scholarly journals Imaging Challenges in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis and Heart Failure: Did We Find a Way Out of the Labyrinth?

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 317
Author(s):  
Birgid Gonska ◽  
Dominik Buckert ◽  
Johannes Mörike ◽  
Dominik Scharnbeck ◽  
Johannes Kersten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiac Output ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Valve Area

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most frequent degenerative valvular disease in developed countries. Its incidence has been constantly rising due to population aging. The diagnosis of AS was considered straightforward for a very long time. High gradients and reduced aortic valve area were considered as “sine qua non” in diagnosis of AS until a growing body of evidence showed that patients with low gradients could also have severe AS with the same or even worse outcome. This completely changed the paradigm of AS diagnosis and involved large numbers of parameters that had never been used in the evaluation of AS severity. Low gradient AS patients may present with heart failure (HF) with preserved or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), associated with changes in cardiac output and flow across the aortic valve. These patients with low-flow low-gradient or paradoxical low-flow low-gradient AS are particularly challenging to diagnose, and cardiac output and flow across the aortic valve have become the most relevant parameters in evaluation of AS, besides gradients and aortic valve area. The introduction of other imaging modalities in the diagnosis of AS significantly improved our knowledge about cardiac mechanics, tissue characterization of myocardium, calcium and inflammation burden of the aortic valve, and their impact on severity, progression and prognosis of AS, not only in symptomatic but also in asymptomatic patients. However, a variety of novel parameters also brought uncertainty regarding the clinical relevance of these indices, as well as the necessity for their validation in everyday practice. The aim of this review is to summarize the prevalence of HF in patients with severe AS and elaborate on the diagnostic challenges and advantages of comprehensive multimodality cardiac imaging to identify the patients that may benefit from surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, as well as parameters that may help during follow-up.

High Prevalence of Severe Aortic Stenosis in Low-Flow State Associated With Atrial Fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Said Alsidawi ◽  
Sana Khan ◽  
Sorin V. Pislaru ◽  
Jeremy J. Thaden ◽  
Edward A. El-Am ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
Flow State ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a low-flow state and may underestimate aortic stenosis (AS) severity. Single-high Doppler signals (HS) consistent with severe AS (peak velocity ≥4 m/s or mean gradient ≥40 mm Hg) are averaged down in current practice. The objective for the study was to determine the significance of HS in AF low-gradient AS (LGAS). Methods: One thousand five hundred forty-one patients with aortic valve area ≤1 cm 2 and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% were identified and classified as high-gradient AS (HGAS) (≥40 mm Hg) and LGAS (<40 mm Hg), and AF versus sinus rhythm (SR). Available computed tomography aortic valve calcium scores (AVCS) were retrieved from the medical record. Outcomes were assessed. Results: Mean age was 76±11 years, female 47%. Mean gradient was 51±12 in SR-HGAS, 48±10 in AF-HGAS, 31±5 in SR-LGAS, and 29±7 mm Hg in AF-LGAS, all P ≤0.001 versus SR-HGAS; HS were present in 33% of AF-LGAS. AVCS were available in 34%. Compared with SR-HGAS (2409 arbitrary units; interquartile range, 1581–3462) AVCS were higher in AF-HGAS (2991 arbitrary units; IQR1978–4229, P =0.001), not different in AF-LGAS (2399 arbitrary units; IQR1817–2810, P =0.47), and lower in SR-LGAS (1593 arbitrary units; IQR945–1832, P <0.001); AVCS in AF-LGAS were higher when HS were present ( P =0.048). Compared with SR-HGAS, the age-, sex-, comorbidity index-, and time-dependent aortic valve replacement-adjusted mortality risk was higher in AF-HGAS (hazard ratio=1.82 [1.40–2.36], P <0.001) and AF-LGAS with HS (hazard ratio=1.54 [1.04–2.26], P =0.03) but not different in AF-LGAS without HS or SR-LGAS (both P =not significant). Conclusions: Severe AS was common in AF-LGAS. AVCS in AF-LGAS were not different from SR-HGAS. AVCS were higher and mortality worse in AF-LGAS when HS were present.

scholarly journals P1370 Correlation of aortic stenosis by integrated transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography with calcium score

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Schwartzenberg ◽  
Y Shapira ◽  
M Vaturi ◽  
M Nassar ◽  
A Hamdan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Stroke Volume Index ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Coronary Ct

