bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
496 A fatal case of MitraClip thrombosis
Authors: Andrikopoulou E , Mitchell R N M , Kim A Y K , Shook D C S , Kaneko T K , Shah P B S , Sun Y P S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Case
An 80 year old man presented with persistent dyspnea two months following placement of three MitraClip devices for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). On exam, he had an apical holosystolic murmur. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed displacement of one of the MitraClip devices (Figure 1A, red arrow showing the displaced MitraClip) and moderate-severe MR (Figure 1B). He underwent implantation of a fourth MitraClip with reduction of his MR to mild-moderate (Figure 1C, 1D; yellow arrow showing the new MitraClip). Shortly after, he experienced severe melena and hematochezia and became lethargic and hypotensive. He was transferred to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, was intubated and aggressively supported. Extensive work-up revealed diffuse gastric body ischemia and ulceration. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed his most recent MitraClip being well seated with mild-moderate MR. He developed refractory multi-organ failure and expired eight days following the procedure. Autopsy revealed thrombi attached to the initially placed MitraClip’s (Figure 1E, 1F) and thromboemboli to the small bowel, spleen and brain.

Discussion
MitraClip is the predominant non-surgical alternative for percutaneous mitral valve repair in inoperable patients with symptomatic MR, either primary or secondary. Despite its growing use, there remains a paucity of data on its safety and the potential life-threatening complications, especially when more than one device are placed. Current recommendations include dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. In patients already on anticoagulation, continuation of it is recommended. Very few cases of MitraClip thrombosis have been reported so far. Acute development of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and early thrombus was described in a patient with severe, primary MR receiving 2 MitraClip"s. Both SEC and the early thrombus resolved once the second device was removed. In another case, intraprocedural thrombus formation was described on the right side of the interatrial septum close to the MitraClip guide catheter. The underlying pathophysiologic mechanism and the predisposing factors to acute and subacute thrombosis associated with MitraClip are unclear. One plausible explanation could be the acute dramatic hemodynamic alterations related to the reduction in MR and new mild mitral stenosis. In addition, the MitraClip itself may act as a prothrombotic nidus. Potential risk factors include: advanced age and multiple comorbidities predisposing to proinflammation and prothrombosis. The use of MitraClip is only expected to increase in the future. Large scale clinical trials are needed to further define the safety of the device and delineate the optimal antiplatelet and/or antithrombotic regimen.
Abstract 496 Figure. Pre and post TEE and autopsy findings.
498 A missed and misdiagnosed case of pericardial agenesis
Authors: Altin C , Ozpelit E , Gezmis E , Ozpelit M E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Pericardium is a fibroserous sac surrounding the heart and the roots of the great vessels. Pericardial agenesis which is a rare condition can be complete or partial and the most common form is absence of left hemipericardium. Pericardial agenesis is often an incidental finding, as it is usually asymptomatic. Moreover patients presenting with symptoms can be missed diagnosed, because it can be difficult to visualise the pericardium clearly with imaging modalities. Herein we present a misdiagnosed pericardial agenesis case.

Case Report
A 49 years old male was admit to our cardiology clinic for confirmation, and follow-up of a previous diagnosis of right ventricular cardiomyopathy (CMP). He had been previously diagnosed based on transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography findings 13 years ago. Since then he had been attending routine follow-ups, he had also underwent several imagining modalities even cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to confirm the diagnosis of right ventricular CMP. No arrhythmia had been detected in Holter monitoring. He had no dyspnea, or other specific signs and symptoms. His medical and family histories were otherwise unremarkable. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) showed normal sinus rhythm without having specific abnormalities. The chest X-ray revealed laevorotation of the heart (Fig A). The transthoracic echocardiography showed a laterally displaced left ventricle (LV) apex, and an enlarged right ventricle (RV) with normal systolic function (Fig B). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) revealed normal coronary arteries, leftward displacement of the heart with mild RV dilatation. The pericardium was only visible around right atrium (Fig C). CMR demonstrated mild RV dilatation (end-diastolic volume 167ml) with reasonable systolic function (EF 50%), normal LV dimensions with normal systolic function (Fig D). The absence of pericardium at both left and right sides, except around right atrium, was confirmed, whereas there was no additional finding such as wall motion abnormality. Therefore the patient was diagnosed with partial pericardial agenesis and scheduled for follow-ups.

