A Twenty-Year Follow-Up of Adults with Ebstein Anomaly with Special Focus on Supraventricular Arrhythmias, Supraventricular Arrhythmias and Effectiveness of Catheter Ablation in 20-Year Follow-Up of Adults with Ebstein Anomaly

Background: Ebstein anomaly (EA) is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by the apical displacement of the tricuspid leaflets, creating an enlarged functional right atrium. Supraventricular arrhythmias (SVA) are common, and catheter ablation remains challenging. SVA is considered a risk factor for sudden cardiac death in this population. Still, there are very few real-life data on the impact of SVA treated invasively or conservatively on a patient's prognosis. We aimed to analyze the incidence of SVA in adults with EA, evaluate the effectiveness of catheter ablation, and analyze the impact of SVA and catheter ablation on survival in this population. Methods and results: 71 pts (median age 53 years; range 24-84 years) with EA were evaluated retrospectively from 1988 to 2020. Forty patients (56.3%) had SVA, and eighteen of them (45.0%) required at least one catheter ablation (35 procedures in total). Indications for ablation were mostly intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia (IART) and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) (14 pts [77.8% and 9 pts [50.0%], respectively. IART and AVRT coexisted in nine pts. One patient suffered from persistent atrial fibrillation. Procedural effectiveness was reported in 28 (80%) cases; over a longer follow-up (mean 12.6 ± 5.4 years), only eight (44.4%) patients were completely free from SVA after the first ablation. In total, 10 patients (14%) died due to cardiovascular events. There was no difference in survival between patients with or without SVA (p = 0.9) and between ablated and non-ablated EA individuals (p = 0.89). Conclusions: Supraventricular arrhythmia is frequent in adults with Ebstein anomaly. Patients often require more than one catheter ablation but eventually become free from arrhythmias. The imaging parameters assessed by echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance do not seem to be associated with ablation outcomes. The impact of supraventricular arrhythmia itself or treatment with radiofrequency ablation is questionable and should be thoroughly investigated in this population.

Current practice of care for adolescent and adult patients after Fontan surgery in Poland

BACKGROUND

The growing number of adult patients after the Fontan operation requires regular surveillance tests in specialized centers.

AIMS

Our study aimed to evaluate the current practice of care for Fontan patients in Poland using a multicenter survey.

METHODS

Eight centers were included in the study including 5 adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) and 3 pediatric centers for adolescents. To compare the centers and facilitate interpretation of results, the Fontan Surveillance Score (FSS) was developed. The higher score is consistent with better care, with a maximum of 19 points.

RESULTS

We included in the study 398 Fontan patients (243 adults and 155 adolescents [aged 14-18 years]). The median FSS was 13 points with variability between centers (interquartile range 7-14 points). Centers providing continuous care from the pediatric period until 18 years of age achieved a higher FSS compared to ACHD centers (median: 14 points vs. 12 points; P <0.001). Most of the patients, both in the ACHD (82.3%) and pediatric centers (89%), were seen annually and had a physical examination, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram performed at each visit. However, we observed unsatisfactory utilization of tests identifying early stages of Fontan circulation failure (cardiopulmonary exercise tests, cardiac magnetic resonance, liver biochemistry and imaging, detection of protein-losing enteropathy).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that there is no unified surveillance approach for Fontan patients in Poland. The practice of care for adults differs from that of adolescents.

Thromboembolic Complications in Adult Patients Following Fontan Procedure-A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Morbidity and mortality following Fontan (FO) surgery are primarily thromboembolic in nature. However, follow-up data regarding thromboembolic complications (TECs) in adult patients after FO procedure are inconsistent. In this multicenter study, we investigated the incidence of TECs in FO patients.

METHODS

We studied 91 patients who underwent FO procedure. Clinical data, laboratory, and imaging investigations were collected prospectively during the scheduled medical appointments in 3 Adult Congenital Heart Disease Departments in Poland. TECs were recorded during a median follow-up of 31 months.