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None BACKGROUND Aortic stenosis (AS) classification depends on left-ventricular ejection-fraction (LVEF &lt;≥50%), aortic valve area (AVA&lt;≥1cm2), mean pressure gradient (MG&lt;≥40mmHg), peak velocity&lt;≥400 cm/sec, and stroke-volume index (SVI&lt;≥35ml/m2). Aortic Valve Agatston CT score (AVC) correlates with AS severity by trans-thoracic echo (TTE), but its association with AS severity determined by integrated TTE and TEE is unknown. PURPOSE We investigated correlation of AVC with dichotomous AS grouping by Integrated TTE + TEE vs TTE only. METHODS 64 TAVI candidates underwent sequential TTE and TEE, of which 24 underwent coronary CT within 4 months. Based on recommended conservative vs invasive treatment implication (A/B respectively), AS types were aggregated separately by TTE or Integrated TTE-TEE into two groups: Group-A (Moderate AS and Normal-Flow Low-Gradient), and Group-B (High-Gradient, Low-EF Low-Flow Low-Gradient, and Paradoxical Low-Flow Low-Gradient). Continuous and dichotomous AVC correlation (cutoffs based on guidelines) with echo binary classification was then determined. RESULTS Patients were 81.1(77.3-84.6) years old, 18(48.6%) were women, and had LVEF of 60% (49-65). AVC-score distribution in the two AS A/B Groups by two echo modalities is presented in the boxplot Figure. Only classification by TTE held discriminative accuracy in A/B grouping, with Area-Under-Curve of 0.736 (CI 0.57-0.9), and optimal threshold value of 1946 AU having 77% sensitivity and 74% specificity. Compared with AVC dichotomous classification, integrated TTE + TEE upgraded AS class (from A to B) in 5/6 (83.3%) patients vs 12/18 (66.7%) in which it downgraded AS class from B to A. CONCLUSIONS Aortic valve calcification correlates well with AS class dichotomized by operative implication through conventional TTE but not through integrated TTE + TEE. Our preliminary results appear to be caused by initial selection bias of patients in whom coronary CT performance was deemed to be justified by the treating physician rather than reflect a true better correlation between CT score and AS assessment by TTE vs by integrated TTE + TEE. Abstract P1370 Figure.

scholarly journals Left atrial dynamics in the hemodynamic response during exercise in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Sugimoto ◽  
F Bandera ◽  
G Generati ◽  
E Alfonzetti ◽  
M Guazzi
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Abstract Background The hemodynamic impact of left atrial (LA) dynamics in aortic stenosis (AS) in relation to cardiopulmonary response to exercise has never been studied. We aimed at investigating the link between LA function vs hemodynamics and prognosis in asymptomatic severe AS patients. Methods A total of 106 patients: 76 asymptomatic severe AS patients (aortic valve area (AVA) &lt;1.0 cm2 or AVA index &lt;0.6 cm2/m2) and 30 gender-matched control subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing combined with Echo-Doppler with assessment of LA strain. AS patients were divided into 4 groups according to peak aortic jet velocity (PV), mean pressure gradient (MPG), stroke volume index (SVI), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Results Normal-flow low-gradient AS (NFLG: PV &lt;4 m/s and MPG &lt;40 mmHg, SVI &gt;35ml/m2, LVEF ≥50%, N=23), High-gradient AS (HG: PV ≥4 m/s or MPG ≥40 mmHg, LVEF ≥50%, N=23), Paradoxical low-flow low-gradient AS (PLFLG: PV &lt;4 m/s and MPG &lt;40 mmHg, SVI ≤35ml/m2, LVEF ≥50%, N=18), and Classical low-flow AS (CLF: LVEF &lt;50%, N=12) had a higher LA volume index than Control (Control 22±6, NFLG 38±12*, HG 33±9*, PLFLG 33±11*, and CLF 49±15* ml/m2, *P&lt;0.05 vs Control). In PLFLG and NFLG AS, LA strain at rest (21±9 and 26±13%) and during exercise (26±12 and 31±14%) were decreased compared to Control (37±8% at rest, 43±11% during exercise) but LA strain was increased from rest to exercise (P&lt;0.001). HG and CLF AS had no increase in LA strain (31±15 and 19±10% at rest, 28±15 and 18±9% during exercise) (figure). In Cox proportional hazards analysis, age and gender adjusted hazard ratio for the composite end point (aortic valve replacement, hospitalization for heart failure, and all-cause mortality) of changes in LA-strain from rest to exercise (1% increase) was 1.05 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.09, P=0.044) among AS patients. Conclusions In asymptomatic severe AS, the study of LA functional adaptation to exercise plays a key role in the hemodynamic unfavorable cascade signaling major adaptive differences in dynamics during physical challenge. Overall, LA dynamics provides prognostic information also in AS patients. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

scholarly journals Clinical Value of Stress Transaortic Flow Rate During Dobutamine Echocardiography in Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis: A Multicenter Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia Vamvakidou ◽  
Mohamed-Salah Annabi ◽  
Phillipe Pibarot ◽  
Edyta Plonska-Gosciniak ◽  
Ana G. Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Valve Area

