of 14.2% (P25–75: − 4.3%–30.4%; p < 0.001). Mass regression was significantly higher in patients without hypertension, with a median decrease of 25.9% (P25–75: 12.0%–38.7%) vs 5.4% (P25–75: − 12.5%–20.1%; p = 0.001), despite similar increase in effective orifice area and no differences in valvuloarterial impedance. After 1 year, higher baseline left ventricular mass index (p = 0.005) and the absence of hypertension (p = 0.002) or diabetes (p = 0.041) were the only independent predictors of mass regression higher than the median. Comparing with controls, aortic stenosis patients had an increased expression of collagen types I and III, but only hypertensive patients had higher relative expression of collagen type I vs III. In hypertensive patients TIMP2 expression was up-regulated and correlated with higher baseline left ventricular mass index (r = 0.61; p = 0.020).

Conclusions

In aortic stenosis, hypertension impairs mass regression one year after valve replacement, independently of total afterload. Differences in the expression of extracellular matrix remodeling genes might contribute to this finding.     

Longitudinal left ventricular 2D strain is superior to ejection fraction in predicting myocardial recovery and symptomatic improvement after aortic valve implantation

Background

Predicting improvement of myocardial function after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis (AS) remains a challenge. As ejection fraction (EF) may be of limited value in detecting early myocardial dysfunction and predicting outcome, we assessed the potential of echocardiographic longitudinal function in this setting.

Materials and methods

Left ventricular (LV) function was assessed using EF, mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), peak longitudinal 2D strain (LS) and strain rate (SR) in101consecutive patients with severe symptomatic AS (age 81 ± 11 years) undergoing TAVI. Echocardiography and assessment of clinical status including NYHA functional class were performed prior and after intervention (median 70 days).

Results

Pre-interventional EF was 57 ± 17% and 32 patients (32%) had an EF < 50% while 58 patients (57%) were found to have an impaired LS. After TAVI there was no significant change in EF. In contrast, LS, SR and MAPSE improved significantly (− 14.0 ± 4.4 vs. − 15.5 ± 4.0%; p = 0.007, 0.68 ± 0.24 vs. 0.78 ± 0.23/s, p = 0.002; and 9.1 ± 3.2 vs. 10.2 ± 3.3 mm, p = 0.006, respectively). Receiver Operating Curve characteristic analysis identified a pre-TAVI LS > − 13.3% as the optimal cut-off value for predicting lack of LS recovery post TAVI. There was a marked improvement in NYHA FC after intervention (p = 0.0002). Among the studied echocardiographic parameters LS change correlated closest with NYHA class improvement (r = 0.42, p = 0.0008).

Conclusion

Overall, LS appears to be more sensitive for detecting early myocardial damage in patients with AS compared to conventional echocardiographic parameters. More importantly, pre-interventional LS may identify irreversible myocardial dysfunction and LS improvement correlates with symptomatic improvement after intervention.     

Prevalence and prognostic implication of restenosis or dilatation at the aortic coarctation repair site assessed by cardiovascular MRI in adult patients late after coarctation repair

Background

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is ideal for assessing patients with repaired aortic coarctation (CoA). Little is known on the relation between long-term complications of CoA repair as assessed by CMR and clinical outcome. We examined the prevalence of restenosis and dilatation at the repair site and the long-term outcome in patients with repaired CoA.

Methods and results

CMR imaging and clinical data for adult CoA patients (247 patients aged 33.0 ± 12.8 years, 60% male), were analyzed. The diameter of the aorta at the repair site was measured on CMR and its ratio to the aortic diameter at the diaphragm (repair site-diaphragm ratio, RDR) was calculated. Restenosis (RDR ≤ 70%) was present in 31% of patients (and significant in 9% [RDR < 50%]), and dilatation (RDR > 150%) in 13.0%. A discrete aneurysm at the repair site was observed in 9%. Restenosis was more likely after resection and end–end anastomosis, whereas dilatation after patch repair. Systemic hypertension was present in 69% of patients. Of the hypertensive patients, blood pressure (133 ± 20/73 ± 10 mm Hg) was well controlled in 93% with antihypertensive therapy. Mortality rate over a median length of 5.9 years was low (0.69% per year, 95% CI: 0.33–1.26), but significantly higher than age-matched healthy controls (standardised mortality ratio 2.86, CI 1.43–5.72, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Restenosis or dilatation at the CoA repair site as assessed by CMR is not uncommon. Medium term survival remains good, however, albeit lower than in the general population. Life-long follow-up and optimal blood pressure control are likely to secure a good longer term outlook in these patients.     