RESULTS

Four patients (4.4%) were lost to follow-up. The mean age of patients was 25.3 (±6.0) years at enrollment, and the mean time between FO operation and investigation was 22.1 (±5.1) years. A total of 21 out of 91 patients (23.1%) had a history of 24 TECs since an FO procedure, mainly pulmonary embolism (PE; n = 12, 13.2%), including 4 (33.3%) silent PE. The mean time since FO operation to the first TEC was 17.8 (±5.1) years. During follow-up, we documented 9 TECs in 7 (8.0%) patients, mainly PE (n = 5, 5.5%). Most patients with TEC had a left type of systemic ventricle (57.1%). Three patients (42.9%) were treated with aspirin, 3 (3.4%) with Vitamin K antagonists or novel oral anticoagulants, and 1 patient had no antithrombotic treatment at the time of TEC occurrence. Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias were present in 3 patients (42.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study shows that TECs are common in FO patients, and a significant number of these events occur during adolescence and young adulthood. We also indicated how much TECs are underestimated in the growing adult FO population. The complexity of the problem requires more studies, especially to standardize the prevention of TECs in the whole FO population.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women after the Fontan Procedure

Women with single ventricle physiology after the Fontan procedure, despite numerous possible complications, can reach adulthood and give birth. Pregnancy poses a hemodynamic burden for distorted physiology of Fontan circulation, but according to the literature, it is usually well tolerated unless the patient is a "failing" Fontan. Our study aimed to assess maternal and fetal outcomes in patients after the Fontan procedure followed up in two tertiary Polish medical centers. We retrospectively evaluated all pregnancies in women after the Fontan procedure who were followed up between 1995-2022. During the study period, 15 women after the Fontan procedure had 26 pregnancies. Among 26 pregnancies, eleven ended with miscarriages, and 15 pregnancies resulted in 16 live births. Fetal complications were observed in 9 (56.3%) live births, with prematurity being the most common complication (n = 7, 43.8%). We recorded 3 (18.8%) neonatal deaths. Obstetrical complications were present in 6 (40%) out of 15 completed pregnancies-two (13.3%) cases of abruptio placentae, two (13.3%) pregnancies with premature rupture of membranes, and two (13.3%) patients with antepartum hemorrhage. There was neither maternal death nor heart failure decompensation during pregnancy. In two (13.3%) women, atrial arrhythmia developed. One (6.7%) patient in the second trimester developed ventricular arrhythmia. None of the patients suffered from systemic thromboembolism during pregnancy. Pregnancy in women after the Fontan procedure is well tolerated. However, it is burdened by a high risk of miscarriage and multiple obstetrical complications. These women require specialized care provided by both experienced cardiologists and obstetricians.

Clinical factors affecting survival in patients with D-transposition of the great arteries after atrial switch repair: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Atrial switch repair (AtrSR) was the initial operation method in patients with D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) constituting the right ventricle as a systemic one. Currently, it has been replaced with arterial switch operation (ASO), but the cohort of adults after AtrSR is still large and requires strict cardiological management of late complications. For this reason, we aimed to evaluate potential long-term mortality risk factors in patients with D-TGA after AtrSR (either Mustard or Senning procedures) Methods: We searched the MEDLINE database for suitable trials. We included 22 retrospective and prospective cohort studies of patients with D-TGA with at least 5 years mean/median follow-up time after Mustard or Senning procedures, with an endpoint of non-sudden cardiac death (n-SCD) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) after at least 30 days following surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 2912 patients were enrolled, of whom 351 met the combined endpoint of n-SCD/SCD. The long-term mortality risk factors were New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥III/heart failure hospitalization (odds ratio [OR], 7.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.67-19.7), tricuspid valve regurgitation (OR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.95-11.05), Mustard procedure (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.37-3.35), complex D-TGA (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.31-4.43), and right ventricular dysfunction (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 0.99-3.79). Supraventricular arrhythmia (SVT; OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 0.88-4.85) and pacemaker implantation (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 0.48-11.69) did not affect long-term survival in this group of patients. In an additional analysis, SVT showed a statistically significant impact on SCD (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.36-5.53) but not on n-SCD (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.37-6.0).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrated that at least moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation, NYHA class ≥III/heart failure hospitalization, right ventricular dysfunction, complex D-TGA, and Mustard procedure are risk factors for long-term mortality in patients after AtrSR.

Dissimilarity in coagulation system in adults after Fontan surgery based on thrombin generations

OBJECTIVES

The Fontan procedure is the treatment of choice in congenital cardiac malformations defined as the single ventricle. Fontan patients are at high risk of thromboembolism, but the exact mechanism of this is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate an involvement of thrombin generations and microparticles (MPs) in prothrombotic state in adults with Fontan circulation.

METHODS

This study included hospitalized patients after Fontan procedure and healthy volunteers. We assessed laboratory tests including thrombin generation by calibrated automated thrombography in three variants [platelet-poor plasma (impact of coagulation factors), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (influence of platelets) and related with MPs]. The technique allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the coagulation system.