Conclusion
The pericardial agenesis which is a rare disorder is generally benign. Although MRI is believed to be the gold standard technique, it might not be able to delineate entire pericardium, because of various artefacts or paucity of surrounding fat. Therefore physicians should be aware of the indirect signs on various imaging modalities like excessive laevorotation of the heart, as direct recognition can be tricky, and the patient can be easily missed and/or misdiagnosed. Our patient was asymptomatic. His pericardial defect was almost total and this abnormality hadn’t been recognized in his previous CMR or echocardiograpy, leading to a misdiagnosis of CMP. Complete or unilateral absence of the pericardium is considered to be benign, surgical pericardioplasty may only be considered for highly symptomatic patients.
Abstract 498 Figure.
500 Multiple cardiac myxomas on both mitral valve leaflets and left ventricular outflow tract: carney complex in a greek family
Authors: Siskos A , Giannakopoulou P , Gouliaros N , Poulios P , Zarifis I 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
None to declare.
A 49 year old woman was admitted to our institution due to syncope. Her medical history was unremarkable, but her family history included a cerebral infract suffered by her daughter and attributed to a left atrial myxoma. Her physical examination revealed spotty skin pigmentation on her face, lips and neck; a palpable mass in her right breast; and a nodule on her right nipple. During her hospitalisation she developed aphasia and hemiparesis. Brain MRI revealed multiple acute ischemic infracts of her left middle cerebral artery. Bedside transthoracic echocardiography revealed three cardiac masses: one located at the left ventricle outflow tract, the aortic valve; and two on both mitral valve leaflets. The above findings were confirmed with transoesophageal echocardiography.
She undewent biopsy of the breast mass, and surgical excision of the nipple nodule and the cardiac masses. Histology revealed myxoma in all sites. The patient recovered without complications, aside of minor neurologic deficits. 1,5 year follow-up of the patient and her daughter showed no reccurence of cardiac masses.
DNA sequencing of both mother and daughter was positive for PRKAR1A mutation, confirming the diagnosis of Carney complex, a very rare multiple neoplasia syndrome. In addition to the cutaneous and cardiac findings, Carney complex is also associated with endocrine tumors, which neither patient had. The coexistence of myxomas, skin hyperpigmentaion (Lentiginosis) and endocrine abnormalities should always be a reminder of this entity, in order to prevent tumors from causing strokes and death.
Abstract 500 Figure.
504 Intramural hematoma post transcatheter valve replacement
Authors: Maresiu O C , Anton M , Boeangiu S , Margineanu C , Penes D , Marin G , Geavlete O , Kulcsar I , Radu R I , Stoica E , Parasca C , Iliescu V A , Antohi E L , Chioncel O 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR ) is currently the optimal treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered to have an intermediate to high operative risk for surgical intervention. Intramural hematoma secondary to balloon-expandable TAVR is a poorly reported complication with unknown outcome. Among the risk factors associated with this complication are advanced age, female gender, bulky calcifications, significant basal hypertrophy and severe prothesis oversizing.

Case report
We report the case of a 84 year old woman with a history of permanent atrial fibrillation, who was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis symptomatic with heart failure NYHA class III. An important comorbidity was liver cirrhosis of viral etiology (hepatitis C virus) with secondary thrombocytopenia.
Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed severe aortic stenosis with asymmetric calcifications, with preserved gradient (a peak velocity of 4.7 m/s, mean gradient of 63.3mmHg), mild left ventricular disfunction (ejection fraction 45%), and calculated aortic valve area of 0,9 cm2.
As a frail, high risk patient, the heart team recommended transcatheter aortic valve implantation. After complete computer tomographic evaluation, a 26 mm Edwards Sapien 3 valve was implanted through a femoral approach.
Intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography showed the developement of an intramural hematoma in the aortic root (right coronary and noncoronary sinuses), associated with a small pericardial effusion. After administration of Protamine, betablockers and strict blood pressure control, no extension of the hematoma was noted.
Serial TEE showed significant regression of the hematoma and of the pericardial effusion, with normal parametres of the prothesis, with a transprothetic gradient of 23 mmHg, no aortic leak, no other complications.The patient was discharged 12 days after the procedure, clinically stable.

