P456Ultrasound guidance for femoral venous access in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation: a quasi-randomized study

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Kupo ◽  
R Pap ◽  
G Bencsik ◽  
M Kohari ◽  
A Benak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Venous Access ◽  
Vascular Complication ◽  
Number Needed To Treat ◽  
Prolonged Hospitalization ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background The most common complications of electrophysiology (EP) procedures are related to vascular access. Purpose Our study aimed to compare the ultrasound (US)-guided (Group 1) vs. palpation-based (Group 2) technique for femoral venous access in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures. Methods Between January 2018 and October 2019, 355 patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) on uninterrupted anticoagulant treatment were included. They were allocated to Group 1 or 2 based on which of the two procedure rooms their procedure was scheduled in, with only one of the rooms equipped with an US machine including an 8 MHz linear transducer. Major and minor complications and the rate of prolonged hospitalization were compared in the two groups. Major vascular complication was defined as groin hematoma, arteriovenous fistula, or pseudoaneurysm. Hematoma was considered as a major vascular complication if it met type 2 or higher Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria (requiring nonsurgical, medical intervention by a health care professional; leading to hospitalization or increased level of care, or prompting evacuation). Results Of the 355 patients 105 were allocated to Group 1 and 250 included in Group 2. Compared to the standard technique, the use of US significantly reduced both major (from 5.60% to 0.95%, p = 0.047) and minor (from 6.40% to 0.95%, p = 0.029) vascular complications. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) of minor/major vascular complications was 10.10% equated to a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 84.13%, and a number needed to treat (NNT) of 10 to prevent one bleeding event. No difference was found for the rate of prolonged hospitalization (5.04% vs. 0.95%, p = 0.119). Conclusion With the use of US for the femoral vein puncture in patients undergoing PVI procedure the rate of both major and minor vascular complications were lower.

Real-time local impedance monitoring to assess tissue lesion during pulmonary vein isolation: a new tool for AF ablation

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Di Cori ◽  
L Segreti ◽  
G Zucchelli ◽  
S Viani ◽  
F Tarasco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Contact Force ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Lesion Formation ◽  
Tissue Impedance ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background Contact force catheter ablation is the gold standard for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Local tissue impedance (LI) evaluation has been recently studied to evaluate lesion formation during radiofrequency ablation. Purpose Aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of an irrigated catether with LI alghorithm compared to contact force (CF)-sensing catheters in the treatment of symptomatic AF. Methods A prospective, single-center, nonrandomized study was conducted, to compare outcomes between CF-AF ablation (Group 1) and LI-AF ablation (Group 2). For Group 1 ablation was performed using the Carto 3© System with the SmartTouch SF catheter and, as ablation target, an ablation index value of 500 anterior and 400 posterior. For Group 2, ablation was performed using the Rhythmia™ System with novel ablation catheter with a dedicated algorithm (DirectSense) used to measure LI at the distal electrode of this catheter. An absolute impedance drop greater than 20Ω was used at each targeted. According to the Close Protocol, ablation included a point by point pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with an Inter-lesion space ≤5 mm in both Groups. Procedural endpoint was PVI, with confirmed bidirectional block. Results A total of 116 patients were enrolled, 59 patients in Group 1 (CF) and 57 in Group 2 (LI), 65 (63%) with a paroxismal AF and 36 (37%) with a persistent AF. Baseline patients features were not different between groups (P=ns). LI-Group showed a comparable procedural time (180±89 vs 180±56, P=0.59) but with a longer fluoroscopy time (20±12 vs 13±9 min, P=0.002). Wide antral isolation was more often observed in CF-Group (95% vs 80%, P=0.022), while LI-Group 2 required frequently additional right or left carina ablation (28% vs 14%, P=0.013). The mean LI was 106±14Ω prior to ablation and 92.5±11Ω after ablation (mean LI drop of 13.5±8Ω) during a median RF time of 26 [19–34] sec for each ablation spot. No steam pops or complications during the procedures were reported. The acute procedural success was 100%, with all PVs successfully isolated in all study patients. Regarding safety, only minor vascular complications were observed (5%), without differences between groups (p=0.97). During follow up, 9-month freedom from atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter/atrial tachycardia recurrence was 86% in Group 1 and 75% in Group 2 (P=0.2). Conclusions An LI-guided PV ablation strategy seems to be safe and effective, with acute and mid-term outcomes comparable to the current contact force strategy. LI monitoring could be a promising complementary parameter to evaluate not only wall contact but also lesion formation during power delivery. Procedural Outcomes Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Identification of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation responders among patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: clinical value of the sequential low-dose ibutilide test