Incidence,predictors and prognostic value of serious hemorrhagic complications following transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

TAVI is an alternative solution for patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) who are refused for conventional surgery. We sought to evaluate the incidence, characteristics, predictors and prognosis impact of serious hemorrhagic complications following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

One hundred and seventy one consecutive patients with symptomatic severe AS (83.5 ± 6.1 y; 53% women; mean EuroSCORE = 22.1 ± 12.3) underwent transapical (TA) or transfemoral (TF) TAVI in our institution using Edwards SAPIEN© and Medtronic CoreValve© devices. The primary evaluated criterion was the incidence of any bleeding complication, according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) criteria.

Results

VARC serious hemorrhagic complications occurred in 34.5% of patients (n = 23 life-threatening/disabling (LT/D) and n = 36 major bleedings). Most of these complications were related to access site complications (69%). Multivariable analysis revealed that TA access, low weight and underlying coronary artery diseases were independent predictors for development of serious bleeding. The mortality was significantly higher in patients with serious events compared to patients without bleeding (p = 0.008, log-rank analysis). Although the survival didn't significantly differ in patients with major hemorrhagic events, subjects with LT/D bleeding events had a higher mortality than the subjects with no hemorrhagic complications (p < 0.001, log-rank analysis). Occurrence of VARC LT/D event independently predicted all-cause mortality (HR = 5.35 [2.51–11.43], p < 0.001) during the first year following TAVI in multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion

Severe bleeding is frequent following TAVI procedure and is mainly related to local hemorrhage. VARC LT/D events are associated with decreased survival after AS correction.     

Early valve replacement for aortic stenosis irrespective of symptoms results in better clinical survival: A meta-analysis of the current evidence

Objectives

Patients with severe, but asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) present a difficult clinical challenge. The conventional strategy is ‘wait for symptoms’ approach. However, some observational studies have suggested early aortic valve replacement (AVR) results in better outcome compared to late surgery. There are no randomised controlled trials comparing clinical outcome of early and late AVR. This meta-analysis is to examine the effect of the two approaches on clinical outcome in such patients.

Methods

We searched the PubMed for published studies on asymptomatic AS and treatment. Four observational studies (N = 976 patients) were suitable for inclusion in the analysis.

Results

All four studies provided sufficient details. Using the subgroup of asymptomatic patients who underwent early surgery together or separately from the subgroup who had surgery after developing symptoms resulted in ORs of 0.17 and 0.16 respectively (p < 0.00001) in favour of early AVR compared with conservational or late surgery.

Conclusion

Meta-analysis of the available observational studies has demonstrated highly significant clinical outcome in favour of early AVR compared with late surgery, suggesting that early surgical approach offers substantial survival benefit for severe asymptomatic AS patients.     

Impact of pulmonary hypertension on mortality after operation for isolated aortic valve stenosis

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a well-known independent risk factor for mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery. However, no weight is given to PH in the current guidelines for the management of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative PH on early and five-year survival in patients with severe AS undergoing isolated AVR.

Methods

From January 2005 to July 2010, 422 consecutive patients with severe AS underwent isolated AVR. According to systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), PH was classified as none (sPAPS < 35 mmHg, N = 224), mild–moderate (35 ≤ sPAP < 50 mmHg, N = 159) and severe (sPAP ≥ 50 mmHg, N = 39).

Results

Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.8%. Unadjusted mortality was 0.9%, 3.8% and 10.2% for patients with normal, mild–moderate and severe PH (p = 0.003). In multivariable analysis, severe PH (OR 4.1, 95 CI 1.1–15.3, p = 0.04) and New York Heart Association class III–IV (OR 14.9, 95% CI 1.8–117.8, p = 0.01) were independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality. Multivariable predictors of five-year survival were extracardiac arteriopathy (HR 2.8, 95%CI 1.6–4.9, p < 0.0001), severe PH (HR 2.4, 95%CI 1.2–4.6 p = 0.01), NHYA III–IV class (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4, p = 0.003), preoperative serum creatinine (HR 2.2, 95%CI, 1.6–3.1,p < 0.0001) and age (HR 1.08, 95%CI 1.03 - 1.13, p = 0.01). Five-year survival was 86% ± 3% with normal sPAP, 81% ± 4% with mild–moderate PH and 63 ± 10% with severe PH (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing isolated AVR with severe AS, severe PH is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality and five-year survival     

Assessment of coronary artery disease using coronary computed tomography angiography in patients with aortic valve stenosis referred for surgical aortic valve replacement

Background

In patients referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR) a pre-surgical assessment of coronary artery disease is mandatory to determine the possible need for additional coronary artery bypass grafting. The diagnostic accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) was evaluated in patients with aortic valve stenosis referred for surgical AVR.

