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9 pages, 1289 KiB  
Article
Exploratory Study of the Measurement of Geometric Height in 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography as a Predictor of Valve-Sparing Root Replacement for Aortic Regurgitation
by Shota Yamanaka, Shuichiro Takanashi, Tomoki Shimokawa and Takashi Kunihara
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(24), 7835; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13247835 - 22 Dec 2024
Viewed by 168
Abstract
Background: Valve-sparing root replacement surgery is an alternative strategy for patients with aortic regurgitation with or without aortic root enlargement. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms of regurgitation and the morphology of the aortic root would be beneficial for predicting the feasibility [...] Read more.
Background: Valve-sparing root replacement surgery is an alternative strategy for patients with aortic regurgitation with or without aortic root enlargement. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms of regurgitation and the morphology of the aortic root would be beneficial for predicting the feasibility and success of valve-sparing surgery. This is an exploratory study of the measurement of geometric height in 3D transesophageal echocardiography as a predictor of valve-sparing root replacement for aortic regurgitation. Methods: Transesophageal echocardiographic findings and long-term outcomes were compared in 124 patients undergoing either valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR group) or composite valve graft replacement (Bentall group) from September 2014 to March 2019. Results: The VSRR group was younger and had better left ventricular function than the Bentall group. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography showed that geometric height was significantly larger in the VSRR group. In receiver-operating curve analysis, the cutoff values of geometric height for the feasibility of valve-sparing surgery were 15.9 mm and 19.8 mm in the tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valve, respectively. The overall survival was 98.6% and the freedom from reoperation rate was 89.7% at 5 years in the VSRR group. Conclusions: Appropriate patient selection and adequate GH may contribute to the success of VSSR and improve long-term outcomes. Full article
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<p>The measurement of 3D-TEE parameters. Aortoventricular junction, sinus of Valsalva, and sino-tubular junction were measured in the systolic phase, and the geometric height was measured in the diastolic phase. GH; geometric height, NCC; non coronary cusp, RCC; right coronary cusp.</p>
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<p>ROC analysis of geometric height. (<b>a</b>) Tricuspid valve, cutoff 15.9 mm (shortest GH), area under the curve (AUC): 0.81, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, sensitivity and specificity were 0.859 and 0.684, respectively. (<b>b</b>) Bicuspid valve cutoff 19.8 mm (non-fused cusp), AUC: 0.67, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, sensitivity and specificity were 0.818 and 0.625, respectively.</p>
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<p>Overall survival rates. VSRR; Valve-sparing aortic root replacement.</p>
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<p>Reoperation-free rates. VSRR; Valve-sparing aortic root replacement.</p>
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9 pages, 225 KiB  
Article
Role of Multimodal Imaging in Clinical Practice for the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis: A Case Series
by Sara Tordi, Giacomo Gonnelli, Maria Carolina Benvenuto, Daniele Rosignoli, Lisa Malincarne and Daniela Francisci
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2024, 16(6), 1254-1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr16060099 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 381
Abstract
Background: The 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of infective endocarditis (IE) highlighted the essential role of multimodal imaging in the diagnostic algorithm of IE and its complications. Methods: We hereby report a case series of IE in which [...] Read more.
Background: The 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of infective endocarditis (IE) highlighted the essential role of multimodal imaging in the diagnostic algorithm of IE and its complications. Methods: We hereby report a case series of IE in which the diagnosis was confirmed or excluded by the use of multimodal imaging during the period between January 2024 and July 2024 at the Infectious Diseases Clinic, Perugia Hospital, Italy. Results: Six patients were retrospectively included. Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) was suspected in four patients and native valve endocarditis (NVE) in two cases. In patients with prosthetic valves, 18F FDG-PET/CT was performed, except in one case (P1) where cardiac CTA was performed for suspicion of perigraft aneurysm. Patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TOE), which was diagnostic in two cases and inconclusive in the remaining cases. In case of inconclusive TOE, the use of multimodal imaging added a major criterion and allowed us to consider (from ‘rejected’ to ‘possible’) or confirm (from ‘possible’ to ‘definite’) the diagnosis of EI based on the 2023 Duke–ESC Criteria. In one case (P6), it was possible to exclude the diagnosis. For patients with diagnostic TOE, 18F FDG-PET/CT allowed for the enhancement of diagnostic accuracy, identifying the site of valve involvement and the extension of the infection to the device (cases P3 and P5, respectively). Conclusions: In clinical practice, the use of cardiac CTA and/or 18F FDG-PET/CT based on the latest ESC guidelines demonstrated a significant impact on the diagnosis and therapeutic management of IE. Full article
11 pages, 542 KiB  
Article
Predictive Value of Inflammatory Scores for Left Atrium Thrombosis in Ischemic Stroke Without Atrial Fibrillation
by Vedat Cicek, Sahhan Kilic, Selami Dogan, Almina Erdem, Mert Babaoglu, Irem Yilmaz, Salih Karaismail, Murat Mert Atmaca, Mert Ilker Hayiroglu, Tufan Cinar and Ulas Bagci
Medicina 2024, 60(12), 2046; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60122046 - 12 Dec 2024
Viewed by 449
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Studies have shown that inflammation markers can be used as prognostic tools in predicting acute ischemic stroke. In this study, we conducted a comparison of several inflammation scores in predicting left atrial thrombosis (LAT) in patients with ischemic stroke [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Studies have shown that inflammation markers can be used as prognostic tools in predicting acute ischemic stroke. In this study, we conducted a comparison of several inflammation scores in predicting left atrial thrombosis (LAT) in patients with ischemic stroke without AF. Materials and Methods: In this single-center, retrospective study, we included 303 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke. Each patient underwent a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination within 10 days of admission to detect the presence of LAT. To identify independent predictors of LAT, we conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: In total, 303 patients who had ischemic stroke were included in the analysis. LAT was detached in 34 patients at the time of the TEE examination. The patients were categorized into two groups based on their LAT status. The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), HALP score, and C-reactive Protein–Albumin Ratio (CAR) were identified as statistically significant predictors of LAT. Based on the results of the multivariate regression analysis, the CAR emerged as the only independent predictor of LAT. Conclusions: Among several inflammation scores, the PNI, HALP, and CAR were statistically significant predictors of LAT in ischemic stroke patients without AF. CAR was identified as the optimal score for the prediction of LAT in patients with stroke and without AF. Full article