Background: Low rest transaortic flow rate (FR) has been shown previously to predict mortality in low-gradient aortic stenosis. However limited prognostic data exists on stress FR during low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography. We aimed to assess the value of stress FR for the detection of aortic valve stenosis (AS) severity and the prediction of mortality. Methods: This is a multicenter cohort study of patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and low-gradient aortic stenosis (aortic valve area <1 cm 2 and mean gradient <40 mm Hg) who underwent low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography to identify the AS severity and presence of flow reserve. The outcome assessed was all-cause mortality. Results: Of the 287 patients (mean age, 75±10 years; males, 71%; left ventricular ejection fraction, 31±10%) over a mean follow-up of 24±30 months there were 127 (44.3%) deaths and 147 (51.2%) patients underwent aortic valve intervention. Higher stress FR was independently associated with reduced risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.94–0.99]; P =0.01) after adjusting for age, chronic kidney disease, heart failure symptoms, aortic valve intervention, and rest left ventricular ejection fraction. The minimum cutoff for prediction of mortality was stress FR 210 mL/s. Following adjustment to the same important clinical and echocardiographic parameters, among the three criteria of AS severity during stress, ie, the guideline definition of aortic valve area <1cm 2 and aortic valve mean gradient ≥40 mm Hg, or aortic valve mean gradient ≥40 mm Hg, or the novel definition of aortic valve area <1 cm 2 at stress FR ≥210 mL/s, only the latter was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.05–2.82]; P =0.03). Furthermore aortic valve area <1cm 2 at stress FR ≥210 mL/s was the only severe aortic stenosis criterion that was associated with improved outcome following aortic valve intervention ( P <0.001). Guideline-defined stroke volume flow reserve did not predict mortality. Conclusions: Stress FR during low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography was useful for the detection of both AS severity and flow reserve and was associated with improved prediction of outcome following aortic valve intervention.

Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis and preserved, mid-range and reduced ejection fraction

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Chew ◽  
N Ngiam ◽  
B.Y.Q Tan ◽  
C.H Sia ◽  
H.W Sim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Severe Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) plays an important role in risk stratifying and guiding therapy for patients with aortic stenosis (AS). This study aims to describe the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of AS patients with preserved (ASpEF), mid-range (ASmrEF) and reduced (ASrEF) EF. Methods 713 consecutive patients with index echocardiographic diagnosis of moderate-severe AS (aortic valve area &lt;1.5cm2) were allocated according to the EF into three groups: ASrEF (EF&lt;40%), ASmrEF (EF 40–50%), and ASpEF (EF&gt;50%). The study outcomes were defined as 5-year all-cause mortality, heart failure admissions, and aortic valve replacement (AVR). Results In comparison to patients with ASpEF, those with ASrEF were more frequently male, and systolic blood pressure was significantly lower on enrolment (p&lt;0.001). Diabetes, ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation were more commonly seen in the ASrEF and ASmrEF groups, compared to ASpEF group. All-cause mortality rates were 30.5% for ASpEF, 50.8% for ASmrEF, 55.0% for ASrEF groups (p&lt;0.001). Increased rates of heart failure admissions were seen in the ASmrEF and ASrEF groups (30.5% and 33.9%, respectively, vs. 14.9% in ASpEF group). Patients with ASrEF had significantly higher rates of AVR as compared to those in the ASmrEF and ASpEF groups (p=0.032). Conclusion Echocardiographic and clinical outcomes of ASmrEF patients resembled those of ASrEF more closely than the ASpEF patients. Stratifying AS patients according to the different EF groups may improve risk assessment and treatment strategies. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

