Search Results (86)

Mitral valve disease, particularly in the context of extensive mitral annular calcification (MAC), poses significant challenges for traditional surgical management. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has emerged as a promising alternative for high-risk and inoperable patients, driven by rapid advancements in valve technology, imaging techniques, and procedural strategies. Nevertheless, complications such as paravalvular leak (PVL), left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, and hemolysis remain obstacles to optimal outcomes, particularly in patients with complex annular anatomy. We present the case of an 89-year-old female with severe mitral stenosis and MAC who developed acute hemolytic anemia following experimental TMVR using the Edwards SAPIEN S3 valve. This case serves as a platform to explore recent advances in TMVR, including novel device platforms, enhanced imaging modalities for pre-procedural planning, innovative deployment strategies, and emerging adjunctive techniques aimed at reducing complications. Through this case, we underscore persistent challenges and emphasize the importance of meticulous patient selection and vigilant follow-up. Despite substantial progress, TMVR in the setting of MAC remains high-risk, demanding continued innovation in valve design, refined patient stratification, and improved peri-procedural management to enhance outcomes and mitigate risks such as hemolysis. Full article

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is usually considered an incidental, benign, age-related finding without serious complications in patients evaluated for cardiovascular or pulmonary disease with imaging studies that may result in mitral regurgitation or stenosis when severe. Therefore, it is usually not considered a significant alteration. However, there is accumulating evidence that it is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, such as atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, aortic artery disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular and/or intraventricular conduction disturbance, systemic embolization, infective endocarditis, heart failure and mortality. The presence of MAC also significantly influences the outcome of mitral valve transcatheter and surgical interventions. Several conditions may predispose to MAC. MAC is strongly related to cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking and cardiovascular atherosclerosis, and inflammation may also play a role in the pathogenesis of MAC. Also, conditions that increase mitral valve stress, such as hypertension, aortic stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, predispose to accelerated degenerative calcification of the mitral annulus area. Congenital disorders, e.g., Marfan syndrome and Hurler syndrome, are also associated with MAC, due to an intrinsic abnormality of the connective tissue composing the annulus. Full article

Introduction: Assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function is important in valvular heart disease. The global LV contractility index, dσ*/dt_max, is load-independent and has been reported to be associated with clinical outcomes in heart failure and aortic stenosis. We aim to assess if dσ*/dt_max could predict adverse outcomes in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Methodology: We studied dσ*/dt_max in a cohort of 127 patients with isolated severe primary MR and preserved LVEF ≥ 60%. Patients with prior valvular intervention or concurrent valvular disease were excluded. We tested dσ*/dt_max against a composite of adverse outcomes including all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and mitral valve intervention. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 58 years old and was predominantly male. Of the 127 patients, eight (6.3%) needed subsequent hospitalization for heart failure, while 30 (23.6%) and 11 (8.7%) patients underwent mitral valve repair and replacement, respectively, And 14 (11.0%) passed away. Of the patients (n = 54 (42.5%)) who had an adverse outcome during follow-up, dσ*/dt_max demonstrated an independent association with composite adverse outcome, including its individual components. On ROC analysis, a cut-off of 2.15 s⁻¹ was identified. Based on this cut-off, dσ*/dt_max retained an independent association with composite adverse outcome after adjusting for covariates including age, sex, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and left ventricular end systolic diameter. Conclusions: In patients with severe primary MR and preserved LVEF, reduced dσ*/dt_max was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes. It can be a useful addition to the armamentarium for assessing patients with severe MR. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Papillary Fibroelastoma is a benign primary cardiac tumor, commonly located in a valvular position, predominantly on the aortic valve. Case Presentation: We present a 73-year-old male patient with a medical history of chronic lymphatic leukemia, kidney failure, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. In a routinely performed echocardiogram an abnormal structure in the left ventricle was found. The patient presented completely asymptomatically at the time of examination. A cardiac magnetic resonance-scan provided further information about the size and localization of the tumor in the left ventricle, which seemed to be attached to a papillary muscle and was about 1.6 cm in diameter. Due to visible scarring of the myocardia, which was identified in the scan, a cardiac catheter examination was performed. A coronary artery disease was detected with a severe stenosis in three vessels. During an elective bypass-operation, the removal of the structure was performed with an approach through the left atrium, passing the mitral valve using a valve sizer for better exposure. The tumor of 1 cm presented macroscopically with an anemone-like shape. The histopathological examination confirmed the intraoperative assumption of a papillary fibroelastoma, found in an aberrant location. Conclusions: Unexpectedly challenging surgical removals of structures in the left ventricle require innovative techniques with available instruments for better exposure. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: The deer horn sign is an ultrasonographic (US) finding suggesting congestive hepatopathy. It is composed of dilated intrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) representing the deer’s head and dilated hepatic veins (HVs) representing its horns. Case Presentation: A 72-year-old female patient presented with a one-week history of dull pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant. Her medical records showed that she had previously experienced cardiovascular problems; however, she is without any recent heart failure symptoms. The transabdominal US demonstrated the deer horn sign and hemodynamic changes in the hepatic venous drainage, which is suggestive of congestive hepatopathy. An echocardiogram revealed congestive heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction, mild-to-moderate mitral and tricuspid valve insufficiency, and severe aortic valve stenosis with mild aortic valve insufficiency. Conclusions: The definite diagnosis of heart failure is based on clinical and laboratory features; however, this sign may be helpful for diagnosis in emergency settings. Full article