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<p>Performance of CAR for predicting left atrial thrombus in ischemic stroke without atrial fibrillation.</p>
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8 pages, 2321 KiB  
Brief Report
Comparative Analysis of Irrigation Mist and CO2 vs. Direct CO2 Blower in On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Anastomosis: Efficacy, Efficiency, and Fibrillation upon De-Clamping and Micro-Embolic Gas Activity Incidence
by Ignazio Condello, Giuseppe Speziale, Flavio Fiore and Giuseppe Nasso
Medicina 2024, 60(12), 2035; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60122035 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 435
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on pump, achieving optimal visualization is critical for surgical precision and safety. The use of blowers to clear the CABG anastomosis poses risks, including the formation of micro-embolic gas bubbles, which can be insidious [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on pump, achieving optimal visualization is critical for surgical precision and safety. The use of blowers to clear the CABG anastomosis poses risks, including the formation of micro-embolic gas bubbles, which can be insidious and increase the risk of cerebral or myocardial complications. This retrospective study compares the effectiveness of the use of irrigation mist and CO2 versus a direct CO2 blower without irrigation in terms of visualization, postoperative fibrillation, and micro-embolic gas activity. Materials and Methods: The study involved 40 patients who underwent on-pump CABG, with 20 patients assigned to the irrigation mist and CO2 group (ClearView™) and 20 to the direct CO2 blower group. Primary outcomes included the quality of intraoperative visualization, the incidence of fibrillation at aortic de-clamping, and the presence of micro-embolic gas activity detected via transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the cardiac chambers. Results: Patients in the irrigation mist and CO2 group experienced superior visualization and reduced tissue desiccation. Fibrillation at the time of aortic de-clamping occurred in two patients (10%) using the irrigation mist and CO2, compared to eight patients (40%) using the direct CO2 blower. Additionally, TEE monitoring revealed lower levels of micro-embolic gas activity in the irrigation mist and CO2 group, indicating a potential reduction in gas embolization risk. Conclusions: The irrigation mist and CO2 system not only provides enhanced visualization during CABG but also significantly reduces the incidence of fibrillation during aortic de-clamping and micro-embolic gas activity. These findings suggest improved patient safety and outcomes, highlighting the irrigation mist and CO2 system as a potentially safer alternative to direct CO2 blowing in the context of myocardial revascularization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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<p>Perioperative use of the irrigation mist and CO<sub>2</sub> during CABG.</p>
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<p>Irrigation mist and CO<sub>2</sub> sketch.</p>
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<p>Perioperative use of the traditional direct CO<sub>2</sub> blower.</p>
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<p>Bar graph comparing the visualization quality scores between the two groups.</p>
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<p>Comparative analysis of key perioperative outcomes in Group 1 (direct CO<sub>2</sub> blower) vs. Group 2 (irrigation mist and CO<sub>2</sub>).</p>
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15 pages, 5917 KiB  
Article
Automatic Segmentation of the Left Ventricle in Apical Four-Chamber View on Transesophageal Echocardiography Based on UNeXt Deep Neural Network
by Lingeer Wu, Yijun Ling, Ling Lan, Kai He, Chunhua Yu, Zhuhuang Zhou and Le Shen
Diagnostics 2024, 14(23), 2766; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232766 - 9 Dec 2024
Viewed by 435
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The automatic left ventricle segmentation in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is of significant importance. In this paper, we constructed a large-scale TEE apical four-chamber view (A4CV) image dataset and proposed an automatic left ventricular segmentation method for the TEE A4CV based on the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The automatic left ventricle segmentation in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is of significant importance. In this paper, we constructed a large-scale TEE apical four-chamber view (A4CV) image dataset and proposed an automatic left ventricular segmentation method for the TEE A4CV based on the UNeXt deep neural network. Methods: UNeXt, a variant of U-Net integrating a multilayer perceptron, was employed for left ventricle segmentation in the TEE A4CV because it could yield promising segmentation performance while reducing both the number of network parameters and computational complexity. We also compared the proposed method with U-Net, TransUNet, and Attention U-Net models. Standard TEE A4CV videos were collected from 60 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, from the onset of anesthesia to the conclusion of the procedure. After preprocessing, a dataset comprising 3000 TEE images and their corresponding labels was generated. The dataset was randomly divided into training, validation, and test sets in an 8:1:1 ratio on the patient level. The training and validation sets were used to train the UNeXt, U-Net, TransUNet, and Attention U-Net models for left ventricular segmentation. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Intersection over Union (IoU) were used to evaluate the segmentation performance of each model, and the Kruskal–Wallis test was employed to analyze the significance of DSC differences. Results: On the test set, the UNeXt model achieved an average DSC of 88.60%, outperforming U-Net (87.76%), TransUNet (85.75%, p < 0.05), and Attention U-Net (79.98%; p < 0.05). Additionally, the UNeXt model had a smaller number of parameters (1.47 million) and floating point operations (2.28 giga) as well as a shorter average inference time per image (141.73 ms), compared to U-Net (185.12 ms), TransUNet (209.08 ms), and Attention U-Net (201.13 ms). The average IoU of UNeXt (77.60%) was also higher than that of U-Net (76.61%), TransUNet (77.35%), and Attention U-Net (68.86%). Conclusions: This study pioneered the construction of a large-scale TEE A4CV dataset and the application of UNeXt to left ventricle segmentation in the TEE A4CV. The proposed method may be used for automatic segmentation of the left ventricle in the TEE A4CV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Medical Imaging: 2nd Edition)
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<p>Flow chart of the proposed deep learning-based method for automatic segmentation of the left ventricle (LV) in the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) apical 4-chamber view.</p>
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<p>The 1st, 20th, 35th, and 50th TEE A4CV frames of a TEE video of the same patient. TEE: transesophageal echocardiography; A4CV: apical four-chamber view.</p>
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<p>Generation of ROI images. TEE: transesophageal echocardiography; ROI: region of interest.</p>
