Cardiac allograft vasculopathy and acute rejection surveillance in the same procedure through a single vascular access. High volume center experience

Introduction

Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV) and Acute Rejection (AR) surveillance after a Heart Transplant (HT) is based on the performance of Coronary Angiography (CAG) that requires arterial access and Endomyocardial Biopsy, normally Ventricular Right (RV-EMB), which requires venous access. Depending on the clinical indication, HT patients are referred to the cath lab to perform both procedures in the same day. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of performing a Left Ventricular Endomyocardial Biopsy (LV-EMB) and a CAG with a single artery access.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed HT patients referred to cath lab for surveillance of AR and CAV on the same day between January 2018 and March 2021. We compared the procedures performed with two accesses (Group 1; CAG + RV-EMB) versus procedures made with a single artery access (Group 2; CAG + LV-EMB).

Results

121 Procedures were performed within the indicated period, 96 (79.3%) belong to the double access group and 25 (20.7%) to the single access group. All procedures were successful and without major complications. There were only 2 cases of insufficient sample, one for each group. Baseline characteristics in both groups and AR or CAV presence were similar (table). Total procedure time (52.00±15.30 vs 33.36±18.69min) and fluoroscopic time (10.70±4.89 vs 6.84±1.82 min) were significantly shorter in the single access group (p<0.001 in both). The most used arterial access in group 2 was the right radial artery (15; 60%) followed by the right femoral artery (5; 20%).

Conclusions

Performing an endomyocardial biopsy and coronary angiography through a single arterial access is as effective and safe as with double access, arterial and additional venous. Procedure time and fluoroscopic time is significantly less when it is performed through the same access.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function in Marfan syndrome using speckle-tracking echocardiography

Background/Introduction

Previous studies using conventional echocardiographic measurements have reported subclinical left diastolic dysfunction in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). Certain speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) derived parameters have shown good correlation with invasive measurements of LV relaxation.

Purpose

To evaluate diastolic function in Marfan patients using STE-derived parameters along with traditional diastolic measurements and compare them with healthy controls.

Methods

We consecutively included 127 MFS patients with normal LV ejection fraction and no previous cardiovascular surgery or significant valvular regurgitation. We also studied 38 healthy controls (age and sex-matched). We performed LV and LA strain analysis using 2D STE (QLAB 10, Philips). Echocardiographic parameters recommended to assess diastolic function (according to ASE/EACVI 2016 guidelines) were also considered.

Results

Reported use of BB/ARB was 28/39% in MFS patients. According to current guidelines, all participants had normal diastolic function. MFS patients showed lower TDI e' velocities (septal and lateral) and higher average E/e' ratio compared to controls, but still within normal range. Regarding STE-derived measurements, LVGLS, EDLSR and PALS were significantly reduced in MFS. E/EDLSR ratio was higher among MFS patients, reflecting impaired LV relaxation. Interestingly, E/LVGLS was not different between both groups.

Conclusion

STE-derived parameters showed impaired LV relaxation in MFS patients compared to controls. Our results suggest that STE derived parameters can be markers of early diastolic dysfunction and provide a better insight into Marfan-related cardiomyopathy.

STE derived parameters

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Programa de Actividades de I+D de la Comunidad de Madrid

P754 Severe aortic stenosis with preserved ejection prognostic differences according to flow status and gradient fraction: a Spanish multicentre study

Background and objectives

Low-flow low-gradient (LFLG) aortic stenosis portends bad prognosis in different series. The objective of this study was to evaluate the evolution of this entity in our country.

Methods

We included 1394 consecutive patients evaluated between 2008-2016 with severe AS (AVA <1 cm²) and ejection fraction> 50% from 14 Spanish centres. The results (aortic valve intervention and mortality) were compared using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results

Three groups based on gradient and flow status were established (high gradient: HG, normal flow under gradient: NFLG, low gradient low flow: LFLG). No significant demographic or clinical differences between groups were observed. After a follow-up of 61.52 months (IQR 43.5-86.5), 551 (73.8%) HG, 268 (35.4%) with NFLG and 81 (57.9%) LFLG received intervention, with a later surgery/TAVI indication in the LFLG group compared with HG group (p = 0.001) (Figure 1). The analysis of the Kaplan-Meier mortality curves showed no significant differences.