Background: Primary intracardiac tumors may be diagnosed incidentally, sometimes in the case of complications. Case Report: This case report presents a 64-year-old woman who was admitted to the emergency department with cardiac complications, including heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Initial investigations revealed the presence of ground glass opacity in the left lung and significant mediastinal adenopathy. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) indicated severe mitral stenosis caused by a mass attached to the mitral valve, and the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) confirmed the presence of a tumor, raising concerns about a myxoma with a high risk of embolism. The patient experienced transitory neurological dysfunction, and subsequent imaging uncovered a thrombus occluding the left internal carotid artery. An emergency surgical procedure was performed, including extracorporeal circulation and rapid deep cooling, to facilitate safe mass excision and carotid embolectomy. Histopathological analysis of the extracted tissue revealed undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (FNCLCC Grade 3). Following the surgery, the patient needed extended mechanical ventilation and subsequently underwent a tracheostomy because of her ongoing respiratory support requirements. Conclusions: Despite the complexity of the surgical intervention, the prognosis remained poor due to the aggressive nature of the tumor and neurologic complications. This case underscores the rarity of primary cardiac sarcomas, the challenges in diagnosis, and the need for prompt surgical intervention to mitigate risks associated with embolic events. Full article

Background and Objectives: Associated mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequently observed during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The progression of moderate MR remains undetermined, given uncertain clinical significance and natural history. This study aims to assess the evolution of moderate MR following TAVI. Materials and Methods: Between 2018 and 2023, 1476 patients underwent TAVI. We excluded those with previous aortic or mitral valve interventions, endocarditis, concomitant percutaneous coronary intervention, or emergent procedures. Patients with severe aortic or tricuspid regurgitation or significant mitral stenosis were excluded. Ultimately, only patients with moderate MR were included, resulting in a final population of 154 patients. Results: Mean age was 81.4 ± 7.8 years, 48.1% (74/154) were female, and 48.1% (74/154) were functional MR. There was one surgical conversion due to annular rupture. Thirty-day mortality was 1.9% (3/154). Postoperative echocardiography showed 38 (24.7%) patients with none/trace MR, 91 (59.1%) with mild MR, 22 (14.3%) with moderate MR, and 3 (1.9%) with severe MR. Finally, according to the echocardiographic follow-up [median follow-up 1.0 (IQR: 0.1–1.2) years], 20.1% (31/154) had no/trace MR, 39.6% (61/154) had mild MR, 35.7% (55/154) had moderate MR, and 4.5% (7/154) had severe MR. Overall, 67 (43.5%) patients had any MR grade progression, 62 (40.3%) had stable disease, and 25 (16.2%) had any MR grade reduction at the last follow-up from the operation. No difference in MR evolution was seen between functional and primary MR. Conclusions: Concomitant moderate MR during TAVI has a variable evolution over time. A more detailed characterization of patients with preoperative moderate MR undergoing TAVI is necessary to identify those with a disease progression risk. Full article