RESULTS

The study groups consisted of 81 adult Fontan patients [41 females (50.6%); median age 22 interquartile range [20-27] years] and 54 control subjects. In patients with Fontan circulation, higher values of endogenous thrombin potential and peak values were observed for both platelet-poor plasma (+17% and +33%) and MPs (+29% and 41%) compared to controls (all P < 0.05). Moreover, in the Fontan group, we found a 64.9% shorter lag time and a 70.4% time to peak for MP variant (both P < 0.001). Contrarily, analysis in the PRP showed 17.1% of reduced endogenous thrombin potential in Fontan. Furthermore, there were no differences in thrombin synthesis in PRP in Fontan patients receiving aspirin or those with thrombocytopaenia (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study for the first time showed that thrombin generation associated with MPs may be an important contributor to the prothrombotic state in the Fontan population.

Clinical factors affecting survival in patients with D-transposition of the great arteries after atrial switch repair: a meta-analysis

Background

Atrial switch repair (AtrSR) was the initial method of operation in patients with D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) constituting the right ventricle as a systemic one. Currently, it has been replaced with arterial switch operation (ASO), but the cohort of adults after AtrSR is still large and requires strict cardiological management of late complications. For this reason, we aimed to evaluate potential long-term mortality risk factors in patients with D-TGA after AtrSR (either Mustard or Senning procedure)

Method

We searched MEDLINE database for suitable trials. We included 22 retrospective and prospective cohort studies of patients with D-TGA with at least 5 years mean/median follow-up time after Mustard or Senning procedure, with an end-point of non-sudden cardiac death (n-SCD) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) after at least 30 days after surgery.

Results

A total of 2912 patients were enrolled, of which 351 met the combined endpoint of n-SCD/SCD. The long-term mortality risk factors were: NYHA&gt;II/heart failure hospitalization (OR=7.25; p=0.0001), tricuspid valve regurgitation (OR=4.64; p=0.0005), Mustard procedure (OR=2.15; p=0.0008), complex D-TGA (OR=2.41; p=0.005), right ventricle dysfunction (OR=1.94; p=0.05). Supraventricular arrhythmia (SVT; OR=2.07; p=0.09) and pacemaker implantation (OR=2.37; p=0.29) did not affect long-term survival in this group of patients. In an additional analysis, SVT showed a statistically significant impact on SCD (OR=2.74; p=0.005) but not on n-SCD (OR=1.5; p=0.57).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis identified that at least moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation, NYHA class &gt; II/heart failure hospitalization, right ventricle dysfunction, complex D-TGA and Mustard procedure as risk factors of long-term mortality in patients after AtrSR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Clinical outcomes of adults with Ebstein anomaly: 20 years of a single-center experience

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Ebstein anomaly (EA) is rare congenital heart disease. Malformation of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle may contribute to supraventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, and pacemaker implantation, affecting these patients" overall survival.

Aim

We aimed to evaluated long-term outcomes in adults with EA.

Methods and results: We retrospectively analyzed EA patients followed up in our center from 1988 to 2020. Seventy-one adults with EA were identified (40 [56.3%) males), including 11 (15.5%) patients operated on during childhood. The median age was 53 (range 24-84) years, and the median follow-up time was 7 (range 1-28) years. During this time, 40 (56.3%) individuals presented with supraventricular tachycardia, of whom 18 (45.0%) pts required at least one catheter ablation. Out of 18 patients treated invasively, only 7 (38.9%) patients were free from SVT after the first ablation; 7 pts (38.9%) underwent 2 ablations; 6 pts (33.3%) - required 3 and 4 ablations. Atrio-ventricular block of II or III degree was diagnosed in 11 (15.5%) adults. A total of fifteen (21.1%) individuals had a pacemaker implanted – 10 due to the AV block and 5 due to the sinus node dysfunction. The functional NYHA class was ≥ only in 15 (21.1.%) pts. In contrast, a cardiopulmonary test performed in majority of the study group (45 [63.4%] pts) revealed a reduced peak oxygen uptake (peakO2 &lt; 85% of predicted value) in 38 (84.4%), with a significant reduction (%peakO2 &lt; 60%) present in 13 (28.9%) patients. Ten patients (14.0%) died - 5 deaths were due to heart failure, 2 - sudden cardiac death, and thromboembolism, respectively, 1- due to myocardial infarction. The overall survival was 95% to age 50 years, 82% to age 60 years, 72% to age 70 years, and 53% to age 80 years.