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<p>Process of constructing the dataset. ROI: region of interest.</p>
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<p>Structure of UNeXt [<a href="#B26-diagnostics-14-02766" class="html-bibr">26</a>]. (<span class="html-italic">C</span>, <span class="html-italic">H</span>, <span class="html-italic">W</span>) represent the channels, height, and width of the TEE image, respectively. Conv: convolutional; ReLU: rectified linear unit; MLP: multilayer perceptron; Tok-MLP: tokenized multilayer perceptron; TEE: transesophageal echocardiography.</p>
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<p>Structure of U-Net. (<span class="html-italic">C</span>, <span class="html-italic">H</span>, <span class="html-italic">W</span>) represent the channels, height, and width of the TEE image, respectively. Conv: convolutional; ReLU: rectified linear unit; TEE: transesophageal echocardiography.</p>
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<p>Structure of TransUNet [<a href="#B12-diagnostics-14-02766" class="html-bibr">12</a>]. (<span class="html-italic">C</span>, <span class="html-italic">H</span>, <span class="html-italic">W</span>) represent the channels, height, and width of the TEE image, respectively. Conv: convolutional; ReLU: rectified linear unit; TEE: transesophageal echocardiography.</p>
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<p>Structure of Attention U-Net. (<span class="html-italic">C</span>, <span class="html-italic">H</span>, <span class="html-italic">W</span>) indicates the channels, height, and width of the TEE image. Conv: convolutional; ReLU: rectified linear unit; TEE: transesophageal echocardiography.</p>
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<p>The loss on the training set (Train Loss) and validation set (validation loss) as a function of the training epochs for various deep learning models: UNeXt (<b>a</b>), U-Net (<b>b</b>), TransUNet (<b>c</b>), Attention U-Net (<b>d</b>).</p>
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<p>The DSC on the training set (Train DSC) and validation set (validation DSC) as a function of the training epochs for various deep learning models: UNeXt (<b>a</b>), U-Net (<b>b</b>), TransUNet (<b>c</b>), Attention U-Net (<b>d</b>). DSC: dice similarity coefficient.</p>
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<p>Results of TEE A4CV LV prediction by various deep learning models. Red contours represent manual LV segmentation as the reference standard. Green boundaries represent LV segmentation by UNeXt. Yellow contours represent LV segmentation by U-Net. Pink contours represent LV segmentation by TransUNet. Cyan contours represent LV segmentation by Attention U-Net. TEE: transesophageal echocardiography; LV: left ventricle.</p>
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<p>Representative LV segmentation using different deep learning models in TEE images with challenging cases: foreign object interference (column 1), strong papillary muscle interference (column 2), LV boundary missing (column 3), artifact interference (column 4). Red contours represent the manually annotated LV, serving as the ground truth. Green boundaries stand for LV segmentation by UNeXt. Yellow contours represent LV segmentation by U-Net. Pink boundaries indicate LV segmentation by TransUNet. Cyan contours indicate LV segmentation using Attention U-Net. Pink arrows indicate the foreign object. Yellow arrows indicate the papillary muscle. Orange arrows correspond to a missing LV boundary. Cyan arrows correspond to the artifact. LV: left ventricle; TEE: transesophageal echocardiography.</p>
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13 pages, 15111 KiB  
Review
Highlights of Transesophageal Echocardiography During Interventions for Adult Congenital Heart Disease
by Eihab Ghantous and Gentian Lluri
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(22), 6995; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13226995 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 730
Abstract
Significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease have transformed patient outcomes, leading to an expanding adult congenital heart disease population. Many of these adults require lifelong procedural interventions, frequently performed in catheterization labs under the guidance of echocardiography. This [...] Read more.
Significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease have transformed patient outcomes, leading to an expanding adult congenital heart disease population. Many of these adults require lifelong procedural interventions, frequently performed in catheterization labs under the guidance of echocardiography. This review explores the transesophageal echocardiographic aspect in key catheterization-based procedures. Full article
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<p>Baseline TEE images of a 43-year-old female with ostium secundum ASD closure during the percutaneous ostium secundum ASD closure procedure. Looking at the defect with the deficient rims at different angles, all with left-to-right shunt shown by color Doppler imaging: (<b>1</b>) At 0 degrees—atrioventricular valve rim with posterior rim. (<b>2</b>) At 40–60 degrees—retro-aortic rim with posterior rim. (<b>3</b>) At 70–90 degrees—superior rim and posterior/inferior vena cava rim. (<b>4</b>) At 90–130 degrees—superior vena cava rim and posterior/inferior vena cava rim.</p>
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<p>The same patient from <a href="#jcm-13-06995-f001" class="html-fig">Figure 1</a> during the same procedure, after deployment of the ASD closure device, confirming the position of the device in the different positions and its interaction with nearby structures and confirming no residual leak by color Doppler. (<b>1</b>) At 0 degrees—interaction with the aortic valve and mitral valve (not seen in the image). (<b>2</b>) At 40–60 degrees—interaction with the tricuspid valve and the aortic valve. (<b>3</b>) At 70–90 degrees—interaction with the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava. (<b>4</b>) At 90–130 degrees—again, looking at the interaction with the SVC and IVC from different angles.</p>
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<p>Baseline and interventional imaging during PFO closure of a 62-year-old male with a history of embolic stroke. (<b>1</b>) Looking at the interatrial septum with color Doppler and showing the PFO (arrow). (<b>2</b>) Looking at the pulmonary veins ensuring no anomalous pulmonary veinous return. In the image, the left lower pulmonary vein is seen at 136 degrees with flow towards the left atrium (arrow) with no anomalous connection. (<b>3</b>) Guiding the procedure—showing the wire crossing through the PFO (arrow). (<b>4</b>) Balloon inflation in the PFO and color Doppler confirming no other defects in the septum. (<b>5</b>) Deployment of the left atrial disc, confirming stable position and no interaction with the left atrial appendage and the aortic/mitral valve. (<b>6</b>) Deployment of the right atrial disc, confirming its stability, and using color Doppler to confirm no other shunts or defects in the interatrial septum.</p>
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<p>Guiding the percutaneous closure of the SSVD of a 70-year-old female. (<b>1</b>) The SVC right atrium (RA) and the sinus venosus defect seen with and without color Doppler with right upper anomalous pulmonary vein (RUPV) return in red at 120 degrees. (<b>2</b>) The same defect at 0 degrees with the wire (arrow) in the SVC and confirming its position in the RA and not through the defect. (<b>3</b>) Confirming the position of the wire (arrow) from the interatrial septum and in the right upper pulmonary vein (the anomalous vein) to check pressures during the intervention. (<b>4</b>) Post implantation of the covered stent in the SVC showing closure of the SSVD with no obstruction to pulmonary vein flow (in red).</p>