Background: Studies analyzing factors associated with mortality after intracranial stenting are limited. We aimed to investigate potential factors associated with 1-year mortality after urgent or elective intracranial stenting in those patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Methods: Patients, who underwent urgent intracranial stenting of the target lesion either due to acute stroke unresponsive to mechanical thrombectomy, or who underwent elective stenting for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis were included in the study. The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was evaluated on admission and grouped accordingly: ≤2 vs. >2. Restenosis and mortality rates in the 1-year follow-up were also analyzed. Results: A total of 60 patients were included in the study; the mean age was 60.2 (±10.8). The ratio of urgent/elective intracranial stenting was 7/53. Complete revascularization was achieved in all patients, but no periprocedural complications occurred. The rate of in-hospital mortality was 1/60, 1-year mortality due to any cause 4/60, and restenosis in a 1-year follow-up was 4/60. The age over 65 years, previous history of stroke, atrial fibrillation (AF), and rheumatic mitral valve disease were associated with mortality (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.017, and p = 0.003, respectively). The median mRS score on admission was lower in the surviving patients at 1 year (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Intracranial stenting may provide long-term survival with low adverse event rates in elective and selected emergency cases. Advanced age, poor functional status, previous stroke, AF, and rheumatic mitral valve disease are associated with 1-year mortality. Full article

Background: To date, little is known about correlations between liver dysfunction and circulatory and cardiac abnormalities (e.g.,: mitral valve, MV) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). This study aimed to assess a potential parallelism between liver dysfunction and cardiovascular involvement and identify the factors associated with structural and functional MV disorders. Methods. Among 995 patients with CLD, 346 were enrolled and compared with 168 controls without liver disease. According to the degree of liver disease, patients were classified as patients with chronic hepatitis (142) or with liver cirrhosis (Child-A: 70; Child-B: 65; Child-C: 69). Results: Among the chronic hepatitis group, resting heart rate (HR) and left ventricular (LV) mass were higher than in the control group (p = 0.0008), whereas systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was lower (p = 0.01). Among cirrhotic patients, resting HR, left atrium dimensions/volumes, LV walls thickness, LV mass, cardiac output (CO), isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), deceleration time (DT) and prevalence of aortic stenosis were higher than in non-cirrhotic patients (p = 0.02), whereas the e/a ratio and SVR were lower (p = 0.0001). Among Child-B/C, CO, IVRT, DT, prevalence of MV regurgitation and MV calcification score were higher than in the remaining patients (p = 0.02), whereas SVR was lower (p < 0.0001). Among cirrhotic patients with MV regurgitation, Child–Pugh score, liver disease duration, resting HR, left chambers dimensions/mass, CO, IVRT, DT and MV calcification score were higher compared to patients without regurgitation (p < 0.000), whereas mean blood pressure, e/a ratio and SVR were lower (p = 0.008). At multivariate analysis, Child–Pugh score, liver disease duration, left chambers volume/mass and MV calcification score were independently associated with MV regurgitation in cirrhotic patients. Child–Pugh score and MV calcification score strongly correlated in cirrhotic patients (r = 0.68, 95% CI 0.60–0.75, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The magnitude of cardiac morpho/functional abnormalities is associated with the severity of liver dysfunction. Structural and functional MV abnormalities could represent a novel sign of cardiac involvement in liver cirrhosis. The severity and duration of liver disease, the enlargement of cardiac chambers and leaflet calcium accumulation could play a key role. Full article