Methods

Between March 2008 and March 2010 a total of 181 consecutive patients were included. All patients underwent pre-surgical coronary CTA (64- or 320-detector CT scanner) and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The analyses were performed blinded to each other.

Results

The mean ± SD age of the included patients was 71 ± 9 years and 59% were male. The prevalence of significant coronary artery stenosis > 70% by ICA was 36%. Average heart rate during coronary CTA was 65 ± 16 bpm. In a patient based analysis 94% of the patients (171/181) were considered fully evaluable. Coronary CTA had a sensitivity of 68%, a specificity of 91%, a positive predictive value of 81%, and a negative predictive value of 83%. Advanced age, obstructive lung disease, NYHA function class III/IV, and high Agatston score were found to be significantly associated with disagreement between ICA and coronary CTA in univariate analysis.

Conclusion

In patients with aortic valve stenosis referred for surgical AVR the diagnostic accuracy of coronary CTA to identify significant coronary artery disease is moderate. Coronary CTA may be used successfully in a subset of patients with low age, no chronic obstructive lung disease, NYHA function class < III and low coronary Agatston score.     

Does residual aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation increase mortality in all patients? The importance of baseline natriuretic peptides

Background

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is an important complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and even moderate AR is associated with increased mortality after TAVI. The association with decreased survival is unclear. We aimed to analyse the impact of AR after TAVI as a function of baseline NT-proBNP.

Methods

We included 236 consecutive patients implanted in our centre with the SAPIEN and SAPIEN XT valves, via the transfemoral route. AR was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. NT-proBNP was measured 24 h before implantation and patients were divided according to the median value.

Results

Median age was 85 years (80–89) and 137 (58.1%) were women. Patients with high NT-proBNP had lower left ventricular ejection fraction: 52% (35–65) vs. 63% (55–70), p < 0.001, larger telediastolic diameters: 56 mm (49–61) vs. 52 mm (46–56), p = 0.01, and more severe aortic stenosis: 0.62 ± 0.15 cm² vs. 0.70 ± 0.2 cm², p < 0.001. Pre-procedural moderate or severe AR (42% vs. 26%, p = 0.013) and mitral regurgitation (56% vs. 36%, p = 0.004) were more common in the high NT-proBNP group. After TAVI, moderate or severe AR occurred in 26% of patients and was associated with increased 2-year mortality only in the low NT-proBNP group, while patients in the high NT-proBNP group were not affected.

Conclusions

Moderate or severe AR after TAVI was not associated with increased 2-year mortality in patients with high baseline NT-proBNP. Our data suggest that the impact of AR after TAVI is absent in patients with significant pre-procedural AR or mitral regurgitation and more severe aortic stenosis.     

Acute kidney injury following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: incidence,predictors and clinical outcome

Background

Limited data exist on renal complications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) within a comprehensive program using different valves with transfemoral, transapical, and trans-subclavian approach.

Methods

Prospective single-center registry of 102 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI using both approved bioprostheses and different access routes. The main objective was to assess the incidence, predictors and the clinical impact of acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI was defined according to the valve academic research consortium (VARC) indications.

Results

Mean age was 83.7 ± 5.3 years, logistic EuroSCORE 22.6 ± 12.4%, and STS score 8.2 ± 4.1%. Chronic kidney disease at baseline was present in 87.3%. Periprocedural AKI developed in 42 patients (41.7%): 32.4% stage 1, 4.9% stage 2 and 3.9% stage 3. The incidence of AKI was 66.7% in transapical, 30.3% in transfemoral, and 50% in trans-subclavian procedures. The only independent predictor of AKI was transapical access, with a hazard ratio (HR) between 4.57 and 5.18 based on the model used. Cumulative 1-year survival was 88.2%. At Cox regression analysis, the only independent predictor of 30-day mortality was diabetes mellitus (HR 7.05, 95% CI 1.07–46.32; p = 0.042), whilst the independent predictors of 1-year death were baseline glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min (HR 5.74, 95% CI 1.42–23.26; p = 0.014) and post-procedural AKI 3 (HR 8.59, 95% CI 1.61–45.86, p = 0.012).