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1197-1205
Author(s):  
Shu-Nan He ◽  
Ying Tian ◽  
Liang Shi ◽  
Yan-Jiang Wang ◽  
Bo-Qia Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Aims Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation can be effective as sole treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation. However, identifying those patients who will respond to this therapy remains a challenge. We investigated the clinical value of the sequential low-dose ibutilide test for identifying patients with persistent atrial fibrillation in whom pulmonary vein isolation is effective as sole therapy. Methods and results In a prospective cohort of 180 consecutive patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, intravenous low-dose (0.004 mg/kg) ibutilide was administered 3 days before ablation and after the completion of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation. In patients in whom ibutilide did not terminate atrial fibrillation pre-procedurally, but successfully terminated it intraprocedurally, no further atrial substrate modification was performed. Pre-procedural low-dose ibutilide failed to terminate the arrhythmia in all patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, while pulmonary vein isolation ± low-dose ibutilide terminated persistent atrial fibrillation in 55 (30.6%) of them (PsAF group 1). The remaining 125 (69.4%) patients underwent electrogram-based ablation (PsAF Group 2). The control group comprised 379 consecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent pulmonary vein isolation over the same period. At 24 months follow-up, 39 (70.9%) patients in PsAF Group 1 and 276 (72.8%) patients in the control group were free from atrial tachyarrhythmias (P = NS); the arrhythmia-free rates in both groups were higher than that in PsAF group 2 (58.4%, P = 0.005). Conclusion The sequential low-dose ibutilide test is a simple method for identifying patients with persistent atrial fibrillation in whom pulmonary vein isolation alone is an appropriate treatment strategy.

Transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus by exclusive venous access under echocardiographic guidance without angiography

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Salem Deraz ◽  
Mohamed Tawfik ◽  
Susy Kotit ◽  
Abdelrahman Elafifi
Keyword(s):  
Patent Ductus Arteriosus ◽  
Ductus Arteriosus ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Venous Access ◽  
Device Closure ◽  
Arterial Access ◽  
Surgical Closure ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Patent Ductus ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Introduction: The standard transcatheter technique to profile the patent ductus arteriosus requires arterial access through the femoral artery and is associated with arterial complications, longer fluoroscopic time, contrast volume, and longer hospital stay. Aim of the study: To compare exclusive transvenous access with the standard procedures for patent ductus arteriosus closure and evaluate whether exclusive venous approach is a safe and effective alternative. Methods: A total of 320 patients were included. A detailed echocardiographic evaluation of the duct morphology was performed. Patients were classified into group 1 included patients who underwent exclusive femoral venous access, without any injections of contrast media and group 2 included patients who underwent arterial and venous access. Results: Arterial access was achieved in 210 (65.6%). Successful closure of patent ductus arteriosus was achieved in 109 (99.1%) patients in group 1 and in 203 (96.7%) patients in group 2. The patent ductus arteriosus was large and was referred for surgical closure in one patient from group 1 and 7 patients from group 2. Residual patent ductus arteriosus was seen in 6 cases from group 1 (5.4%) and 12 patients from group 2 (5.7%). None of the cases in group 1 had vascular complications, while vascular complications were seen in 20 cases, all of them in group 2 (9.5%). Nonvascular complications were seen in one patient from group 1 (0.9%) and 15 patients in group 2 (7.1%). The procedure time and fluoroscopy times were less in patients with exclusive transvenous access. Conclusion: Patent ductus arteriosus device closure without arterial access can be accomplished safely and effectively.

P1025Incidence and characteristics of pulmonary vein reconduction after second-generation cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation: Impact of different ablation strategies