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<p>TEE of a percutaneous muscular VSD closure in a 54-year-old male with symptomatic significant left-to-right shunt. (<b>1</b>) Transgastric view of the muscular VSD with and without color Doppler showing left-to-right shunt. (<b>2</b>) X-plane on the defect with color Doppler at different angles to decide on the best angle for guiding the intervention. (<b>3</b>) X-plane of a transgastric view with color Doppler showing the wire (red arrow) across the VSD at 75 and 165 degrees. (<b>4</b>) X-plane of a transgastric view showing the VSD closure device (red arrow) in position and still attached to the wire at 80 and 170 degrees. (<b>5</b>) The same view from (<b>4</b>), now with color Doppler showing no residual left-to-right shunt. (<b>6</b>) Transgastric view at 55 degrees with color Doppler showing the VSD closure device (red arrow) after release in a stable position.</p>
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<p>A 69-year-old male patient with a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries with severe tricuspid valve (systemic atrioventricular valve) regurgitation (TR). (<b>1</b>) Confirming the severity of the TR with and without color Doppler at 0 degrees and with X-plane color Doppler at 35 and 125 degrees in (<b>2</b>). (<b>3</b>) Measuring the size of the left atrium to confirm the feasibility of the clip procedure. (<b>4</b>) Guiding the crossing of the interatrial septum with X-plane color Doppler and confirming the position of the wire in the left atrium. (<b>5</b>) Three-dimensional view of the clipping device (red arrow) crossing the tricuspid valve from the left atrial view. (<b>6</b>) Looking at the tricuspid valve at 0 degrees after releasing the clip (red arrow), with and without color Doppler, and confirming the reduction in TR severity.</p>
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<p>Paravalve leak plugging in a 51-year-old male with symptomatic paravalve leak. (<b>1</b>–<b>3</b>) Looking at the posterior paravalve area and the leak at different angles, with and without color Doppler—0 degrees in (<b>1</b>), 42 degrees in (<b>2</b>), and 79 degrees in (<b>3</b>). The intervention. (<b>4</b>) Guiding the wire across the paravalve leak and confirming its position with and without color Doppler. (<b>5</b>) Seeing the catheter inside the paravalve leak area with color Doppler. (<b>6</b>) The catheter (red arrow) in the paravalve leak area in 3D.</p>
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<p>Baffle leak occlusion in a 46-year-old male patient with D-transposition of the great arteries post Mustard atrial switch operation and with a significant inferior systemic baffle leak. (<b>1</b>) Mid esophageal view at 90 degrees showing the systemic baffle leak with and without color Doppler, with flow crossing from the pulmonary venous baffle towards the IVC baffle. (<b>2</b>) Mid esophageal view at 0 degrees showing widely patent pulmonary venous baffle—easily recognized from the tricuspid valve (systemic AV-valve) with and without color Doppler. (<b>3</b>) Showing wire (arrow) across the systemic baffle leak. (<b>4</b>) Balloon sizing (1.13 cm) and occlusion of the defect with and without color Doppler. (<b>5</b>) Deploying the pulmonary venous baffle disc (arrow). (<b>6</b>) Deployment of the systemic venous baffle disc. (<b>7</b>) Final result with the device in a stable position and no more leaks visible by color Doppler.</p>
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<p>Fontan fenestration device closure in a 37-year-old male with lateral tunnel Fontan. (<b>1</b>) Mid esophageal view at 90 degrees with X-plane showing the fenestration closure device (red arrow) in stable position. (<b>2</b>) Showing the same device from (<b>1</b>) with and without color Doppler.</p>
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9 pages, 532 KiB  
Article
Transesophageal Echocardiography-Guided Transseptal Puncture Reduces Pericardial Tamponade in Electrophysiological Procedures
by Yannick Teumer, Daniel Eckart, Lyuboslav Katov, Dominik Felbel, Carlo Bothner, Wolfgang Rottbauer and Karolina Weinmann-Emhardt
Diagnostics 2024, 14(22), 2495; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14222495 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 627
Abstract
Background: Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a critical step in electrophysiological (EP) procedures, as a misdirected TSP can result in life-threatening complications. Although TSP is predominantly performed under fluoroscopic guidance in EP procedures, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers more precision and certainty in the [...] Read more.
Background: Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a critical step in electrophysiological (EP) procedures, as a misdirected TSP can result in life-threatening complications. Although TSP is predominantly performed under fluoroscopic guidance in EP procedures, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers more precision and certainty in the localization of the transseptal needle at the interatrial septum. Despite the widespread use of TSP, evidence supporting the added value of TEE-guided TSP in EP procedures remains limited. This study evaluates the impact of additional TEE guidance on TSP-associated complications during EP procedures. Methods: This study enrolled patients who underwent left atrial or left ventricular procedures with TSP, performed either without (fluoroscopy group) or with additional TEE guidance (TEE group), at the University Heart Center Ulm, Germany. Results: A total of 932 patients were included: 443 in the TEE group (mean age 68.1 ± 11.8 years, 40.6% female) and 489 in the fluoroscopy group (mean age 68.8 ± 11.0 years, 38.2% female). The mean number of transseptal accesses per patient was 1.18 ± 0.38 in the TEE group and 1.14 ± 0.34 in the fluoroscopy group (p = 0.101). Pericardial tamponade occurred significantly less in the TEE group (0.5%) than in the fluoroscopy group (1.8%; p = 0.046). Logistic regression revealed a 91.8% lower risk of pericardial tamponade with TEE-guided TSP compared to fluoroscopy guidance alone. The overall TEE complication rate was low (0.9%). Conclusions: TEE guidance during TSP significantly reduces the risk of pericardial tamponade in EP procedures, indicating that TSP should be performed with additional sonographic guidance to increase patient safety. Full article
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<p>Graphical comparison of complication rates between the TEE group and the fluoroscopy group. TEE, transesophageal echocardiography.</p>
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13 pages, 3564 KiB  
Article
Initial Experience with the 4D Mini-TEE Probe in the Adult Population
by Konstantinos Papadopoulos, Ignatios Ikonomidis, Augustin Coisne, Özge Özden Kayhan, Apostolos Tzikas, Nikolaos Fragakis, Antonios P. Antoniadis, Mani A Vannan and Erwan Donal
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(21), 6450; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13216450 - 28 Oct 2024
Viewed by 681
Abstract
Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a vital diagnostic tool in clinical practice, particularly in transcatheter interventions where it aids in both pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance. Traditional TEE probes often require general anesthesia due to patient discomfort. However, the development of miniaturized TEE [...] Read more.
Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a vital diagnostic tool in clinical practice, particularly in transcatheter interventions where it aids in both pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance. Traditional TEE probes often require general anesthesia due to patient discomfort. However, the development of miniaturized TEE probes presents a promising alternative, enabling routine examinations and interventions with minimal sedation. This study evaluates the feasibility of performing a complete 2D/4D TEE protocol with the new 4D mini-TEE probe in the echocardiography department and its application in transcatheter interventions. Methods: This is a retrospective study that included 30 consecutive patients from two high-volume European hospitals (Interbalkan Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece, and Rennes University, France) that underwent TEE or transcatheter interventions. The new 4D mini-TEE 9VT-D probe (GE Healthcare) was utilized. The quality of the images and the tolerance of the probe were assessed in the cath lab during interventions and in the echocardiography department during routine TEE examinations. Results: Direct comparison of the 4D mini-TEE probe with the standard 6VT-D probe confirmed the excellent image quality of this new pediatric probe. Most of the patients required minimal sedation or local oropharyngeal anesthesia, with satisfactory tolerance reported. Most of the transcatheter procedures did not require general anesthesia and intubation, resulting in shorter procedural time. Both 2D and 4D imaging modalities offered adequate intra-operative guidance for transcatheter procedures. Conclusions: The 4D mini-TEE probe delivers exceptional imaging capabilities for routine examinations and transcatheter interventions without needing sedation. Its use reduces esophageal trauma and the need for general anesthesia, enhancing patient comfort and safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Medicine)
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<p>Direct comparison of 3D volume −rendered “en face” images of a metallic prosthetic mitral valve with occluded disk. Left image corresponds to 6VT−D adult probe and right image corresponds to 9VT−D pediatric probe.</p>
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<p>Direct comparison of 3D volume-rendered “en face” images of a metallic prosthetic mitral valve with occluded disk. Left image corresponds to 6VT−D adult probe and right image corresponds to 9VT−D pediatric probe. Images enhanced with “photorealistic method” with Flexilight application (GE Healthcare).</p>
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<p>Dual crop 3D volume-rendered atrial (<b>left</b>) and ventricular (<b>right</b>) views of normal mitral valve.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>) A 4D demonstration of a true−bicuspid aortic valve (red arrow), (<b>B</b>) Biplane 2D demonstration of a true−bicuspid aortic valve (red arrow), (<b>C</b>) Chronic dissection of descending aorta (red arrow showing the wall of the true lumen), (<b>D</b>) 3D volume-rendered color Doppler image showing the true (right arrow) and the false lumen (left arrow).</p>
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<p>Biplane images of tending of the atrial septum during trans−septal puncture for atrial fibrillation cryo−ablation.</p>
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<p>Azimuth level (<b>top left</b>), elevation level (<b>bottom left</b>), and 3D volume-rendered image (<b>right</b>) of an SL0 catheter for the guidance of cryo-ablation procedure.</p>
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<p>Secundum ASD closure case; (<b>A</b>) Flexislice method for measurements with both 2D and 4D images, (<b>B</b>) guide catheter through the defect (red arrow), (<b>C</b>) biplane 2D images showing the implanted ASD occluder, (<b>D</b>) 3D volume-−rendered image showing the final result with an ASD occluder.</p>
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<p>LAA closure case; (<b>A</b>) biplane images of the LAA showing the presence of distal thrombus (red arrow), (<b>B</b>) measurements of the ostium and the landing zone with biplane imaging, (<b>C</b>) Biplane images of the implanted AMULET device (red arrow), (<b>D</b>) 3D volume−rendered image showing a view of the implanted AMULET device (red arrow).</p>
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<p>PFO closure case; (<b>A</b>) J wire through the PFO tunnel (red arrow), (<b>B</b>) stiff wire for guidance through the PFO tunnel (red arrow), (<b>C</b>) 3D volume−rendered view of the guide catheter through the PFO tunnel (red arrow), (<b>D</b>) final result with left atrial view of the PFO Amplatzer occluder (red arrow).</p>
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20 pages, 38951 KiB  
Review
The Key Role of 3D TEE in Assessing the Morphology of Degenerative Mitral Valve Regurgitation
by Francesco Fulvio Faletra, Eluisa La Franca, Laura Anna Leo, Leyla Elif Sade, William Katz, Francesco Musumeci, Caterina Gandolfo, Michele Pilato and Manlio Cipriani
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2024, 11(11), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11110342 - 28 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1017
Abstract
Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE) and two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D TEE) are regarded as the main imaging techniques for the assessment of degenerative mitral valve regurgitation (DMVR). However, describing the complex morphology of DMVR with 2D TTE and 2D TEE remains at the [...] Read more.
Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE) and two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D TEE) are regarded as the main imaging techniques for the assessment of degenerative mitral valve regurgitation (DMVR). However, describing the complex morphology of DMVR with 2D TTE and 2D TEE remains at the very least challenging. Three-dimensional (3D) TEE is an ideal technique for illustrating the extremely variable morphology of DMVR, providing images of unparalleled quality in terms of anatomical detail. In this review, we describe the key role of 3D TEE in various morphological scenarios that reflect everyday experiences in an echocardiographic laboratory. We also discuss the growing role of 3D TEE in mitral valve (MV) transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and new modalities such as photorealistic and transparent displays, surface rendering parametric color maps, new algorithms for MVR quantification, and the potential role of new mini-TEE probes in adult patients with DMVR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Imaging)
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<p>(<b>A</b>,<b>C</b>,<b>E</b>) 3D TEE images showing a flail scallop located in the central-lateral segment of the posterior leaflets. (<b>A</b>) The line corresponds to the 2D TEE four-chamber view shown in panel (<b>B</b>). This cross-section visualizes the flail segment from its hinge line to the free margin (arrow). (<b>C</b>) In this panel, the line corresponds to the 2D TEE long-axis view shown in panel (<b>D</b>). In this cross-section, only a small part of the free edge of the flail leaflet is visualized (arrow). (<b>E</b>) In this panel, the cut plane that transects the valve near the two commissures corresponds to the 2D TEE bi-commissural view shown in panel (<b>F</b>). Only a part of the flail leaflets is visualized (arrow).</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>) Starting acquisition. Although an acquisition with a little over-gain is recommended, too much gain reduces the perception of the third dimension. Thus, adjusting the gain is the first step to increasing the perception of the third dimension, visualizing structures covered by static noise. (<b>B</b>) Often, the system automatically crops the pyramidal data set to show structures inside it, so the next step is to reset the cropping. (<b>C</b>) This is an oblique view. Although this particular perspective may be useful, it is convenient first to orientate the volumetric data set to obtain the classic surgical view. (<b>D</b>) In this view, the red asterisks mark static noise and a part of the atrial wall. Both are useless and should be cropped (<b>E</b>). (<b>F</b>) The final step is to slightly reduce the compression (to enhance the margins) and slightly increase the smoothing to make the leaflet surface smoother.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>) Surgical view. The arrow in the image points to the ruptured chordae tendineae, and the asterisk marks the prolapse of the mid-scallop. The aorta (AO) is seen at ~12 o’clock. (<b>B</b>) Anterior view. This view is obtained by rotating the 3D data set 180° and angulating down-up. The view allows visualization of the anatomic regurgitating orifice (arrow). (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) Left-to-right and right-to-left tangential views. These views allow a better perception of the protrusion of the prolapsing tissue into the left atrium and at the same time visualization of the commissural areas. The arrows point to the ruptured chordae tendineae.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) Deep cleft (arrow) separating a large P2 into two halves, displayed in diastole (<b>A</b>) and systole (<b>B</b>). (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) The same patient using 3D TEE color Doppler. The images show that, in systole (<b>D</b>), the regurgitant jet flows across the cleft.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>–<b>D</b>) Large cleft-like indentation (curved arrow) positioned between P1 and P2, seen from different perspectives.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>–<b>D</b>) Different morphologies of P2 prolapse. Each of them may require a different valve repair strategy. The curved dotted line marks the width of the prolapsing tissue at its hinge line. The double-headed arrow marks the distance between the free margin and the hinge line of the prolapsing tissue. The image in panel (<b>D</b>) has been acquired using a photorealistic view (see below).</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>) Systolic frame. P2 flail (white asterisk). (<b>B</b>) In diastole, it can be observed that the P2 scallop is large, and the prolapsing segment occupies the lateral part of P2, while the medial part does not prolapse (red asterisk). The white line marks the free margin of P2. Please note as the P1 and P3 scallops are smaller than P2.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) Commissural prolapse originating from a P3 scallop with ruptured chordae tendineae. (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) Commissural prolapse originating from the A3 segment. The asterisks mark the area of prolapsing tissue. The images have been acquired using a photorealistic view (see below).</p>