Conclusions

Patients with LFLG aortic stenosis with normal ejection fraction received less and later aortic valve intervention than the HG group with no significant differences in mortality.

Abstract P754 Figure. Time to surgery

Current functioning of cardio-oncology units in Spain

PURPOSE

The aim of the current survey was to describe the functioning of cardio-oncology (C-O) units in Spain.

METHODS

All members of the Spanish Society of Cardiology pertaining to scientific communities related to C-O received questionnaires on the existence of specific programs at their institutions. A second, more extensive questionnaire was sent to the centers which reported C-O organization.

RESULTS

We identified 56 centers with C-O programs of which 32 (62.5%) replied to the extended questionnaire. 28% of all centers reported having a multidisciplinary unit involving specialists in several areas. More than 80% of the centers developed surveillance protocols locally adapted which included advanced echocardiographic techniques (68%) or troponin (82%).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of institutions with C-O programs is still limited but higher than reported in a survey in 2017. Development of multidisciplinary units of C-O should be promoted to improve the cardiovascular health of cancer patients.

P4372Left atrial strain: a potential marker of early diastolic dysfunction in patients with Marfan syndrome

Background/Introduction

Previous studies using conventional echocardiographic measurements have reported subclinical left diastolic dysfunction in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). Left atrial strain (LAS) has been shown to be an accurate predictor of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. However, there is no evidence regarding the use of LAS in MFS.

Purpose

To assess feasibility of LAS and compare LAS derived measurements along with traditional diastolic parameters in MFS patients vs healthy controls.

Methods

46 MFS patients (normal LV ejection fraction, no previous cardiovascular surgery, no significant valvular regurgitation) vs. 20 healthy controls (age and sex-matched). We performed LAS analysis using 2D speckle-tracking (QLAB 10, Philips). LA strain was determined as the average value of the longitudinal deformation (7 segments) in the apical 4-chamber view (RR gating).

Results

LAS analysis was feasible in 40 MFS patients (87%). All participants had normal diastolic function according to current guidelines (ASE/EACVI 2016). MFS patients showed lower TDI e' velocities and higher average E/e' ratio, but still within normal range. Similarly, LVEF was normal but slightly reduced in MFS patients. LA strain and strain rate parameters during reservoir and conduit phase were significantly impaired in MFS patients compared to controls.

MFS vs controls MFS patients (n=40) Controls (n=20) p MFS patients (n=40) Controls (n=20) p Age 33.8±12.4 34.4±8.3 0.846 Septal e' (cm/s) 9.7±2.5 11.7±2.3 0.006 Male (%) 24 (60%) 12 (60%) 1.000 Average E/e' ratio 6.8±1.5 5.5±1.1 0.002 SBP (mmHg) 120.3±12.4 120.1±9.4 0.969 TR velocity (cm/s) 208.6±21.4 201.6±22.9 0.390 DBP (mmHg) 72.0±10.1 67.1±6.2 0.069 LAVi (ml/m2) 23.5±7.1 25.5±4.8 0.260 Aortic root (mm) 40.3±4.6 31.7±3.7 <0.001 LASr (%) 32.6±8.8 43.0±8.3 <0.001 LVEF (%) 60.9±5.6 64.2±4.2 0.022 LAScd (%) −20.1±8.0 −29.4±5.5 <0.001 E-wave (cm/s) 74.6±16.5 76.7±16.5 0.651 LASct (%) −12.8±6.1 −13.6±5.2 0.622 A-wave (cm/s) 55.2±10.9 52.0±12.8 0.327 LASRr 2.02±0.49 2.31±0.43 0.030 E/A ratio 1.4±0.4 1.5±0.4 0.287 LASRcd −2.22±0.61 −3.07±0.68 <0.001 Lateral e' (cm/s) 13.0±3.6 16.3±3.3 0.002 LASRct −2.24±0.90 −2.35±0.75 0.600 SBP: Systolic blood pressure. DBP: Diastolic blood pressure. LVEF: Left ventricular ejection fraction. LAVi: Left atrial volume index. LAS: Left atrial strain. LASR: Left atrial strain rate. (r): Reservoir. (cd): Conduit. (ct): Contraction.

