Abstract 033: Trends in Cerebral Angiogram Utilization for Patients with Infective Endocarditis: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Dawod Giana , Dicpinigaitis Alis J. , Díaz Paulina , Ehidom Clinton , Janocko Nicholas , Merkler Alexander E. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIA) represent one of several cerebrovascular pathologies associated with infective endocarditis (IE). Neuroimaging in patients with IE, especially in those undergoing cardiac procedures, have scarcely been examined in the literature. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA), or cerebral angiogram, remains the gold standard for the detection of IIA, yet the utility of this invasive imaging modality is uncertain. Herein, we aim to better understand current national trends in the use of neuroimaging in this group of patients, and its impact on patient outcomes.

Methods

Hospitalizations for IE with concurrent procedures for left‐sided cardiac valve surgery (VS) were identified in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) registry during the period of 2015‐2020 using weighted approximations and validated International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) diagnosis and procedural coding. The primary exposure was DSA and the trend of its use was evaluated during the study period. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the adjusted association of angiography with in‐hospital mortality, the primary study endpoint, while accounting for age and illness severity [quantified by All Patient Refined Diagnostic Related Groups (APR‐DRG) illness severity subclass]. Effect size was reported as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and a stringent statistical significance threshold of p < 0.001.

Results

This analysis identified 31,550 hospitalizations for IE treated with VS, of which 1,160 (3.7%) underwent DSA. Utilization of angiography significantly increased during the study period (trend p < 0.001; Kendall’s tau‐b = 0.002), with the rate of the final year of the study nearly doubling that of the first (2020 4.9% vs. 2015 2.5%, p < 0.001). IE VS patients undergoing angiography experienced significantly decreased mortality rates in comparison to those not receiving an angiogram (4.3% vs. 7.5%; p < 0.001). Following multivariable logistic regression analysis, angiography was significantly associated with decreased mortality, independent of age and illness severity (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.37, 0.66; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The current literature on neurological complications of IE includes limited data on the defined role of neuroimaging in dictating management. The theoretical risk in IE patients undergoing cardiac procedures involving heparinization includes the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, especially in those with IIA. While less invasive neuroimaging is thought to suffice in detecting bleeds, DSAs remain more sensitive for IIA detection. In our study, not only did the number of IE patients undergoing DSA increase over time, but they had better mortality rates. Future directions should focus on understanding the appropriate timing of imaging in relation to the patient’s disease course to optimize inpatient care.