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<p>P2 flail with ruptured chordae tendineae in diastole (<b>A</b>) and in systole (<b>B</b>). The red asterisk marks the flail of the lateral part of P2, while the white asterisk points at a small prolapse of the medial part of P2. The latter could not be recognized in the operating room when the heart was still and flaccid.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>) Two-dimensional TEE showing extensive calcification of the posterior annulus (arrow). Calcifications are distinguishable because they are brighter in comparison with the surrounding structures. (<b>B</b>) The same calcification is visualized with 3D TEE. Calcifications (asterisks) are depicted with the same shades of color as the surrounding structures. (<b>C</b>) Three-dimensional TEE of annular calcification seen in oblique perspective. The red square includes the structures that are magnified in panel (<b>D</b>). Calcifications appear to be bumping and protruding into the left atrium (asterisks). This phenomenon is artefactual and is due to the blooming effect. (<b>E</b>) Three-dimensional TEE showing calcifications protruding into the left atrium (asterisks). (<b>F</b>) Photorealistic effect. When the artificial light is placed beyond the calcifications, they appear darker than surrounding structures and their borders can be better defined (dotted line). See below.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) Prolapse of P2 in diastole (panel <b>A</b>) and in systole (panel <b>B</b>). True view allows perfect definition of the protrusion of the P2 scallop, creating a thin shadow around the prolapsing tissue. (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) Barlow’s disease in diastole (panel <b>C</b>) and in systole (panel <b>D</b>); the dashed line points at the coaptation line. The light source is beyond the annular plane, creating a transillumination effect. In systole, the clear zone (CZ) of the AML, being thinner than the rough zone (RZ), appears brighter. (<b>E</b>,<b>F</b>) Barlow’s disease in diastole (panel <b>E</b>) and in systole (panel <b>F</b>). A clear perception of the protrusion of the entire valve above the annulus is obtained through a combination of tangential view, light source positioned adjacent and lateral to the leaflets (yellow spot), and transparency. AML = anterior mitral leaflet.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) Photorealistic images with the source of light beyond the valve. Large cleft-like indentations (double dotted arrows) are seen from ventricular perspectives.</p>
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<p>An example of surface rendering using new software that allows the measurement of numerous quantitative parameters in a very short time (see text).</p>
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<p>Two orthogonal cross₋sections are positioned parallel to the direction of the regurgitant jet; a third cross-sectional plane is perpendicularly oriented to the jet and moved along the jet direction until the cross-sectional area at the level of the maximal VCA is visualized. The frame with the largest VCA in systole is measured by direct planimetry.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>) The first step is the automated reconstruction of the volume rendering surface of the MV throughout the entire systole. The color flow is displayed in every frame and shape; the number and position of the orifice/s are assessed using the intersection of CF Doppler and MV surface rendering. (<b>B</b>) The second step is that the algorithm fills the orifice(s) with hundreds of tiny pinholes, and then generates a model of the convergence zone, displaying it as a purple mesh. This shape is compared to CF Doppler jet(s) in all systolic frames. The system can be reshaped by adding/removing pinholes to create a perfect match with 3D color Doppler. (<b>C</b>) The left panel shows Auto CFQ; in the middle panel, the graft shows the variation of regurgitant flow during systole; and the right panel shows the fusion of the 3D TEE image, surface rendering, and Auto CFQ.</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>) Size comparison between traditional (left panel) and mini probes (right panel). (<b>B</b>) Comparison of image quality between the traditional probe (left panel) and mini probe (right panel) in the same case.</p>
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14 pages, 6247 KiB  
Communication
Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair of the Mitral Valve in Four Dogs: Preliminary Results Regarding Efficacy and Safety
by Soontaree Petchdee, Wanpitak Pongkan, Jing Lei, Kotchapol Jaturanratsamee, Ratikorn Bootcha, Wannisa Meepoo and Chattida Panprom
Animals 2024, 14(21), 3068; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14213068 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1360
Abstract
Mitral valve disease is a common heart disease in dogs. The aim of this study was to describe the cases of dogs that underwent mitral valve repair via a V-clamp device and to provide long-term follow-up data on cardiac function after mitral valve [...] Read more.
Mitral valve disease is a common heart disease in dogs. The aim of this study was to describe the cases of dogs that underwent mitral valve repair via a V-clamp device and to provide long-term follow-up data on cardiac function after mitral valve repair. Four dogs with mitral valve regurgitation who experienced coughing and dyspnea underwent surgical mitral valve repair between December 2023 and March 2024. The patients were evaluated via transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Echocardiography revealed mitral valve leaflet regurgitation. Mitral valve repair was performed under general anesthesia using a V-clamp device introduced through an introducer wire guide. Echocardiography was conducted at baseline and during the six-month follow-up. Blood analysis results after surgical repair were normal. Follow-up echocardiography revealed no complications related to the procedure, with all dogs demonstrating improved respiratory signs and quality of life after repair. No adverse reactions were reported after surgery. A V-clamp device was used to repair mitral valve regurgitation in four dogs. Mitral valve repair via a V-clamp device is another treatment option for mitral valve disease in dogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)
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<p>The thoracic radiograph on lateral and ventrodorsal view before (<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) and after surgery (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>), and the v-clamp (white arrow) was visualized on the area between the left atrium and left ventricle. The heart enlargement was visualized on the thoracic X-ray with a vertebral heart scale (VHS) of 11.5, and the vertebral left atrium size (VLAS) of 2.9.</p>
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<p>Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic images from two patients before the surgical intervention (<b>A</b>–<b>D</b>); jet flow (white arrow) is visible in the left atrium (LA) (<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>,<b>D</b>). (<b>E</b>–<b>H</b>) a V-clamp device (black arrow on (<b>E</b>)) on the mitral valve of the dog; no jet flow is visible after the procedure (<b>F</b>), and slight jet flow is visible after the procedure (<b>H</b>). (LV = left ventricle; AO = aorta).</p>
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<p>A V-clamp device placement (black arrow) with an introducer sheath of 14 mm was inserted into the left atrium (LA). A satisfactory clamp position was confirmed using fluoroscopy guidance. (RA = right atrium; RV = right ventricle; LV = left ventricle; MV = Mitral valve).</p>
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<p>Echocardiography parameters before and after 3, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days after mitral valve repair using a V-clamp device. Data were represented as mean ± standard deviation (SD).</p>
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15 pages, 1361 KiB  
Review
Infective Endocarditis by Listeria Species—A Systematic Review
by Despoina Kypraiou, Maria Konstantaraki, Andreas G. Tsantes and Petros Ioannou
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(19), 5887; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195887 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1042
Abstract
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is more commonly caused by Gram-positive cocci, but Gram-positive bacilli may seldom cause the disease. Listeria monocytogenes is an aerobic Gram-positive coccobacillus and a foodborne and opportunistic pathogen most commonly [...] Read more.