Conclusion

Patients with EA are at high risk of developing supraventricular arrhythmias, heart failure and conduction disturbances requiring pacemaker implantation. However, a long-term prognosis of adults with EA is satisfactory.

Properties of Plasma Clots in Adult Patients Following Fontan Procedure: Relation to Clot Permeability and Lysis Time-Multicenter Study

Objectives: thromboembolic complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality following Fontan (FO) surgery. It is also well established that altered FO circulation results in systemic complications, including liver and endothelium damage. We sought to evaluate whether dysfunctions of these sources of hemostatic factors may result in changes of fibrin clot properties. Methods: a permeation coefficient (K_s) and clot lysis time (CLT) were assessed in 66 FO patients, aged 23.0 years [IQR 19.3–27.0], and 59 controls, aged 24.0 years [IQR 19.0–29.0]. K_s was determined using a pressure-driven system. CLT value was measured according to assay described by Pieters et al. Endothelium and liver-derived hemostatic factors along with liver function parameters were evaluated. The median time between FO operation and investigation was 20.5 years [IQR 16.3–22.0]. Results: FO patients had lower K_s (p = 0.005) and prolonged CLT (p < 0.001) compared to that of controls. K_s correlated with CLT (r = −0.28), FVIII (r = −0.30), FIX (r = −0.38), fibrinogen (r = −0.41), ALT (r = −0.25), AST (r = −0.26), GGTP (r = −0.27) and vWF antigen (r = −0.30), (all p < 0.05). CLT correlated with the time between FO operation and investigation (r = 0.29) and FIX (r = 0.25), (all p < 0.05). After adjustment for potential cofounders, TAFI antigen and GGTP were independent predictors of reduced K_s (OR 1.041 per 1% increase, 95% CI 1.009–1.081, p = 0.011 and OR 1.025 per 1 U/L increase, 95% CI 1.005–1.053, p = 0.033, respectively). Protein C and LDL cholesterol predicted prolonged CLT (OR 1.078 per 1% increase, 95% CI 1.027–1.153, p = 0.001 and OR 6.360 per 1 μmol/L increase, 95% CI 1.492–39.894, p = 0.011, respectively). Whereas elevated tPA was associated with lower risk of prolonged CLT (OR 0.550 per 1 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.314–0.854, p = 0.004). GGTP correlated positively with time between FO surgery and investigation (r = 0.25, p = 0.045) and patients with abnormal elevated GGTP activity (n = 28, 42.4%) had decreased K_s, compared to that of the others (5.9 × 10⁻⁹ cm² vs. 6.8 × 10⁻⁹ cm², p = 0.042). Conclusion: our study shows that cellular liver damage and endothelial injury were associated with prothrombotic clot phenotype reflected by K_s and CLT.

Left ventricular hypertrabeculation in Ebstein anomaly – a clinically significant or irrelevant problem?

Background

Ebstein anomaly (EA) is characterized by anomalous tricuspid valve resulting in the whole right heart's distorted anatomy. Heart failure is the most frequent complication in adults with EA. Recently more attention is also paid to the left ventricle. Some limited echocardiographic data suggest a markedly increased occurrence of the left ventricular hypertrabeculation, by some authors called a non-compacted myocardium. Currently, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a gold standard in the evaluation of hypertrabeculation. However, different diagnostic criteria and discrepancies in the study outcomes make the clinical interpretation of this phenomenon questionable and challenging.

Purpose

To determine the frequency of the left ventricular hypertrabeculation among adults with EA; to assess its association with the ventricular size and function and the markers of heart failure.

Methods

Study group consisted of 35 unoperated adults (mean age 41.9±14.8 years) with Ebstein anomaly. The study protocol included: a) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with the assessment of the left ventricle (LV) and functional right ventricle (fRV), including ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic, end-systolic, and stroke volumes indexed by body surface area (respectively: EDVind, ESVind, SVind), and presence of hypertrabeculation defined according to Jacquier (1) as trabeculation mass &gt;20% of the LV mass; b) cardiopulmonary tests with the assessment of peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2, % of predicted peak VO2), ventilation/carbon dioxide slope (VE/VCO2 slope) c) brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).

Results

Left ventricular hypertrabeculation was present in 13 (37.1%) patients.