P2273Predictors of short- and mid-term outcomes after TAVR in low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Emer Egypto Rosa ◽  
D Echeverri ◽  
M Sztejfman ◽  
L A G Jaikel ◽  
A Dager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Vascular Complication ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Baseline Characteristic ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Abstract Background There is a lack of data on outcomes in classical (C-LFLG) and paradoxical low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (P-LFLG) patients undergoing TAVR. Purpose We aim to compare baseline characteristic and procedural outcomes between C-LFLG, P-LFLG and high-gradient aortic stenosis (HG-AS) patients undergoing TAVR. Methods Patients included in the Transcatheter RegistrY of aorTic valve biOprosthesis in Latin-AMerica (TRYTOM Registry) were divided in 3 groups: 1) HG-AS: mean transaortic gradient (MG) ≥40 mmHg; 2) P-LFLG: MG <40 mmHg and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%; 3) C-LFLG: MG <40 mmHg and LVEF <50%. The outcomes were evaluated at 30-days and 1-year and were classified according to definitions of the VARC-2. Results 1040 patients were included, 677 (65%) classified as HG-AS, 223 (21%) as P-LFLG and 140 (14%) as C-LFLG. Median follow-up was 16 months (range 0–109). There were baseline differences between HG-AS, P-LFLG and C-LFLG regarding age (80±7 vs 80±5 vs 78±8 years, respectively; p=0.017), NYHA FC III and IV (61.0 vs 72.6 vs 83.6%, respectively; p<0.001), coronary artery disease (44.1 vs 47.1 vs 57.9%, respectively; p=0.012), EuroSCORE II (7.2±6.3 vs 7.5±5.0 vs 12.9±10.4%, respectively; p<0.001), LVEF (56±11 vs 61±7 vs 32±9%, respectively; p<0.001), MG (53±13 vs 30±6 vs 27±7 mmHg, respectively; p<0.001), aortic valve area (0.65±0.16 vs 0.74±0.15 vs 0.70±0.16 cm2, respectively; p<0.001) and creatinine (1.2±0.7 vs 1.1±0.5 vs 1.5±1.3 mg/dl, respectively; p<0.001). Despite these significant baseline differences, we found similar outcomes after TAVR between HG-AS, P-LFLG and C-LFLG regarding device success (89.8 vs 95.1 vs 90.7%, respectively; p=0.057), in-hospital mortality (6.1 vs 5.9 vs 11.8%, respectively; p=0.144) and all other VARC-2 major outcomes, including major bleeding, major vascular complication and disabling stroke. In addition, female sex (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.16–3.92, p=0.014), LVEF (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04, p=0.039) and MG (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99, p=0.004) were the only predictor of device success by multivariate analysis. Furthermore, 1-year mortality was similar among the groups (9.5 vs 8.3 vs 14.3%, respectively; p=0.358; Figure 1), and by multivariate analysis, diabetes (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.10–5.41, p=0.028), creatinine (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.17–2.33, p=0.004), conversion to general anesthesia (HR 7.93, 95% CI 2.08–30.20, p=0.002) and post-procedure disabling stroke (HR 12.84, 95% CI 3.09–53.40, p<0.001) predicted increased 1-year mortality, irrespective on the LVEF and MG. Conclusions Apart from baseline differences, TAVR in P-LFLG and C-LFLG was feasible and with similar clinical outcomes when compared to HG-AS. Mid-term mortality rates was associated with diabetes, creatinine and procedure complications.

scholarly journals Dimensionless Index in Patients With Low-Gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis and Preserved Ejection Fraction

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Altes ◽  
Nicolas Thellier ◽  
Dan Rusinaru ◽  
Wassima Marsou ◽  
Yohann Bohbot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Valve Area

Background Risk stratification of patients with low-gradient (LG) severe aortic stenosis (AS) despite preserved left ventricular ejection fraction remains challenging. We sought to evaluate the relationship between the dimensionless index (DI)—the ratio of the left ventricular outflow tract time-velocity integral to that of the aortic valve jet—and mortality in these patients. Methods Seven hundred fifty-five patients with LG severe AS (defined by aortic valve area ≤1 cm 2 or aortic valve area indexed to body surface area ≤0.6 cm 2 /m 2 and mean aortic pressure gradient <40 mm Hg) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% were studied. Flow status was defined according to stroke volume index <35 mL/m 2 (low flow, LF) or ≥35 mL/m 2 (normal flow, NF). Results After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, history of hypertension, history of atrial fibrillation, AS-related symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction, indexed left ventricular ventricular mass, aortic valve area, and aortic valve replacement as a time-dependent covariate, patients with LG-LF and DI<0.25 exhibited a considerable increased risk of death compared with patients with LG-NF and DI≥0.25 (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.41 [95% CI, 1.61–3.62]; P <0.001), LG-NF and DI<0.25 (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.24–2.73]; P =0.003), and LG-LF and D≥0.25 (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.27 [95% CI, 1.42–3.63]; P <0.001). In contrast, patients with LG-LF and DI≥0.25, LG-NF and DI<0.25, and LG-NF and DI≥0.25 had similar outcome. DI<0.25 showed incremental prognostic value in patients with LG-LF severe AS but not in patients with LG-NF severe AS. Conclusions Among patients with LG severe AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, decreased DI<0.25 is a reliable parameter in patients with LF to identify a subgroup of patients at higher risk of death who may derive benefit from aortic valve replacement.