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is more commonly caused by Gram-positive cocci, but Gram-positive bacilli may seldom cause the disease. Listeria monocytogenes is an aerobic Gram-positive coccobacillus and a foodborne and opportunistic pathogen most commonly causing gastrointestinal infections, even though bacteremia, sepsis, meningitis, and fetal infections may also occur. Listeria IE has rarely been described, with most reports being case reports or case series. Thus, the characteristics of this disease remain largely unknown. This systematic review aimed to present all published Listeria IE studies and describe their characteristics. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies providing information on epidemiology, clinical findings, treatment, and outcome of Listeria IE cases was performed. A total of 54 studies containing data from 62 patients were included. Among all patients, 64.5% were male; the median age was 69 years. Among all patients, 54.8% had a history of a prosthetic valve. The aortic valve was the most commonly affected, followed by the mitral. Fever, heart failure, and embolic phenomena were the most commonly encountered clinical findings. The only isolated species was L. monocytogenes. Antimicrobial resistance was relatively low for aminopenicillins and aminoglycosides, the most commonly used antimicrobials for treating L. monocytogenes IE. Surgery was performed in 27.4% of patients. Mortality was 37.1%. Patients who survived were more likely to have had a prosthetic valve, to have necessitated transesophageal echocardiography for the diagnosis, to have mitral valve IE, and to have had surgical management; however, no factor was identified in a multivariate logistic regression model as an independent factor for overall mortality. Full article
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<p>Flow diagram of study inclusion.</p>
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<p>Geographical distribution of infective endocarditis by <span class="html-italic">Listeria</span> species.</p>
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3 pages, 1811 KiB  
Interesting Images
Cardiac Hemangioma Mimicking Infective Endocarditis
by Ching-Mao Yang and Yu-Ning Hu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(19), 2109; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14192109 - 24 Sep 2024
Viewed by 557
Abstract
Cardiac hemangiomas are rare and often misdiagnosed due to their nonspecific clinical presentations. We report a case of a 70-year-old man presenting with chills and cold sweats, initially suspected of having infective endocarditis based on echocardiographic findings of a mobile mass on the [...] Read more.
Cardiac hemangiomas are rare and often misdiagnosed due to their nonspecific clinical presentations. We report a case of a 70-year-old man presenting with chills and cold sweats, initially suspected of having infective endocarditis based on echocardiographic findings of a mobile mass on the mitral valve. Laboratory results showed leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein, but blood cultures were negative. Transesophageal echocardiography later revealed a well-defined mass with characteristics suggestive of a tumor. Surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis of hemangioma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no mitral regurgitation. This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac tumors in the differential diagnosis of intracardiac masses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Imaging)
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<p>(<b>A</b>) Four-chamber transthoracic echocardiography view showing a mobile mass (white arrow) on the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. (<b>B</b>) Parasternal long-axis transthoracic echocardiography view showing a mobile mass (white arrow) on the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve (<a href="#app1-diagnostics-14-02109" class="html-app">Video S1</a>). (<b>C</b>) Transesophageal echocardiography showing a 1.9 × 1.4 cm polypoid mass with a pedicle attached to the annulus near the P2 segment. The mass partially protruded into the left ventricle during diastole (<a href="#app1-diagnostics-14-02109" class="html-app">Video S2</a>). (<b>D</b>) Transesophageal echocardiography showing a polypoid mass with a pedicle attached to the annulus near the P2 segment. Color Doppler indicated mild mitral regurgitation. Grading of the mitral regurgitation may have been underestimated due to the mitral mass obstacle (<a href="#app1-diagnostics-14-02109" class="html-app">Video S3</a>). Preoperative coronary artery angiography showed no obvious feeding arteries (<a href="#app1-diagnostics-14-02109" class="html-app">Videos S4–S6</a>).</p>
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<p>(<b>A</b>) A round 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm tumor at the mitral annulus between P1 and P2. (<b>B</b>) A tumor on the posterior mitral annulus connected to underlying mitral annulus calcification. (<b>C</b>) Pathology showed hemangioma with dense lymphocyte infiltration (5× magnification). (<b>D</b>) CD34 stain revealed a capillary–cavernous hemangioma with dense lymphocyte infiltration (10× magnification).</p>
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18 pages, 1686 KiB  
Article
What Important Information Does Transesophageal Echocardiography Provide When Performed before Transvenous Lead Extraction?
by Dorota Nowosielecka, Wojciech Jacheć, Małgorzata Stefańczyk Dzida, Anna Polewczyk, Dominika Mościcka, Agnieszka Nowosielecka and Andrzej Kutarski
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(17), 5278; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13175278 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 657
Abstract
Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is mandatory before transvenous lead extraction (TLE), but its usefulness remains underestimated. This study aims to describe the broad range of TEE findings in TLE candidates, as well as their influence on procedure complexity, major complications (MCs) and long-term [...] Read more.
Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is mandatory before transvenous lead extraction (TLE), but its usefulness remains underestimated. This study aims to describe the broad range of TEE findings in TLE candidates, as well as their influence on procedure complexity, major complications (MCs) and long-term survival. Methods: Preoperative TEE was performed in 1191 patients undergoing TLE. Results: Lead thickening (OR = 1.536; p = 0.007), lead adhesion to heart structures (OR = 2.531; p < 0.001) and abnormally long lead loops (OR = 1.632; p = 0.006) increased the complexity of TLE. Vegetation-like masses on the lead (OR = 4.080; p = 0.44), lead thickening (OR = 2.389; p = 0.049) and lead adhesion to heart structures (OR = 6.341; p < 0.001) increased the rate of MCs. The presence of vegetations (HR = 7.254; p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of death during a 1-year follow-up period. Conclusions: TEE before TLE provides a lot of important information for the operator. Apart from the visualization of possible vegetations, it can also detect various forms of lead-related scar tissue. Build-up of scar tissue and the presence of long lead loops are associated with increased complexity of the procedure and risk of MCs. Preoperative TEE performed outside the operating room may have an impact on the clinical decision-making process, such as transferring potentially more difficult patients to a more experienced center or having the procedure performed by the most experienced operator. Moreover, the presence of masses or vegetations on the leads significantly increases 1-year and all-cause mortality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Application of Echocardiography in Heart Disease)
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<p>TEE (2D, 3D) before TLE showing additional structures on the leads. Mobile structures correspond to scar tissue on the atrial lead (dashed line) (<b>A</b>). The mass on the lead corresponds to a large thrombus visualized in the right atrium (<b>B</b>). In the right atrium, in the patient with no signs of infection, an additional structure on the lead was visualized, which may correspond to a veg-like structure (<b>C</b>). In the right atrium, in the patient with no signs of infection, an additional structure was binding two leads; this may represent scar tissue or a veg-like structure (<b>D</b>). (Yellow arrows mark the electrodes, and additional structures are displayed in circles.).</p>