We demonstrated no difference between patients with and without LV hypertrabeculation regarding: s

Conclusions

Left ventricular hypertrabeculation demonstrated by cardiac magnetic resonance is a phenomenon frequently occurring among adults with Ebstein anomaly. However, its presence is not associated with both ventricles' worse function nor with reduced exercise capacity. Therefore, the clinical relevance of left ventricular hypertrabeculation in this population remains questionable and requires further prospective studies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Echocardiography during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic - the impact of the vaccination program. A 2021 update of the expert opinion of the Working Group on Echocardiography of the Polish Cardiac Society

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in an urgent need to reorganize the work of echocardiography laboratories in order to ensure the safety of patients and the protection of physicians, technicians, and other staff members. In the previous Expert Opinion of the Working Group on Echocardiography of Polish Cardiac Society we provided recommendations for the echocardiographic services, in order to ensure maximum possible safety and efficiency of imagers facing epidemic threat. Now, with much better knowledge and larger experience in treating COVID-19 patients and with introduction of vaccination programs, we present updated recommendations for performing transthoracic and transesophageal examinations, including information on the potential impact of personnel and the patient vaccination program, and growing numbers of convalescents on performance of echocardiographic laboratories, with the goal of their ultimate reopening.

[Transthoracic echocardiography in adults - guidelines of the Working Group on Echocardiography of the Polish Cardiac Society]

This document presents current Polish guidelines on the clinical use of transthoracic echocardiography, including stress examinations, in adult patients. The examinations with pocket-size imaging devices are also discussed. The authors present recommendations regarding indications and contraindications, staff and equipment requirements, patient preparation and information, examination protocol, reporting and reimbursement.

Clinical aspects of myocardial fibrosis in adults with Ebstein's anomaly

Heart failure and arrhythmia are common complications in adults with Ebstein's anomaly. They may result not only from hemodynamic alterations, but also from myocardial fibrosis. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by CMR enables the evaluation of myocardial fibrosis. The aim of the study was to asses the presence of LGE and its relation to clinical outcome. We studied a group of 37 unoperated adults aged 43.0 ± 14.4 years with Ebstein's anomaly from the congenital heart disease outpatient clinic. Study protocol included: cardiopulmonary test, assessment of supraventricular arrhythmia (SVA), and CMR with evaluation of cardiac chambers' morphology and function, and presence of LGE. Variables following normal distribution were shown as mean ± SD if otherwise median (range) was applied. Fibrosis was found in 18 patients (48.6%) and was distributed as follows: 12 patients (32.4%) in the right atrium, 12 (32.4%) in the atrialized right ventricle, and 2 (5.4%) in the functional right ventricle. In patients with fibrosis, the tricuspid regurgitation fraction was bigger (48.3 ± 19.7 vs. 36.1 ± 22.6%, p = 0.048) and SVA was more frequent [12 (66.7%) vs. 6 (31.6%), p = 0.046] when compared to patients without fibrosis. However, exercise capacity did not differ between patients with and without LGE (peak VO2 24.0 ± 4.7 vs. 23.7 ± 4.4, p = 0.87). In adults with Ebstein's anomaly fibrosis estimated by LGE-CMR was localized in the right atrium and the right ventricle only. Volume overload resulting from tricuspid regurgitation might be a factor conducive to fibrosis. Myocardial fibrosis did not influence exercise capacity. Association between myocardial fibrosis and supraventricular arrhythmia was confirmed.

Arterial stiffness and arterial function in adult cyanotic patients with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Mortality in cyanotic patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD) is high, mainly due to cardiovascular complications. It is known that endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness, and impaired vascular function have negative influence on cardiovascular prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess parameters of arterial stiffness and vascular dysfunction in cyanotic patients with CHD as well as their potential relation to impaired blood oxygen saturation and polycythemia parameters typical for cyanosis.

METHODS

A total of 36 CHD cyanotic patients (17 males) (42.3±16.3 years) and 35 healthy individuals (16 males) (39.6±10.4 years) were enrolled. Assessed parameters were intima media thickness and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Assessed parameters using applanation tonometry methods were aortic systolic pressure, aortic pulse pressure (AoPP), augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index (AI), pulse pressure amplification (PPampl), and pulse wave velocity (PWV).