Background: Totally endoscopic techniques have become increasingly popular in cardiac surgery, with minimally invasive mitral valve repair emerging as an effective alternative to median sternotomy. This approach could be particularly advantageous for patients with Noonan syndrome, who often present with structural thoracic anomalies and other comorbidities like bleeding disorders. Endoscopic mitral valve surgery is rapidly establishing itself as the new standard of care for mitral valve operations, demonstrating both safety and efficacy. Noonan syndrome is an autosomal-dominant multisystem disorder with variable expression and is the second most common syndromic cause of congenital heart disease, surpassed only by Down syndrome. A wide spectrum of cardiovascular phenotypes is associated with Noonan syndrome, including pulmonary valve stenosis (often with dysplastic valves), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, secundum atrial septal defect and mitral valve abnormalities. Methods: Given the limited data in the literature regarding the experience of other centers with endoscopic mitral surgery in patients with this condition, we aim to present the case of a 46-year-old male with a known diagnosis of Noonan syndrome who presented to a cardiologist with a 6-month history of dyspnea and fatigue. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation. Following multidisciplinary discussions within the Heart Team and after obtaining informed consent from the patient and his family, the decision was made to proceed with totally endoscopic mitral valve repair. Results: The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged 8 days after the procedure. In this case, endoscopic surgery was essential for successfully repairing the mitral valve. Structural abnormalities, such as chest wall deformities causing heart malrotation and atypical positioning, significantly impaired visualization. Conclusions: The endoscopic approach provided superior access to the mitral valve, enabling precise and effective repair. Additionally, it offered benefits such as improved esthetic outcomes, faster recovery, and a reduced risk of exacerbating thoracic deformities due to improper sternal bone healing. Full article

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a pivotal intervention for managing severe aortic stenosis in high-risk surgical patients. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of procedural factors and patient characteristics on TAVI outcomes, with a focus on survival rates, cardiac mortality, and associated complications. Methods: A retrospective, single-center study involving 224 patients who underwent TAVI at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences from September 2021 to April 2023 was conducted. Data encompassing demographic characteristics, medical history, procedural specifics, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Survival and adverse events were assessed at 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months post-TAVI. Results: The study included 224 patients. The mean age in the non-death group was 80 ± 6.17 years (range, 49–91), while that in the cardiac death group was 81.5 ± 6.14 years (range, 70–94; p = 0.079). Males accounted for 37.7% of the non-death group and 50% of the cardiac death group (p = 0.304). Statistical analyses identified factors significantly associated with mortality and complications. The overall survival rate was 88.8%, with cardiac-related mortality observed in 8% of patients. Increased fluoroscopy time (p < 0.001), a higher contrast volume (p = 0.005), and less improvement in aortic valve velocity post-TAVI (p = 0.031) were significantly associated with cardiac mortality. Advanced age and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<50%) were prominent predictors of adverse outcomes. Patients with non-coronary cusp calcification exhibited lower cardiac mortality (p = 0.005), while mitral valve regurgitation was linked to poorer outcomes (p = 0.015). Logistic regression analysis underscored the incremental risks posed by procedural complexities and comorbidities. Conclusions: Procedural factors such as fluoroscopy duration and contrast volume, along with patient-specific attributes including age, left ventricular function, and valve calcification patterns, critically influence TAVI outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for tailored procedural strategies and patient management protocols to mitigate risks and enhance the efficacy of TAVI interventions. Full article

Background: Over the past decade, several trials and observational studies have validated the use of minimally invasive cardiac interventions as viable treatment options for various cardiac diseases. Transcatheter techniques for severe aortic valve stenosis have rapidly emerged as alternatives to surgical aortic valve replacement in certain patient populations. Additionally, non-surgical treatment options have expanded for conditions affecting other cardiac valves, such as the mitral valve. These emerging minimally invasive interventions complement already well-established endovascular techniques for, among others, atrial septal defect closure, left atrial appendage occlusion and pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Given their non-surgical nature and lack of direct visualisation of the targeted anatomy, these procedures heavily rely on precise pre-procedural radiological imaging for optimal patient selection and procedural success. Method: This paper is based on the expert opinion of the authors and an exhaustive literature research. Results: This manuscript reviews the most commonly employed minimally invasive cardiac interventions, highlighting the essential pre-procedural imaging information and key aspects that must be included in radiological reports to mitigate potential complications. Conclusion: Accurate pre-procedural imaging is crucial for ensuring safe and effective minimally invasive cardiac interventions, underscoring the importance of the radiologist in the pre-procedural work-up of these patients. Full article

