P1848Prevalence and outcomes in patients with Heyde syndrome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, a single centre experience
Authors: Waldschmidt L , Drolz A , Heimburg P , Gossling A , Schofer N , Voigtlaender L , Ludwig S , Linder M , Reichenspurner H , Blankenberg S , Schaefer U , Westermann D , Conradi L , Kluwe J , Seiffert M 
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Heyde syndrome is known as the association of severe aortic stenosis (AS) and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) from angiodysplasia. To date only few data exist regarding the prevalence of Heyde syndrome and results after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the treatment of AS.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the prevalence of Heyde syndrome in a routine clinical cohort of patients undergoing TAVI and analyze the effectiveness of treatment of AS regarding recurrent GIB in these patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis of 2545 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI for the treatment of AS in 2008–2017. Patients with a history of GIB were identified. The diagnosis of Heyde syndrome was defined as a clinical triad of presence of severe AS, a history of recurrent GIB, and an endoscopic diagnosis of angiodysplasia. GIB of unknown origin or related to other causes was defined as bleeding unrelated to angiodysplasia. Clinical outcomes of patients with Heyde syndrome were evaluated with emphasis on bleeding complications and recurrence of GIB.

Results

A history of GIB prior to TAVI was detected in 190 patients (7.5%) of the TAVI cohort. Among them, 143 patients had a GIB unrelated to angiodysplasia (5.6%) and 47 patients (1.8%) were diagnosed with Heyde syndrome. Median age and STS-PROM were 80.7 (75.3, 84.0) years and 4.7 (2.7, 9.0) respectively in Heyde patients. TAVI was successfully performed in all cases (66% endovascular access, 34% transapical access). The effective orifice areas increased from 0.8±0.1 cm2 to 2.1±0.5 cm2. Periprocedural major/life-threatening bleeding was found in 6 patients (12.8%), mainly access-related and none due to GIB. In 51% of Heyde-patients transfusion of 4.5±5.7 packed red blood cells was required during the index hospitalisation. During a mean follow-up of 12 months, recurrent GIB after TAVI was detected in 32% of patients with Heyde syndrome. In contrast only 18% of patients with GIB unrelated to angiodysplasia (Non-Heyde) had recurrent GIB after TAVI. In patients diagnosed with Heyde syndrome and recurrent GIB after TAVI the rate of residual mild or moderate paravalvular regurgitation was higher compared to those with an unremarkable course (73% vs. 37%, p=0.045).

Figure 1. 1-year Follow-Up

Conclusions

A relevant number of patients presenting for treatment of AS can be diagnosed with Heyde syndrome. In these patients TAVI can be successfully performed with moderate incidence of periprocedural bleeding complications but significant transfusion rates. Regardless of successful treatment of AS, recurrent GIB was detected in a significant number of Heyde patients during follow-up. The possible association with residual paravalvular regurgitation requires further investigation to improve treatment options in patients with Heyde syndrome.