RESULTS

AoPP (37.3±11.1mmHg vs. 29±6.5mmHg; p=0.002), AP (10.1±7.3mmHg vs. 1.1±3.9mmHg; p=0.00001), AI (24.7±13.5% vs. 3.0±13.6%; p=0.00001), and PWV (7.4±2.1m/s vs. 6.3±0.7m/s; p=0.003) were higher, and PPampl was lower (135.3±16.1% vs. 160.4±12.8%; p=0.00001) in the studied group compared to controls and proved the presence of the increased stiffness of arteries. Impairment of FMD was observed (9.0±5.6 vs. 10.9±4.7; p=0.04). No significant correlations were found between analyzed arterial parameters and biochemical ones characterizing cyanotic patients depicting rheological properties of blood.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyanotic patients with CHD are characterized by increased arterial stiffness estimated with pulse wave analysis parameters and by deteriorated arterial function expressed with worse vasodilatative response in comparison with healthy population. It may confirm relevance of those mechanisms in development of increased rate of cardiovascular events in this population. Association between oxygen saturation or polycythemia and arterial stiffening or vascular dysfunction was not found in these patients.

Short- and mid-term outcome of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with advanced age

BACKGROUND

In patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), age is recognized as one of the most important risk factors. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether early and mid-term results of TAVI were worse in patients over 85 year old compared with the younger population.

METHODS

From September 2010 to November 2015, 162 consecutive patients (mean age 78.4 ± 7.1 years, 47.5% females) underwent TAVI in our Institution. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) elderly (≥ 85 year old) and 2) younger patients (< 85 year old). Primary clinical study endpoints were the fol-lowing: death, myocardial infarction, stroke, major and minor access site, and bleeding complications. The secondary endpoints included: pacemaker implantation rate, paravalvular leakage, acute kidney injury, and duration of hospitalization.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were 85 or older (mean 87.5 ± 2.1). In the remaining 136 (84%), the average age was 76.7 ± 6.4. Baseline clinical profiles were similar in both groups, though history of pre-vious cardiac surgery (p = 0.0047) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.0099) were more common in the younger group, and glomerular filtration rate was lower in the older group (p = 0.045). Major, life threatening and minor bleeding complications, as well as vascular access site complications did not differ between the two groups. Rates of myocardial infarction and stroke were comparably low in both groups. Similar results were also found in the incidence of secondary endpoints. In-hospital mortality and 1-year mortality did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVI in patients aged 85 and older is still a relatively safe procedure and age itself should not be a discriminatory factor in TAVI qualification. (Cardiol J 2017; 24, 4: 358-363).

Pregnancy and childbirth in a patient after multistep surgery and endovascular treatment of cardiovascular disease

Nowadays physicians see an increasing population of patients reaching reproductive age after surgery for complex congenital heart defects. Correction of congenital and acquired cardiovascular defects does not exclude experiencing a safe pregnancy. We present the case of a 27-year-old woman, who, after multistep surgery and endovascular treatment of her cardiovascular system, underwent successful pregnancy and uncomplicated childbirth. Recent developments in medicine and interdisciplinary involvement have allowed women with corrected cardiovascular disease the opportunity to become pregnant and experience safe childbirth.

Left atrial appendage closure - new choice for no-option patients with atrial fibrillation

AIM

Remodeling and impaired blood flow in left atrial appendage (LAA), which occurs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), may lead to thrombus formation and possible thromboembolic complications. Although there are several pharmacological antithrombotic possibilities, some patients with several co-morbidities and contraindications to such treatment cannot be offered any of them. Therefore LAA closure systems may be an attractive alternative. We present our early experience with two currently available different LAA transcatheter closure systems (Watchman and Amplatzer Cardiac Plug).

METHODS

Twenty three patients (mean age 69.1±6.8 years, 12 male) with non-rheumatic AF and high risk of thromboembolic complications (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 (mean 4.5±1.5), who could not be treated with the long-term oral anticoagulation because of contraindications or significant side effects, were qualified to the LAA closure.

RESULTS

The Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA) was implanted in 7 patients and Watchman Occluder (Boston Scientific, Boston, MA, USA) in the other 15 patients. The implantation was not performed in one patient as the transoesophageal echocardiography during the procedure revealed a new thrombus in LAA. The procedural details and follow-up data are presented. Neither severe pericardial effusion nor device related thrombus were observed. In long term follow-up transient ischemic attack was noted only in one patient (diagnosed with thrombophilia). One patient died 14 months after the procedure due to non-cardiac reason.

CONCLUSION

The LAA occluder implantation seems to be a safe and reasonable alternative for oral anticoagulation and should be considered in patients with AF who have contraindications or complications of pharmacological treatment.