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common condition observed in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the treatment of aortic stenosis (AS). However, the impact of TAVI on MR outcomes and the factors predicting MR improvement remains uncertain. Understanding these predictors can enhance patient management and guide clinical decisions. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 156 patients with moderate to severe MR undergoing TAVI. MR severity was assessed via echocardiography at baseline, as well as 6 months and 1 year after TAVI. Patients were divided into groups based on MR reduction: no improvement or worsening, one-degree improvement, and at least two-degree improvement. Clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural characteristics were evaluated as predictive factors for MR improvement after TAVI. Results: MR reduction occurred in 68% of patients at 6 months and 81% at 1 year. Factors predicting a reduction of two grades or more in MR severity included lower baseline LVEDD (OR = 1.345, 95% CI: 1.112–1.628, p = 0.002) lower baseline LA (OR = 1.121, 95% CI: 1.015–1.237, p = 0.024), lower baseline LVMI (OR = 1.109, 95% CI: 1.020–1.207, p = 0.024), and higher baseline EF levels (OR = 1.701, 95% CI: 1.007–2.871, p = 0.047). No significant association was found between MR reduction at 6 months and one-year mortality. (p = 0.65). Conclusions: Baseline echocardiographic parameters are valuable in predicting MR improvement post-TAVI, with LVMI emerging as a novel predictor. However, MR reduction did not independently predict survival, underscoring the need for further research to optimize patient selection and management strategies in TAVI candidates. Full article

Background: Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia is a significant vascular anomaly characterized by dilated, tortuous blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract. The current literature extensively documents the association between angiodysplasia and aortic stenosis, known as Heyde syndrome, characterized by the triad of aortic stenosis, GIB, and acquired von Willebrand syndrome. However, other valvular diseases, including mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, have also been implicated. This comprehensive systematic review aims to investigate the spectrum of valvular abnormalities, exploring the intricate mechanisms by which they contribute to gastrointestinal bleeding. Furthermore, it will evaluate the available surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities, assessing their efficacy in mitigating the incidence of such bleeding. Methods: A comprehensive search of the Pubmed/MEDLINE database was conducted to identify relevant studies to retrieve relevant articles from August 2014 to August 2024. A combination of Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and text words related to cardiac valvular diseases and GIB were used. MeSH terms included “gastrointestinal bleeding”, “heart valve diseases”, “hematochezia”, “heart valve prosthesis”, “bioprosthesis”, “native valve diseases”, and “mechanical valve”. Results: Forty-five papers met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-seven studies covered GIB in aortic valve disease, ten on mitral valve disease, two on tricuspid valve disease, and six on multiple valves. Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates the association between angiodysplasia and aortic stenosis and highlights mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation as potential etiologies. Definitive management with valvuloplasty or valve replacement is vital to preventing the onset or recurrence of GIB in patients with valvular disease. Full article

Background: The management of mitral regurgitation during aortic valve replacement remains a complex question. Secondary mitral regurgitation often improves post-aortic valve replacement without mitral valve surgery, but residual mitral regurgitation can significantly affect long-term outcomes. This study investigates the natural history of mitral regurgitation following isolated aortic valve replacement and identifies prognostic factors for persistent mitral regurgitation. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 108 patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement. Patients were categorized based on mitral regurgitation improvement. Additionally, patients were divided into patient-prosthesis mismatch and non-patient-prosthesis mismatch groups based on the aortic prosthesis. Preoperative and postoperative echocardiographic data were analyzed. Results: In total, 63% of patients showed mitral regurgitation improvement. The improved functional MR group showed significant reductions in peak and mean transvalvular pressure gradients. In contrast, the patient-prosthesis mismatch group had persistent mitral regurgitation improvement in 59.2% of patients. The non-patient-prosthesis mismatch group exhibited significant structural improvements and a reduction in mitral regurgitation severity in 68.6% of patients. Conclusions: The study shows that aortic valve replacement could significantly improve MR when patient-prosthesis mismatch is avoided. This approach maximizes hemodynamic outcomes, mitigates the risk of residual or worsening mitral regurgitation, and potentially reduces the need for additional mitral valve interventions. Full article