Objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is frequently associated with the development of conduction abnormalities. We assessed the effect of conduction abnormalities on diastolic function following TAVI. Methods: In total, 101 consecutive post-TAVI patients were included, each with echocardiographic follow-up at 1 and 6 months. Diastolic properties were correlated with the occurrence of a long PR interval and wide QRS, and their change from baseline. The measured diastolic parameters included E/A ratio, E wave deceleration time, E wave to e′ ratio, left atrial (LA) volume, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP). The clinical outcome was all-cause mortality. Results: Overall, TAVI was associated with a consistent decrease in SPAP at the 1- and 6-month follow-up. LA volumes were increased at 1 month post-TAVI in patients with a wide compared to normal QRS (p = 0.03) and at 6 months in patients with a normal compared to prolonged PR (p = 0.03). PR prolongation above 40 ms was associated with lower SPAP at the 1- but not 6-month follow-up. Survival was not influenced by conduction abnormalities. Conclusions: TAVI is associated with a reduction in SPAP. A postprocedural wide QRS and normal PR interval may unfavorably influence the left-sided filling performance, resulting in an increased LA volume. Other diastolic parameters, as well as survival, are not significantly affected by postprocedural conduction abnormalities.
Impact of PR interval prolongation on the risk of high-grade conductive disorders after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