Conclusion
Aortic intramural hematoma may occur during intra-TAVR procedure. Although it may have a benign course, timely recognition and adequate imaging follow-up are mandatory in order to limit the extent and prevent life-threatening complications.
545 Deep learning/artificial intelligence for automatic measurement of global longitudinal strain by echocardiography
Authors: Salte I M , Oestvik A , Smistad E , Melichova D , Nguyen T M , Brunvand H , Edvardsen T , Loevstakken L , Grenne B 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
The Norwegian Health Association, South-Eastern Norway regional health Authority and the national program for clinical therapy research (KLINBEFORSK).

Background
Global longitudinal strain (GLS) by echocardiography has incremental prognostic value in patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure compared to left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and provides more reproducible measurements of LV function. Recent advances in machine learning for image analysis now open the possibility for robust fully automated tracing of the LV and measurement of global longitudinal strain (GLS), without any operator input. This could make real-time GLS possible and remove inter-reader variability, thus resulting in saved time and improved test-retest reliability. The aim of the present study was to investigate how measurements by this novel automatic method compares to conventional speckle tracking analyses of GLS.

Methods
100 transthoracic echocardiographic examinations were included from a clinical database of patients with acute myocardial infarction or de-novo heart failure. Examinations were included consecutively and regardless of image quality. Simpson biplane LV ejection fraction ranged from 7 to 70%. Images of three standard apical planes from each examination were analysed using our novel and fully automated GLS method based on deep learning technology. The automated GLS measurements were compared to conventional speckle tracking GLS measurements of the same acquisitions using vendor specific format and software (EchoPAC, GE Healthcare), performed by a single experienced observer.

Results
GLS was -11.6 ± 4.5% and -12.8 ± 5.0% for the deep learning method and the conventional method, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of -0.7 ± 1,9% and 95% limits of agreement of -4,6 to 3.1. No clear value dependent bias was found by visual inspection (Figure A). Feasibility for measurement of GLS was 93% for the deep learning based method and 99% for the conventional method. The limits of agreement found in our study is comparable to findings in the intervendor comparison study by the EASCVI/ASE/Industry Task force to standardize deformation imaging.

Conclusion
This novel deep learning based method succeeds without any operator input to automatically identify and classify the three apical standard views, trace the myocardium, perform motion estimation and measure global longitudinal strain. This could further facilitate the clinical use of GLS as an important tool for enhancing clinical decision-making.
Abstract 545 Figure.
555 Right ventricular longitudinal strain of patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Fontes Oliveira M , Trepa M , Costa R , Dias Frias A , Silveira I , Cabral S , Santos M , Torres S , Reis A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Noninvasive echocardiography evaluation of the right ventricle (RV) has been shown to have prognostic value in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Recently, speckle-tracking echocardiography has emerged as a new tool in the RV assessment. In this study, we aimed to study the value of global longitudinal strain in the RV evaluation of these patients.

Methods
We collected clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic and right heart catheterization (RHC) data from consecutive patients referred to an expert tertiary care referral centre from 12/2016 to 11/2018. Global RV systolic peak longitudinal strain (RVS) and RV free wall peak longitudinal strain (RVFWS) (mean of the basal, mid- and apical-segments) were measured by speckle-tracking technique with Echo-Pac software from GE Healthcare®.