Assessment of coagulation profile by thromboelastometry in adult patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) have an increased risk of bleeding and thrombotic complications. Prolonged conventional coagulation screening parameters, such as activated partial thromboplastin time or prothrombin time, are reported in less than 20% of CCHD patients.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to determine the haemostatic abnormalities in 32 adult patients with CCHD by rotation thromboelastometry (ROTEM) with assessment of coagulation dynamic properties, as a guide for perioperative prophylaxis or haemostatic therapy. The control group consisted of 35 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that CCHD patients, in comparison to healthy controls, had a tendency to hypocoagulate with delayed activation of haemostasis and clot formation, initiated by both intrinsic and extrinsic activators. The growth of the clot was slower and the clot firmness was decreased, which may additionally contribute to bleeding diathesis. Moreover, the clot lysis readings suggest higher clot stability in the CCHD group. All velocity parameters were markedly lower in the CCHD patients, indicating a decreased rate of clot formation. Although coagulation tests and platelet count were normal, the usefulness of rotation thromboelastometry in monitoring or guiding therapy in CCHD patients is demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our results provide new insights into the data on hypocoagulation with impaired clot lysis in adult CCHD patients as determined by ROTEM. Our findings may assist in determining the optimal management of patients with CCHD undergoing surgery.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty--ups and downs--are we facing a procedure comeback?

BACKGROUND

Recently, there has been renewed interest in balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV).

AIM

To analyse the indications and short-term outcome of BAV since transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was launched in our institution.

METHODS

Between September 2010 and September 2014, 25 consecutive patients (19 female, 6 male) underwent BAV. The mean age was 72 ± 11.4 years, mean EuroScore II was 10.4 ± 11.7%, mean logistic EuroScore 23.5 ± 23.6%, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons mortality risk score was 21.8 ± 13.6%. The indications for BAV were: advanced haemodynamically unstable heart failure (HF) including cardiogenic shock or pulmonary oedema (n = 7), co-morbidities requiring urgent non-cardiac surgery (n = 8), palliative treatment (n = 6), and an intention to bridge to TAVI or aortic valve replacement in patients with severe HF (n = 4).

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality was 20% (n = 5) and occurred in patients who underwent BAV in the setting of haemodynamically unstable HF. Other major complications included pacemaker implantation (n = 2), major vascular complications (n = 4), and cardiac tamponade (n = 1). There were no patients who required conversion to cardiac surgery. The mean peak aortic transvalvular gradient decreased from 96.9 ± 29.5 to 60.3 ± 15.5 mm Hg (p = 0.0001) after BAV. We did not observe significant aortic regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of advanced and haemodynamically unstable aortic stenosis, bridge to non-cardiac surgery and palliative therapy are the main reasons for BAV in recent years. BAV as a bridge to TAVI or aortic valve replacement may be an option for some patients. Short-term results are good with relatively low mortality and morbidity related to the procedure. Mortality in haemodynamically unstable patients presenting with cardiogenic shock or pulmonary oedema treated with BAV is very high.

Pregnancy in Women With a Mechanical Heart Valve: Data of the European Society of Cardiology Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac Disease (ROPAC)

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women with a mechanical heart valve (MHV) are at a heightened risk of a thrombotic event, and their absolute need for adequate anticoagulation puts them at considerable risk of bleeding and, with some anticoagulants, fetotoxicity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Within the prospective, observational, contemporary, worldwide Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease (ROPAC), we describe the pregnancy outcome of 212 patients with an MHV. We compare them with 134 patients with a tissue heart valve and 2620 other patients without a prosthetic valve. Maternal mortality occurred in 1.4% of the patients with an MHV, in 1.5% of patients with a tissue heart valve (P=1.000), and in 0.2% of patients without a prosthetic valve (P=0.025). Mechanical valve thrombosis complicated pregnancy in 10 patients with an MHV (4.7%). In 5 of these patients, the valve thrombosis occurred in the first trimester, and all 5 patients had been switched to some form of heparin. Hemorrhagic events occurred in 23.1% of patients with an MHV, in 5.1% of patients with a tissue heart valve (P<0.001), and in 4.9% of patients without a prosthetic valve (P<0.001). Only 58% of the patients with an MHV had a pregnancy free of serious adverse events compared with 79% of patients with a tissue heart valve (P<0.001) and 78% of patients without a prosthetic valve (P<0.001). Vitamin K antagonist use in the first trimester compared with heparin was associated with a higher rate of miscarriage (28.6% versus 9.2%; P<0.001) and late fetal death (7.1% versus 0.7%; P=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with an MHV have only a 58% chance of experiencing an uncomplicated pregnancy with a live birth. The markedly increased mortality and morbidity warrant extensive prepregnancy counseling and centralization of care.