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C H Heeger ◽  
E R Rexha ◽  
S M Maack ◽  
L Rottner ◽  
T Fink ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Protocol Group ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements none Introduction The second-generation CB (CB2, Arctic Front Advance, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, USA) has demonstrated high procedural success rates, relatively short procedure times, high durability of PVI and convincing long-term clinical success rates. Nevertheless, data on the impact of different ablations protocols on durability after CB2 based PVI is limited. Purpose We aimed at comparing durability of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) following three different ablation strategies utilizing the second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) in patients with recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial tachycardia (AT) undergoing repeat procedures. Methods In 192 patients a total of 751 PVs were identified. All PVs (751/751, 100%) were successfully isolated during index PVI. Thirty-one out of 192 (16%) patients were treated with a bonus-freeze protocol (group 1), 67/192 (35%) patients with a no bonus-freeze protocol (group 2), and 94/192 (49%) patients with a "time-to-effect"-guided ablation protocol without bonus freezes (group 3). Results Persistent PVI was documented in 419/751 (55.8%) PVs, and in 41/192 (21%) patients all PVs were persistently isolated. The number of patients with all PVs being persistently isolated was not significant between the groups (p = 0.594). The total rate of PV reconnection was not significantly different between the three groups (p = 0.134) and the comparison of individual PVs revealed also no differences for different ablation protocols (p-values for RSPV: 0.424, RIPV: 0.541, LSPV: 0.788, LIPV: 0.346, LCPV: 0.865). The procedure times were significantly reduced in non-bonus freeze ablation protocols and/or when applying individualized application times (group 1: 123.4 ± 31.5min, group 2: 112.9 ± 39.8 min, group 3:  86.67 ± 28.4 min, p <0.001). Conclusions A considerably high rate of persistent PVI was demonstrated in patients after index CB2-based PVI. No differences for durable PVI were detected for different ablation protocols. Therefore, individualized ablation protocols might be a beneficial ablation strategy during CB2-based PVI.

scholarly journals Outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation for persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Azul Freitas ◽  
P Sousa ◽  
V Goncalves ◽  
C Ferreira ◽  
S Martinho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Predictors Of Recurrence ◽  
Tailored Approach ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Introduction Catheter ablation has become the first-line treatment for symptomatic patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Several approaches of substrate ablation have been used for persistent and long-standing persistent AF and the best protocol procedure is yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients submitted to catheter ablation of persistent and long-standing persistent AF adding extra-pulmonary substrate approaches to pulmonary vein isolation. Methods We retrospectively studied 67 consecutive patients referred for the first procedure of catheter ablation of persistent or long-standing persistent AF from May 2016 to October 2018. The first 27 patients were subjected to pulmonary vein isolation and complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) ablation (group 1) and the last 40 patients were subjected to a tailored approach guided by voltage map areas and CFAE (group 2). Patient characteristics, procedure details and follow-up were assessed, and predictors of recurrence were determined. Results Mean age was 59±11 years with 58% being male. During a mean follow-up of 16±6 months 27% of the patients showed AF recurrence. There were no differences in baseline characteristics of group 1 and 2. A higher recurrence rate was found in group 1 by comparison with group 2 (40.7% vs 17.5%, Log Rank X2 = 5.076, P=0.024) (Figure 1). Also, recurrence was associated with a longer AF duration, an increased baseline Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), an increased left atrium (LA) volume, the presence of hyperthyroidism, the absence of sinus rhythm after procedure, the inducibility of AF post-ablation and the absence of an antiarrhythmic drug at hospital discharge. After adjustment for other confounders, the patient group (HR 5.16 [1.23–21.71] P=0.025), a long-standing AF (HR 9.09 [1.41–58.82] P=0.020), the BNP value at admission (HR 1.03 [1.01–1.05] P=0.033) and the LA volume index (HR 1.13 [1.02–1.25] P=0.017) were the only independent predictors of recurrence. Conclusion Ablation of persistent and long-standing persistent AF is feasible with good results when a substrate approach is added to pulmonary vein isolation. A tailored approach seems to be more efficient, showing best outcomes in mid-term follow-up. A long-standing AF, higher BNP value and the LA enlargement are important predictors of recurrence and should be used to better select patients and to manage follow-up. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Intraprocedural endpoints to predict durable pulmonary vein isolation: a randomized trial of four post-ablation techniques

EP Europace ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruhong Jiang ◽  
Minglong Chen ◽  
Bing Yang ◽  
Qiang Liu ◽  
Zuwen Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Initial Procedure ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Waiting Periods ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Aims The optimal procedural endpoint to achieve permanent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) during ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unknown. We aimed to compare the impact of prolonged waiting periods and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing after PVI on long-term freedom from AF. Methods and results In total, 538 patients (median age 61 years, 62% male) undergoing first-time radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal AF were randomized into four groups: Group 1 [PVI (no testing), n = 121], Group 2 (PVI + 30min waiting phase, n = 151), Group 3 (PVI+ATP, n = 131), and Group 4 (PVI + 30min+ATP, n = 135). The primary endpoint was freedom from AF. Repeat mapping to assess for late pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection was performed in patients who remained AF-free for >3 years (n = 46) and in those who had repeat ablation for AF recurrence (n = 82). During initial procedure, acute PV reconnection was observed in 33%, 26%, and 42% of patients in Groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. At 36 months, no significant differences in freedom from AF recurrence were observed among all four groups (55%, 61%, 50%, and 62% for Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively; P = 0.258). Late PV reconnection was commonly observed, with a similar incidence between patients with and without AF recurrence (74% vs. 83%; P = 0.224). Conclusion Although PVI remains the cornerstone for AF ablation, intraprocedural techniques to assess for PV reconnection did not improve long-term success. Patients without AF recurrence after 3 years exhibited similarly high rates of PV reconnection as those that underwent repeat ablation for AF recurrence. The therapeutic mechanisms of AF ablation may not be solely predicated upon durable PVI.