Example of LA strain and strain rate

Conclusion

MFS patients showed a subtle impairment in diastolic function compared to controls. Although further evidence is needed, LAS derived parameters could be early markers of diastolic dysfunction in this group of patients.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Programa de Actividades de I+D de la Comunidad de Madrid

P1820New parameters for the evaluation of mechanic and elastic properties of the aortic root in Marfan Syndrome

Background

Elastic properties of the thoracic aorta in patients with Marfan Syndrome (MS) have already been evaluated with classic echocardiographic parameters. In the latest years the use of Speckle-Tracking (STE) ecocardiography has been widely extended. Our aim is to describe and provide new parameters of aortic deformation measured by STE in patients with MS.

Methods

95 unoperated adult patients with MS and 32 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. We measured classic parameters of the aortic root using 2D echocardiography. We calculated the posterior aortic wall systolic excursion at the sinuses of Valsalva and ascending aorta using M Mode in TDI colour; with ST 2D ecocardiography we measured the aortic strain at the sinuses of Valsalva (SV) and the anterior and posterior aortic wall displacement at the SV. Aortic distensibility was calculated using the formula: 1000 * (Ds − Dd)/Dd * 1/(Ps − Pd) in mmHg–1 (Ds: systolic and Dd: diastolic diameters, Ps systolic and Pd diastolic blood pressure). Aortic stiffness index was calculated as Ln((Ps/Pd)/(Ds-Dd)/Dd)).

Results

As shown in the table bellow, patients with MS had lower aortic strain, aortic anterior and posterior wall displacement and impaired aortic distensibility and stiffness index compared to healthy controls. We found a strong negative linear correlation between aortic root diameter at the SV and aortic root strain (r=−0.56, figure 1).

Results of statistical analysis MS (n=95) Controls (n=32) p Age (years) 32.84±12.35 32.41±7.98 0.85 Aortic root diameter at the sinuses of Valsalva (mm) 38.82±5.35 30.92±3.65 <0.001 Aortic root strain (%) 4.66±2.45 9.19±2.49 <0.001 Anterior aortic wall displacement STE (mm) 10.39±3.64 13.10±2.26 <0.001 Posterior aortic wall displacement STE (mm) 9.02±2.87 11.04±1.82 <0.001 Aortic distensibility 0.98±0.46 1.37±0.72 0.01 Aortic stiffness index 3.74±0.43 3.47±0.51 0.01 MS = Marfan Syndrome; STE = Speckle Tracking Ecocardiography.

Figure 1. Dispersion plot

Conclusions

Our results suggest that aortic deformation and displacement obtained by STE echocardiography is impaired in MS, showing a reduced distensibility and an increased stiffness of the aortic wall, with a strong negative correlation between aortic root dilation and aortic strain. All these parameters may be useful as additional tools for the diagnosis and follow-up of Marfan patients, and could be useful to to improve the echocardiographic evaluation of the aortic root.

P4374Biventricular systolic function analysis in patients with Marfan Syndrome using speckle-tracking 2D ecocardiography

Background

Left Ventricular systolic disfunction has already been described in Marfan Syndrome (MS) in patients without valvular dysfunction using 2D and 3D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). This dysfunction has been related to a more severe causal genetic mutation, which suggest the presence of a primary cardiomiopathy in these patients. Right ventricular function has been less studied so far. We sought to evaluate biventricular function in our cohort of MS patients with 2D-STE.

Methods

95 unoperated adult patients with MS and 32 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Patients with more than mild mitral or aortic regurgitation were excluded. Using STE we obtanied left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) from the average of 16 segments from 4,2 and 3-chamber views and RVGLS values were obtained from the average of 6 segments from the apical 4-chamber view. We also measured classic parameters of systolic biventricular function (LVEF and TAPSE).

Results

Compared to controls, patients with MFS had significantly lower LVGLS and RVGLS (table 1). Values obtanied for LVGLS in MS patients were at the lower limit of normality stablished in the latest cuantification guidelines, while RVGLS and RV free wall LS were slightly above the limit of normality. LVEF and TAPSE were also slightly diminished in MS patients, though the differences found were clinically not relevant.