Microvolt T-wave alternans in adult patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot

OBJECTIVE

Indications for sudden cardiac death (SCD) primary prevention are unknown in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (ToF). The role of microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) in SCD risk stratification was documented. However, the prevalence of spectral MTWA and its association with ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in adults after ToF repair were not elucidated.

DESIGN

Microvolt T-wave alternans, electrocardiogram (ECG), ambulatory ECG monitoring, echocardiography, and spiroergometry were evaluated in 102 adults after ToF repair. Microvolt T-wave alternans results were classified as normal: negative(-), abnormal: positive(+), and indeterminate(ind). Owing to similar prognostic significance, MTWA(+) and MTWA(ind) due to patient factors were combined into nonnegative group: MTWA(abnormal).

RESULTS

Microvolt T-wave alternans(abnormal) was more frequent in the studied group as compared with controls (P = .0005). The MTWA(abnormal) group had greater right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (P = .005), higher incidence of pulmonary regurgitation (P = .015), lower peak oxygen consumption (P = .01), and higher VE/VCO2 slope (P = .04) in comparison with MTWA(normal). Univariate logistic regression proved pulmonary regurgitation (OR = 3.57, 95% CI 1.27-10.04), VA (OR = 3.26, 95% CI 1.06-10.05), right ventricular end-diastolic enlargement (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.2), increase in VE/VCO2 slope (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.17), and decrease in peak oxygen uptake (OR = .91, 95% CI 0.83-0.99) to increase MTWA(abnormal) prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

In adults after ToF repair, abnormal MTWA occurred more often than in controls. Probability of abnormal MTWA did not rise with prevalence of malignant VA; however, presence of abnormal MTWA was associated with VA risk factors: pulmonary regurgitation, right ventricular enlargement, and consequent heart failure. The role of MTWA in selecting patients late after ToF repair at risk of SCD needs further observation.

The new generation is coming. Percutaneous implantation of the fully repositionable Lotus® aortic valve prosthesis: the first Polish experience

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is nowadays an accepted method of treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who are inoperable or at very high risk of classic surgical aortic valve replacement. The Lotus valve system is a new generation TAVI device composed of a self-expanding stent prosthesis with implemented bovine pericardial leaflets, which is designed to facilitate repositioning, resheathing, and retrieval, even in the fully expanded and functioning position before the final release. In addition, the Lotus valve is surrounded by a flexible membrane to seal paravalvular gaps between the prosthesis and native valve. We present the first Polish experiences with the Lotus valve system. Due to its unique features, the Lotus valve may improve the prognosis in patients with inoperable or high risk critical aortic stenosis.

Endovascular treatment of late thoracic aortic aneurysms after surgical repair of congenital aortic coarctation in childhood

Background

In some patients, local surgery-related complications are diagnosed many years after surgery for aortic coarctation. The purposes of this study were: (1) to systematically evaluate asymptomatic adults after Dacron patch repair in childhood, (2) to estimate the formation rate of secondary thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and (3) to assess outcomes after intravascular treatment for TAAs.

Methods

This study involved 37 asymptomatic patients (26 female and 11 male) who underwent surgical repair of aortic coarctation in the childhood. After they had reached adolescence, patients with secondary TAAs were referred to endovascular repair.

Results

Follow-up studies revealed TAA in seven cases (19%) (including six with the gothic type of the aortic arch) and mild recoarctation in other six (16%). Six of the TAA patients were treated with stentgrafts, but one refused to undergo an endovascular procedure. In three cases, stengrafts covered the left subclavian artery (LSA), in another the graft was implanted distally to the LSA. In two individuals, elective hybrid procedures were performed with surgical bypass to the supraaortic arteries followed by stengraft implantation. All subjects survived the secondary procedures. One patient developed type Ia endoleak after stentgraft implantation that was eventually treated with a debranching procedure.

Conclusions

The long-term course of clinically asymptomatic patients after coarctation patch repair is not uncommonly complicated by formation of TAAs (particularly in individuals with the gothic pattern of the aortic arch) that can be treated effectively with stentgrafts. However, in some patients hybrid procedures may be necessary.