Conclusions

TAVI is associated with a high incidence of AKI. Although in the majority of the cases AKI is of mild entity and reversible, AKI 3 holds a strong negative impact on 1-year survival. The incidence of AKI is higher with transapical access.     

Left atrial size and function as predictors of new-onset of atrial fibrillation in patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis: The simvastatin and ezetimibe in aortic stenosis study

Background

Left atrial (LA) size and function change with chronically increased left ventricular (LV) filling pressures. It remains unclear whether these variations in LA parameters can predict new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

Data were obtained in asymptomatic patients with mild-to-moderate AS (2.5 ≤ transaortic Doppler velocity ≤ 4.0 m/s), preserved LV ejection fraction (EF), no previous AF, and were enrolled in the Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis study. Peak-aortic velocity, LA_max volume & LA_min volume were measured by echocardiography. LA conduit (LA_con) volume was defined as LV stroke volume − LA stroke volume. LA function was expressed as LA-EF (LA_max − LA_min volume/LA_max).

Results

In the 1159 patients included, new-onset AF occurred in 71 patients (6.1%) within a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 0.9 years. Mean age was 66 ± 9.7 years, aortic valve area index 0.6 ± 0.2 cm²/m², LV mass 99.2 ± 29.7 g/m², LA_max volume 34.6 ± 12.0 mL/m², LA_min volume 17.9 ± 9.3 mL/m², LA-EF 50 ± 15% and LA_con volume 45 ± 21 mL/m². Baseline LA_min volume predicted new-onset AF in Cox multivariable analysis (HR:2.3 [95%CI:1.3–4.4], P < 0.01), and added prognostic information on AF development beyond conventional risk factors (likelihood ratio, P < 0.01). In comparison of c-indexes LA_min volume was superior to all other LA measurements. Net reclassification index improved by 15.9% when adding LA_min volume to a model with classic risk factors for AF (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

LA_min volume independently predicted new-onset AF in patients with asymptomatic AS and was superior to LA-EF, LA_con and LA_max volumes and conventional risk factors.     

Coronary artery calcification correlates with the presence and severity of valve calcification

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in symptomatic individuals with CT evidence for left heart valve calcification, aortic valve (AVC), mitral valve (MAC) or both.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 282 consecutive patients with calcification in either the aortic valve or mitral annulus. Calcium scoring of the coronary artery, aortic and mitral valve was measured using the Agatston score.

Results

AVC was more prevalent than MAC (64% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001), with 34% having both. Absence of CAC was noted in 12.7% of the study population. AVC + CAC were observed in 53.5%, MAC and CAC in 2.1%, and combined AVC, MAC and CAC in 31.6%. The median CAC score was higher in individuals with combined AVC + MAC, followed by those with AVC and lowest was in the MAC group. The majority (40%) of individuals with AVC had CAC score > 400, and only in 16% had CAC = 0. The same pattern was more evident in individuals with AVC + MAC, where 70% had CAC score > 400 and only 6% had CAC score of 0. These results were irrespective of gender. There was no correlation between AVC and MAC but there was modest correlation between CAC score and AVC score (r = 0.28, p = 0.0001), MAC (r = 0.36, p = 0.0001) and with combined AVC + MAC (r = 0.5, p = 0.0001). AVC score of 262 had a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 92% for the prediction of presence of CAC.

Conclusion

The presence and extent of calcification in the aortic valve or/and mitral valves are associated with severe coronary artery calcification.     

Renin–angiotensin system inhibition is not associated with increased sudden cardiac death,cardiovascular mortality or all-cause mortality in patients with aortic stenosis

Background

Renin–angiotensin system inhibition (RASI) is frequently avoided in aortic stenosis (AS) patients because of fear of hypotension. We evaluated if RASI with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) increased mortality in patients with mild to moderate AS.

Methods

All patients (n = 1873) from the Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis study: asymptomatic patients with AS and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction were included. Risks of sudden cardiac death (SCD), cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality according to RASI treatment were analyzed by multivariable time-varying Cox models and propensity score matched analyses.