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<p>TEE images (2D, 3D) showing vegetations on CIED leads. Various-shaped structures representing bacterial vegetations (blue circles) are visualized on the leads (yellow arrow) in the right atrium. D TEE (<b>A</b>,<b>C</b>), 3D TEE (<b>B</b>,<b>D</b>).</p>
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<p>TEE (2D, 3D) showing scar tissue around the leads. Segmental thickening of the leads and lead-on-lead adhesions in the right atrium (red arrow) (<b>A</b>). Pathological attachment of the two leads to the interatrial septum and to the atrial wall near the atrial appendage (red arrows). The narrowing of the vena cava at entry into the atrium is caused by the thickened leads and pathological scar tissue (Doppler color) (<b>B</b>). Thickened ventricular lead (yellow line) pathologically attaches to the endocardium of the interventricular septum in the right ventricle (<b>C</b>). The image from the right ventricle depicts a pathological adhesion (red arrows) of the lead to the edge of the tricuspid valve leaflet (<b>D</b>). Binding and intersection of thickened leads in the atrium (red arrow) (<b>E</b>).</p>
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<p>Tricuspid valve dysfunction caused by the presence of the electrode (TEE 2D, 3D). The lead (yellow arrow) in the tricuspid valve supports the septal leaflet and hinders proper coaptation of the leaflets (TEE 3D) (<b>A</b>,<b>C</b>). Severe tricuspid valve regurgitation resulting from the septal leaflet being pathologically supported by the lead (yellow arrow), (2D, color Doppler image from panel A) (<b>B</b>). The posterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve is perforated by the lead (yellow arrow) (<b>D</b>).</p>
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<p>TEE (2D, 3D) showing perforations of the heart wall and excess lead loops. The ventricular lead (yellow arrow) perforating the wall of the right ventricle near the apex, visible in the pericardium (red arrow). Separation of pericardial layers—fluid accumulation (green arrow) (<b>A</b>). Perforation of the anterior wall of the right ventricle caused by the lead (red arrow) (transgastric view) (<b>B</b>). A long loop of the left ventricular lead (yellow arrows) dislodging to the pulmonary trunk (<b>C</b>). In the right atrium, tangled loops of two ventricular leads further impair the tricuspid valve function (<b>D</b>).</p>
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13 pages, 730 KiB  
Article
Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus as a Marker of Disease Severity in 500 Patients with Atrial Fibrillation on Oral Anticoagulation: A 13-Year Follow-Up Study
by Łukasz Turek, Marcin Sadowski, Jacek Kurzawski and Marianna Janion
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(17), 5258; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13175258 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 774
Abstract
Background/Objective: Whether left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on chronic anticoagulation significantly increases cardiovascular risk is unknown. This study aimed to assess LAAT prevalence and its predictive role in cardiovascular events among consecutive anticoagulated patients with AF admitted [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Whether left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on chronic anticoagulation significantly increases cardiovascular risk is unknown. This study aimed to assess LAAT prevalence and its predictive role in cardiovascular events among consecutive anticoagulated patients with AF admitted for electrical cardioversion. Methods: This prospective study included 500 patients. The primary outcome was LAAT on transesophageal echocardiography. Patients were followed up for a median of 1927.5 (interquartile range 1004–2643) days to assess cardiovascular events. Results: LAAT was detected in 65 (13%) patients. No significant differences in stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic thromboembolic events, or myocardial infarction prevalence were observed between patients with AF with and without LAAT. Hospitalization for heart failure (HF) was more frequent in patients with LAAT than in those without LAAT; however, the effect of LAAT on HF hospitalization was not statistically significant. Patients with LAAT had a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death than those without LAAT. LAAT and greater left atrial (LA) diameter were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular death. The independent HF hospitalization predictors were greater LA diameter, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Conclusions: Patients with AF who received anticoagulation therapy showed a high prevalence of LAAT. LAAT and greater LA diameter were associated with significantly higher rates of cardiovascular death. LAAT, greater LA diameter, lower LVEF, and lower eGFR were associated with poor prognosis in anticoagulated patients with AF and were predictors of disease severity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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<p>Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were used to compare the days to cardiovascular death in the cohorts of AF without LAAT and AF with LAAT. Abbreviations: AF, atrial fibrillation; LAAT, left atrial appendage thrombus; and TEE, transesophageal echocardiography.</p>
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18 pages, 740 KiB  
Article
Significance of Fibrillin-1, Filamin A, MMP2 and SOX9 in Mitral Valve Pathology
by Carmen Elena Opris, Horatiu Suciu, Ioan Jung, Sanziana Flamand, Marius Mihai Harpa, Cosmin Ioan Opris, Cristian Popa, Zsolt Kovacs and Simona Gurzu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9410; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179410 - 29 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1001
Abstract
Genetic factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of mitral valve diseases, including mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and mitral valve regurgitation. Genes like Fibrillin-1 (FBN1), Filamin A (FLNA), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) are known to influence [...] Read more.
Genetic factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of mitral valve diseases, including mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and mitral valve regurgitation. Genes like Fibrillin-1 (FBN1), Filamin A (FLNA), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) are known to influence mitral valve pathology but knowledge of the exact mechanism is far from clear. Data regarding serum parameters, transesophageal echocardiography, and genetic and histopathologic parameters were investigated in 54 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery for mitral valve regurgitation. The possible association between Fibrillin-1, Filamin A, MMP2, and SOX9 gene expressions was checked in relationship with the parameters of systemic inflammatory response. The mRNA expression levels (RQ—relative quantification) were categorized into three distinct groups: low (RQ < 1), medium/normal (RQ = 1–2), and high (RQ > 2). Severe fibrosis of the mitral valve was reflected by high expression of FBN1 and low expression of MMP2 (p < 0.05). The myxoid degeneration level was associated with the mRNA expression level for FBN1 and a low lymphocyte-monocyte ratio was associated with an increased mRNA expression of FBN1 (p < 0.05). A high number of monocytes was associated with high values of FBN1 whereas the increase in the number of lymphocytes was associated with high levels of MMP2. In addition, we observed that the risk of severe hyalinization was enhanced by a low mRNA expression of FLNA and/or SOX9. In conclusion, a lower FLNA mRNA expression can reflect the aging process that is highlighted in mitral valve pathology as a higher risk for hyalinization, especially in males, that might be prevented by upregulation of the SOX9 gene. FBN1 and MMP2 influence the inflammation-related fibrotic degeneration of the mitral valve. Understanding the genetic base of mitral valve pathology can provide insights into disease mechanisms, risk stratification, and potential therapeutic targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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Figure 1
<p>Venn diagram: (<b>A</b>). FBN1 vs. FNLA—from tissue samples, (<b>B</b>). FBN1 blood vs. FNLA blood, (<b>C</b>). FBN1 blood vs. SOX9 blood. Color code: yellow: mRNA expression 0, blue: mRNA expression 1, red: mRNA expression 2. Fisher’s exact test: Key: frequency/expected frequency.</p>
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