Results
Of the 97 included patients, 76% were female. The mean age was 65 ± 15 years. Most patients were in NYHA class II. Median time between TTE and RHC was 70 days [IQR 34 - 184]. Group 2 PH was the most frequent aetiology of PH (35), followed by group 1 (26), group 4 (18), group 5 (3) and group 3 (2). The echocardiographic evaluation of this population showed borderline parameters of RV dysfunction (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) 18 ± 4 mm, fractional area change (FAC) 33 ± 10% and S’ tricuspid wave 10 ± 3 cm/sec). Mean RV global strain was -15 ± 5 and RV free wall strain was -17 ± 7.
Both strain parameters significantly correlated with other echocardiographic parameters such as TAPSE, FAC, Tricuspid S wave, RV diastolic diameter, eccentricity index (EI), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), pulmonary acceleration time and presence of RV outflow tract notching. Strain parameters were also associated with pulmonary artery pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) measured by RHC. Strain parameters did not correlate with PECP (p &gt; 0.05).
In multivariate analysis, RV global longitudinal strain predicted invasive mean pulmonary artery pressure and PVR independently of TAPSE and FAC (β=1.38, p &lt; 0.001). RV global strain &gt; -17.1 predicted PVR &gt; 3 wood (OR 3.46, CI 1.50 - 8.02, AUC 0.72) and PMAP &gt; 20 mmHg (OR 4.92, CI 1.67 - 14.51, AUC 0.78). TAPSE &lt; 18 mm predicted PVR &gt; 3 wood (OR 7.41, CI 2.99 - 18.36, AUC 0.72).

Conclusion
RV global and free wall longitudinal strain significantly correlate with other echocardiographic parameters of RV structure and function and with invasive pulmonary artery pressures and PVR.
Abstract 555 Figure.
562 Can 2D speckle tracking echocardiography have an additional impact on prediction of hospitalizations due to heart failure decompensation in patients with ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: Szwoch M , Kaufmann D , Raczak G , Danilowicz-Szymanowicz L 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
NA

Background
Despite advancements in medical therapy and device-based treatment, heart failure (HF) continues to impose enormous burden for both patients and health care system worldwide. Hospitalizations due to HF decompensation is well-known cause of mortality.
Objectives were to verify whether 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) provides independently of other well-known clinical and echocardiographic parameters, information on the risk of HF decompensation in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction of ischemic origin.

Materials and Methods
In 193 stable ischemic HF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 50%, global longitudinal strain (GLS), as well as other echocardiographic (GE VIVID E9, EchoPAC v201) and well-known clinical parameters were analyzed. During 34 (14 – 71) months of follow-up, 58 patients were hospitalized due to HF decompensation (EVENT).

Results
LVEF, GLS, diastolic function and well-known clinical parameters (age, renal function, hemoglobin, brain natriuretic peptide level, history of diabetes, diuretic treatment and the absence of beta-blockers), as well as cut-off values of these parameters identified in ROC analysis were significantly associated with the risk of EVENT in univariate Cox hazard regression analysis (Table). GLS value of -9.4% was the most accurate predictor of EVENT (AUC 80.7% [CI 57.6 – 100%]), whereas other parameters were characterized by lower discriminatory power. In multivariate Cox analyses GLS of -9.4% was still a significant predictor of the EVENT.