scholarly journals Reclassification of aortic stenosis by fusion of echocardiography and computed tomography in low-gradient aortic stenosis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. El Faquir ◽  
M. E. Vollema ◽  
V. Delgado ◽  
B. Ren ◽  
E. Spitzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Fusion Imaging ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
Cardiac Mortality ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Abstract Background The integration of computed tomography (CT)-derived left ventricular outflow tract area into the echocardiography-derived continuity equation results in the reclassification of a significant proportion of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) into moderate AS based on aortic valve area indexed to body surface area determined by fusion imaging (fusion AVAi). The aim of this study was to evaluate AS severity by a fusion imaging technique in patients with low-gradient AS and to compare the clinical impact of reclassified moderate AS versus severe AS. Methods We included 359 consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation for low-gradient, severe AS at two academic institutions and created a joint database. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and rehospitalisations for heart failure at 1 year. Results Overall, 35% of the population (n = 126) were reclassified to moderate AS [median fusion AVAi 0.70 (interquartile range, IQR 0.65–0.80) cm2/m2] and severe AS was retained as the classification in 65% [median fusion AVAi 0.49 (IQR 0.43–0.54) cm2/m2]. Lower body mass index, higher logistic EuroSCORE and larger aortic dimensions characterised patients reclassified to moderate AS. Overall, 57% of patients had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%. Clinical outcome was similar in patients with reclassified moderate or severe AS. Among patients reclassified to moderate AS, non-cardiac mortality was higher in those with LVEF <50% than in those with LVEF ≥50% (log-rank p = 0.029). Conclusions The integration of CT and transthoracic echocardiography to obtain fusion AVAi led to the reclassification of one third of patients with low-gradient AS to moderate AS. Reclassification did not affect clinical outcome, although patients reclassified to moderate AS with a LVEF <50% had worse outcomes owing to excess non-cardiac mortality.

scholarly journals Use of passive leg rise as an add-on to dobutamine in patients with paradoxical low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Buffle ◽  
A Papadis ◽  
C Seiler ◽  
S F De Marchi
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Stroke Volume Index ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
Low Ejection Fraction ◽  
Valve Area

Abstract Background Dobutamine has been proposed for the assessment of low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LFLGAS). However, in 1/3 of patients, no increase in stroke volume index can be achieved by Dobutamine, thus hampering its diagnostic value. This study evaluated the manoeuvre of cardiac preload augmentation by passive leg rise (PLR) alone or on top of Dobutamine to increase stroke volume index (SVI) in patients with LFLGAS, particularly in paradoxical LFLGAS. Methods We examined 50 patients with LFLGAS. Patients were assigned to the paradoxical LFLGAS (Paradox) group if left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was ≥50% (n=29) and to the LFLGAS with low ejection fraction (LEF) group if LVEF was &lt;50% (n=21). A modified Dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed in all patients with the following 4 steps: Rest, PLR alone, maximal Dobutamine infusion rate alone (Dmax) and Dobutamine plus PLR (Dmax + PLR). Three SVI measurement methods were used: first the left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI) method, second the 2D Simpson's method, and third the 3D method. The corresponding aortic valve area (AVA) was obtained by the continuity equation. The increase of those values compared to measurements at rest was calculated and compared between the 3 stress steps. Results In the paradoxical LFLGAS group, delta SVI with Dmax assessed by both Simpson's (depicted in the figures) and 3D method was lowest compared to PLR and Dmax + PLR. PLR alone yielded an equally high delta SVI as Dmax + PLR in Simpson's and 3D, and was at least as high as Dmax across all methods. Dobutamine alone yielded the lowest delta transaortic aortic valve VTI. The highest delta aortic valve area resulted for Dmax + PLR. In the LEF group, the three stress steps yielded an equally high delta SVI with Simpson's method. Dmax never yielded a higher delta SVI than PLR alone. The yielded delta SVI was the highest for Dmax + PLR for both LVOT VTI and 3d method, although the difference was overall not as strong as in the Paradox group. Conclusions In patients with paradoxical LFLGAS, Dobutamine alone is inadequate for testing the potential of aortic valve opening augmentation. Instead, PLR alone or the addition of PLR plus Dobutamine should be used for that purpose. In low LVEF, adding PLR to Dobutamine also seems useful although its diagnostic added value is less evident than in the Paradox group. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Gottfried und Julia Bangerter-Rhyner-Foundation Paradox group Low ejection fraction group

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