Results of statistical analysis MS (n=93) Controls (n=32) p Age (years) 32.84±12.4 32.41±7.98 0.85 Aortic Root Diameter Valsalva Sinuses (mm) 38.82±5.35 30.91±5.3 <0.001 LVGLS (%) −18.93±2.62 −21.52±2.26 <0.001 RVGLS (%) −21.25±3.54 −24.68±3.08 <0.001 RV free wall LS (%) −22.09±3.92 −25.56±3.63 <0.001 LVEF (%) 59.5±5.34 63.27±4.19 0.001 TAPSE (mm) 23.97±4.57 25.82±3.32 0.03 MS = Marfan Syndrome; LVGLS = Left ventricular global longitudinal strain; RVGLS = right ventricular global longitudinal strain.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that patients with MFS show lower biventricular strain compared with healthy controls. 2D-STE imaging may be useful to detect subclinical changes in cardiac function in patients with MFS and should be added to routine ecocardiographic evaluation in order to improve the follow-up and treatment of these patients.

P687Is sacubitril/valsartan useful in patients with cancer and heart failure? Data from HF-COH Spanish multicenter registry

Methods

We performed a retrospective multicenter registry (HF-COH) in six Spanish hospitals with cardio-oncology clinics including all p. treated with S/V. Clinical and echocardiographic data, NYHA functional class, type of neoplasms and anti-tumoral treatment were described. Median follow-up was 7.2 [7.9] months.

Results

Sixty-one p. were included (median age was 64 [21] years old; 64%women, 43% hypertensive, 54% dyslipidemics and 28% diabetics). Most of p. (97%) had cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction (CTRD) with a median time from anti-cancer therapy to CTRD of 40 [132] months. Breast (46%) and hematological (38%) cancers were the most frequent neoplasms, 31% of p. had metastatic disease and 71% had been treated with anthracyclines. In 5% S/V was initiated at CTRCD diagnosis while in 95% S/V was started to improve clinical status in p. already treated with ACE inhibitors or ARBs. 87% were on beta-blocker therapy and 74% on mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists.Maximal S/V titration dose was achieved in 8.2% of p. (24/26mg: 43%; 49/51mg: 33%) S/V was discontinued in 4 p. (reasons: 2 hypotension; 1: renal failure; 1: pruritus)

Baseline NT-proBNP levels, functional class, and LVEF improved at the end of follow-up in p. who continued with S/V (all p values ≤0.01). No statistical differences were found in creatinine clearance or potassium serum levels. Table

Patient parameters before and after S/V Before S/V After S/V P value LVEF (%) 33 [7] 39.5 [15] <0.001 Creatinine (mg/dl) 0.9 [0.4] 0.9 [0.5] 0.15 Creatinine clearance (ml/min) 73 [30] 75 [37] 0.22 Potassium serum levels (mg/dl) 4.5 [0.5] 4.5 [0.6] 0.42 Systolic arterial pressure (mmHg) 116 [23] 112 [27] 0.025 Diastolic arterial pressure (mmHg) 70 [13] 68 [10] 0.498 NT-proBNP (pg/ml) 1831 [3132] 842 [1919] 0.007 NYHA 2.2±0.6 1.6±0.62 <0.001 Values are median [interquartile range] or mean ± standard derivation; S/V: sacubitril-valsartan; LVEF: left ventricle ejection fraction.

Conclusions

Our experience suggests that S/V is well tolerated and improves functional class and left ventricular function parameters in patients with CTRCD.

[Volvulus of the wandering spleen]

The volvulus of the floating spleen is a rarity generally manifestated by an acute painful abdominal syndrome located into the left flank. The preoperative diagnosis can be eased off by an abdominal ecography which shows the spleens volume and its absence from the spleenlodge. Further on, we present the case of a female patient (28 years) who during hospitalization has developed a spleen volvulus being preoperative diagnosticated and terminated by splenectomy. Referring to Abell only in 4% of all cases you can diagnosticate this preoperatively. Recent studies also mention the conservative, laparoscopical treatment which means a laparoscopical detorsion and normal dyeing of the spleen followed by a splenopexy with a tent.