Results

769 (41%) patients received RASI. During a median follow-up of 4.3 ± 0.9 years, 678 patients were categorized as having severe AS, 545 underwent aortic valve replacement, 40 SCDs, 103 cardiovascular and 205 all-cause deaths occurred. RASI was not associated with SCD (HR: 1.19 [95%CI: 0.50–2.83], p = 0.694), cardiovascular (HR: 1.05 [95%CI: 0.62–1.77], p = 0.854) or all-cause mortality (HR: 0.81 [95%CI: 0.55–1.20], p = 0.281). This was confirmed in propensity matched analysis (all p > 0.05). In separate analyses, RASI was associated with larger reduction in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.001) and less progression of LV mass (p = 0.040).

Conclusions

RASI was not associated with SCD, cardiovascular or all-cause mortality in asymptomatic AS patients. However, RASI was associated with a potentially beneficial decrease in blood pressure and reduced LV mass progression.     

Beneficial effect of high dose statins on the vascular wall in patients with repaired aortic coarctation?

Background

Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) is a marker for atherosclerosis. Adult post-coarctectomy patients (CoA) demonstrate an increased cardiovascular risk and increased CIMT compared to controls. This study evaluates the effect of high dose statins on the change in CIMT and cardiovascular risk.

Methods

We designed a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open label trial with blinded endpoint (PROBE design) to evaluate the effect of three year treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg on CIMT and cardiovascular risk. Primary endpoint was CIMT measured by B mode ultrasonography. Secondary endpoints were mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular disease and serum lipids.

Results

155 patients (36.3 ± 11.8 years, 96 (62%) male) were randomized (atorvastatin = 80, no treatment = 75). There was no significant effect of atorvastatin on the change in CIMT (treatment effect − 0.005, 95% CI, − 0.039–0.029; P = 0.76). A significant effect on serum cholesterol and LDL levels was found (− 0.71, 95% CI, − 1.16 to − 0.26; P = 0.002 vs − 0.66, 95% CI − 1.06 to − 0.26; P = 0.001). There was no difference in secondary outcome measures. Baseline CIMT was higher in hypertensive compared to normotensive CoA. (0.69 ± 0.16 mm vs 0.61 ± 0.98 mm; P = 0.002). Hypertension (ß = 0.043, P = 0.031) was the strongest determinant CIMT.

Conclusion

Three year treatment with atorvastatin does not lead to a reduction of CIMT and secondary outcome measures, despite a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL levels. Hypertensive CoA demonstrate the highest CIMT and the largest CIMT progression. Blood pressure control should be the main focus in CoA to decrease cardiovascular risk.     

Clinical outcome and quality of life in octogenarians following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for symptomatic aortic stenosis

Objective

TAVI is the alternative option in pts with AS deemed ineligible for surgery. Although mortality and morbidity are measures to assess the effectiveness of treatments, quality of life (QOL) should be an additional target. We assessed clinical outcome and QOL in octogenarians following TAVI.

Design

All octogenarians with a risk profile considered by the Heart Team to be unacceptable for surgery entered in this registry. QOL was assessed by questionnaires concerning physical and psychic performance.

Patients

A hundred forty-five octogenarians (age: 84.7 ± 3.4 years; male: 48.3%) underwent TAVI for AS (97.2%) or isolated AR (2.8%). NYHA class: 2.8 ± 0.6; Logistic EuroScore: 26.1 ± 16.7; STS score: 9.2 ± 7.7.Echocardiographic assessments included AVA (0.77 ± 0.21 cm2), mean/peak gradients (54.5 ± 12.2/88 ± 19.5 mmHg), LVEF (21% = EF ≤ 40%), sPAP (43.1 ± 11.6 mmHg).

Interventions

All pts underwent successful TAVI using Edward-SAPIEN valve (71.2%) or Medtronic CoreValve (28.8%).

Main outcome measures

Rates of mortality at 30 days, 6 months and 1 year were 2.8%, 11.2% and 17.5%.

Results

At 16-month follow up, 85.5% survived showing improved NYHA class (2.8 ± 0.6 vs 1.5 ± 0.7; p < 0.001), decreased sPAP (43.1 ± 11.6 mmHg vs 37.1 ± 7.7 mmHg; p < 0.001) and increased LVEF in those with EF ≤ 40% (34.9 ± 6% vs 43.5 ± 14.4%; p = 0.006). Concerning QOL, 49% walked unassisted, 79% (39.5% among pts ≥ 85 years) reported self-awareness improvement; QOL was reported as “good” in 58% (31.4% among pts ≥ 85 years), “acceptable according to age” in 34% (16% among pts ≥ 85 years) and “bad” in 8%.

Conclusion

TAVI procedures improve clinical outcome and subjective health-related QOL in very elderly patients with symptomatic AS.