Abstract 15925: Efficacy and Safety of Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Active Duty Military Members With Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S Wilson ◽  
Kelvin N Bush
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Active Duty ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Af Recurrence ◽  
Group 1

Introduction: The efficacy and safety of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in the active duty (AD) military population has not been previously reported. Hypothesis: We postulate that PVI is an efficacious and safe treatment for young AD service members with AF. Methods: AD military personnel with AF who underwent PVI from 2004 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed in four age groups (group 1, n=26, 18 to 27 years; group 2, n=38, 28 to 37 years; group 3, n=28, 38 to 49 years; group 4, n=12, ≥50 years). Primary endpoints were (1) PVI procedural efficacy defined as no or rare AF recurrence (<6 episodes) 12 months after last PVI with or without antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) and (2) procedure-related adverse events and complications. Results: 104 personnel (mean age 35.6+9 years, 84.6% paroxysmal AF, mean LVEF 60.2+6%, 19.2% maintained on AAD after PVI) underwent 142 PVI procedures with a mean follow up of 55.8+47 months. Procedural efficacy was attained in 96.2% of group 1, 78.9% of group 2, 75.0% of group 3, and 66.7% of group 4 (P=0.004, Figure 1). Freedom from AF was reached in 80.3% of group 1, 55.3% of group 2, 46.4% of group 3, 41.7% of group 4 (P=0.02). AADs were maintained in 11.5% of group 1, 21.0% of group 2, 14.3% of group 3, 41.7% of group 4 (P=0.144) and there was no difference in AF recurrence rates between those with AADs and those without (P=0.091). LVEF <50% trended towards being a significant predictor of AF recurrence (OR, 7; 95% CI, 0.75-65; P=0.051). Complications occurred in only 4 (3.8%) cases (pulmonary vein stenosis, cardiac tamponade, arteriovenous fistula) with no complications in the youngest group. Conclusions: This study suggests that PVI is an effective and safe therapy for younger military personnel with AF desiring to decrease their individual AF burden.

scholarly journals Acute fluctuating neurological deficits after pulmonary vein isolation: unmasking a rare complication due to spontaneous spinal subdural bleeding: a case report

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giacomo Maria Cioffi ◽  
François Regoli ◽  
Giulio Conte ◽  
Angelo Auricchio
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Pulmonary Veins ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Motor Deficits ◽  
Density Mapping ◽  
First Case

Abstract Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is becoming the therapy of choice for symptomatic paroxysmal drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). The most frequently reported complications are vascular complications (1.4%). Bleeding complications of the central nervous system have rarely been described. We report a case of spontaneous spinal bleed after PVI. Case summary A 68-year-old woman with a 2-year history of highly symptomatic paroxysmal AF (EHRA 3) was referred for a PVI redo procedure. A high-density mapping showed pulmonary vein reconnection of all pulmonary veins successfully isolated by radiofrequency ablation. During the entire procedure, the patient had sinus rhythm with an ACT around 300 s. No intraprocedural and peri-procedural complications occurred. Four hours after haemostasis, the anticoagulation clotting time (ACT) was 110 s and rivaroxaban (20 mg) was reinitiated. In the following hours, the patient developed fluctuating neurological lower limb symptoms. A lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed a subdural spinal haematic collection with an associated epidural component from L3 to S2 exerting compression over the dural sheath. A conservative treatment approach was adopted with progressive recovery of sensorial and motor deficits. After 5 months, the patient still presented residual lower limb motor deficits necessitating the support of a walking stick. Discussion We describe the first case of a spontaneous spinal bleeding following PVI. Given the gradual diffusion of PVI to treat AF in more clinically complex patients with a larger range of comorbidities, particular consideration should be given to seek predisposing bleeding factors in order to assess the risk for neurological complications.