Conclusions
2D STE can provide additional information, independently of other well-known clinical and echocardiographic parameters, on the risk of HF decompensation in the patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction of ischemic origin. GLS value worse than -9.4% can identify the patients with higher risk of this EVENT.
Hazard Ratio 95% CI p Age ≥ 71 yo 2.48 1.46 - 4.23 &lt;0.001 GFR ≤ 30 ml/min/1.73 m&sup2; 4.67 1.65 - 13.22 &lt;0.004 Hemoglobin ≤ 14.7 g/dl 3.02 1.19 - 7.70 &lt;0.020 BNP ≥ 214 pg/ml 2.64 1.31 - 5.31 &lt;0.007 LVEF ≤ 32% 2.76 1.55 - 4.90 &lt;0.001 GLS ≥ -9.4% 15.16 1.81 - 56.91 &lt;0.012 E/A ≥ 2.0 8.64 1.91 - 39.05 0.005
566 Myocardial left ventricular mechanical uniformity and adverse cardiac events following myocardial infarction
Authors: Stiermaier T , Backhaus S J , Lange T , Koschalka A , Navarra J L , Boom P , Lamata P , Kowallick J T , Lotz J , Hasenfus G , Gutberlet M , Thiele H , Eitel I , Schuster A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Despite limitations as a standalone parameter, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the preferred measure of myocardial function and marker for post-infarction risk stratification. LV myocardial uniformity may provide superior prognostic information after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which was subject of this study.
Methods and Results:
Consecutive patients with AMI (n = 1082; median age 63 years; 75% male) undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in median 3 days after infarction were included in this multicenter, observational study. Circumferential and radial uniformity ratio estimates (CURE and RURE) were derived from CMR feature-tracking as markers of mechanical uniformity (values between 0 and 1 with 1 reflecting perfect uniformity). The clinical endpoint was the 12-month rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), consisting of all-cause death, re-infarction, and new congestive heart failure.
Patients with MACE (n = 73) had significantly impaired CURE [0.76 (IQR 0.67-0.86) versus 0.84 (IQR 0.76-0.89); p &lt; 0.001] and RURE [0.69 (IQR 0.60-0.79) versus 0.76 (IQR 0.67-0.83); p &lt; 0.001] compared to patients without events. While uniformity estimates did not provide independent prognostic information in the overall cohort, CURE below the median of 0.84 emerged as an independent predictor of outcome in post-infarction patients with LVEF &gt;35% (n = 959) even after adjustment for established prognostic markers (hazard ratio 1.99; 95% confidence interval 1.06-3.74; p = 0.033 in stepwise multivariable Cox regression analysis). In contrast, LVEF was not associated with adverse events in this subgroup of AMI patients.

Conclusions
CMR-derived estimates of mechanical uniformity are novel markers for risk assessment after AMI and CURE provides independent prognostic information in patients with preserved or only moderately reduced LVEF.
620 Normalized stroke volume in severe aortic stenosis with preserved ejection fraction: reference values and outcome implications
Authors: Bohbot Y , Rusinaru D , Rietzschel E , De Buyzere M , Buicuic O , Marechaux S , Gilebert T , Tribouilloy T 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
none

Background
Appropriate normalization methods to scale Doppler-derived stroke volume (SV) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) are poorly defined and reference values are lacking.

Purpose
We aim to establish reference values for normalized SV, to compare the prognostic value of SV normalized by different methods in AS and to examine the outcome of low-flow(LF) low-gradient(LG) AS with preserved ejection fraction(LVEF) based on newly defined reference values.

Methods
In 2781 normotensive adults without cardiovascular disease we defined normal relationships between SV and body size by nonlinear regression. We analyzed the prognostic performance of ratiometric and allometric normalized SV in 1450 patients with severe AS and preserved LVEF.

Results
The allometric exponents that described the SV-height (H) and SV-body surface area (BSA) relationships were 1.32 and 0.88, respectively. In males, LF reference values were: &lt;28ml/m²,&lt;30ml/m,&lt;30ml/(m²)^0.88, and, respectively,&lt;26 ml/m^1.32, and in females &lt;27ml/m²,&lt;28ml/m,&lt;29ml/(m²)^0.88, and, respectively,&lt;24 ml/m^1.32. In patients with severe AS, SV/H^1.32 was most consistently associated with mortality and showed better prognostic performance than other normalized SV parameters. Compared to H-normalization, BSA-normalization markedly overestimated the frequency of LF (2% vs. 11%). In 1354 AS patients managed initially medically, LF/LG AS defined based on the 35ml/m² cut-off showed better outcome than high gradient(HG) AS (adjusted HR 0.85[0.62-0.96]). When new reference values were used, the mortality risk of LF/LG AS was higher than that of HGAS (adjusted HR 1.37[1.06-1.89] for SV/BSA and adjusted HR 1.42[1.10-2.15] for SV/H^1.32).

Conclusion
We provide reference values and appropriate normalization methods for SV by Doppler-echocardiography. Patients with LG severe AS, preserved LVEF and "true" LF are at high risk of death during follow-up.
Abstract 620 Figure. Frequency of flow-gradient patterns