scholarly journals Assessment of vascular endothelial function in COVID-19 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Mejia-Renteria ◽  
A Travieso ◽  
A Sagir ◽  
E Martinez-Gomez ◽  
A Carrascosa-Granada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Augmentation Index ◽  
Reactive Hyperemia ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Function ◽  
Past Infection ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor as a means to enter the host. High density of ACE2 receptor in vascular endothelial cells may explain why vascular complications related to endothelial dysfunction occur in COVID-19. However, in vivo assessment of vascular endothelial function during COVID-19 has not been reported. Objective To investigate the vascular endothelial function and its temporal changes in COVID-19 patients. Methods In this prospective blinded study, systemic endothelial function was assessed using plethysmography-derived peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT). The reactive hyperemia index (LnRHI), a measure of endothelium-mediated hyperaemia, and the augmentation index, a measure of arterial vascular stiffness, were measured in 102 individuals across three study groups using PAT: group 1 (active infection), constituted by 20 patients hospitalised due to acute COVID-19; group 2 (past infection), constituted by 52 patients who had recovered from COVID-19; and group 3 (controls), constituted by 30 healthcare workers not infected by SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, among group 1, PAT assessment was repeated in 14 patients several weeks after recovery from acute COVID-19. PAT studies were analysed at a blinded fashion with respect to the assigned study group. Results Lower resting PAT amplitude was found in acute COVID-19 patients compared to the other groups (ratio of arterial tone signal between hyperemia to resting condition was 1.5 [interquartile range, 1.1] in group 1, 1.3 [0.3] in group 2 and 1.2 [0.3] in group 3, p=0.041). On the contrary, no significant differences between groups were found with respect to the hyperemic PAT amplitude (867.9 [486.1] in group 1, 944.7 [748.1] in group 2 and 819.3 [639.6] in group 3, p=0.444). Due to the lower resting PAT amplitude, there was a paradoxically significantly increased LnRHI during acute COVID-19 compared to past infection and controls (0.73 [0.32] vs. 0.53 [0.31] vs. 0.44 [0.23], respectively; p=0.013) (Figure A). Furthermore, among group 1 patients, LnRHI normalised markedly from acute COVID-19 to past infection stage (0.73 [0.32] vs. 0.49 [0.28], respectively; p=0.005) (Figure B). Augmentation index was significantly higher during acute COVID-19 compared to past COVID-19 and controls (9.6 [19.1] in group 1, 6.97 [18.6] in group 2 and −0.35 [20.53] in group 3; p=0.045 for COVID groups vs. controls). Conclusions Non-invasive assessment of systemic vascular endothelial function with PAT revealed significant differences between subjects with acute COVID-19, past COVID-19 and controls. Lower baseline PAT amplitude and high augmentation index suggest vasoconstriction at rest during the acute phase of COVID-19. These findings open new research opportunities to investigate the prognostic value of PAT in COVID-19 patients. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Risk stratification of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and intact atrial septum using fetal MRI and echocardiography

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 790-798
Author(s):  
Ryan M. Serrano ◽  
Sabena Hussain ◽  
Brandon Brown ◽  
Eric S. Ebenroth ◽  
Anne Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Fetal Mri ◽  
Atrial Septum ◽  
Left Heart ◽  
Hypoplastic Left Heart ◽  
Intact Atrial Septum ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Left Heart Syndrome ◽  
Group 1

AbstractDespite prenatal diagnosis, prenatal intervention, and immediate postnatal intervention, patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and intact or highly restrictive atrial septum have the highest risk for mortality. Charts for all infants diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome from 2009 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed and compared, including pulmonary vein Doppler patterns on fetal echocardiogram and evidence of pulmonary lymphangiectasia on fetal MRI. Of the 81 newborns with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, we defined two groups. Group 1 patients had an adequate atrial septal communication (n = 69), while Group 2 met criteria for intact/restrictive septum (n = 12). No patient in Group 1 had a type C pulmonary vein Doppler pattern, while no patient in Group 2 had a type A pulmonary vein Doppler pattern. The two patients with pulmonary lymphangiectasia had type C pulmonary vein Doppler pattern and an intact atrial septum and did not survive. Survival to discharge for Group 1 was 83% compared to 58% for Group 2 (p = 0.116). Survival to stage 2 palliation was 71% for Group 1 compared to 50% for Group 2 (p = 0.186). Only 4 of the initial 12 patients from Group 2 are alive, which is an overall survival of 33%. Our experience supports previous evidence that fetal echocardiography can identify those patients with the greatest likelihood for postnatal intervention as well as those at highest risk for mortality. Fetal MRI is a novel imaging modality that may help providers separate patients at highest risk for mortality, regardless of pulmonary vein Doppler pattern.

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