Previous studies have suggested that the closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) may reduce or ... more Previous studies have suggested that the closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) may reduce or resolve migrainous symptoms, but ideal indications, devices and techniques are far from being identified definitively. A 21-year-old woman was referred to our center for evaluation of severe migraine (more than two attacks per week, > 6 h in duration, inability to work, direct relationship with Valsalva manouvre and effort, presence of aura), migraine disability assessment questionnaire (MIDAS) score of 42 and a large PFO with no atrial septal aneurysm: on transesophageal echocardiography and instrumental data suggesting a close relationship between migraine and PFO. Having explained the off-label indications for transcatheter PFO closure in this particular case, the patient was recruited for our in-hospital study protocol for assessment for transcatheter closure of PFO to relieve severe migraine and the patient gave consent. A 9-Fr, 9-MHz UltraICE catheter (EP Technologies, Boston Scientific Corporation, San Jose, California, USA) was then inserted through the left femoral vein and a complete intracardiac study was carried out. A 25-mm Premere device was successfully implanted. The patient was discharged the day after being on 75 mg aspirin once a day for 6 months and, at 3-month follow-up, the patient was well with no further migraine attacks (MIDAS score 2). There was no evidence of thrombus formation on the surface of device and no shunt was detected on transesophageal echocardiograhy and transcranial Doppler. Although more clear-cut indications are required, this case study may be the stimulus and basis for further large prospective randomized studies to assess the effectiveness of PFO closure in treating migraine and the best implantation technique and device.
Background: The right ventricular septum (RVS) and Hisian area (HA) are considered more “physiolo... more Background: The right ventricular septum (RVS) and Hisian area (HA) are considered more “physiological” pacing sites than right ventricular apex (RVA). Studies comparing RVS to RVA sites have produced controversial results. There are no data about variability of electromechanical activation obtained by an approach using fluoroscopy and electrophysiological markers. This study compared the variability of left ventricular (LV) electromechanical activation in patients undergoing short-term RVA and RVS with that measured during HA pacing based on fluoroscopy and electrophysiological markers.Methods: Tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed in 142 patients before and after RVA (54), RVS (44), and HA (44) pacing. Electromechanical activation was assessed by: (1) electromechanical latency (EML)-interval between QRS onset and mechanical activation of basal LV; (2) intra-LV dyssynchrony (intra-LV)-interval between earliest to the latest LV basal motion. The intra- and interpatients variability among pacing groups were assessed.Results: Pacing from RVA showed longer EML and higher degree of intra-LV than RVS and HA pacing. RVA and RVS showed a higher variability than HA pacing with regard to intrapatient changes of EML (RVA vs RVS, P = 0.4; RVS vs HA, P = 0.01, RVA vs HA, P = 0.0002) and intra-LV (RVA vs RVS, P = 0.2; RVS vs HA, P = 0.04; RVA vs HA, P = 0.005). Similar results were found in interpatients variability from paced-values.Conclusions: RVA and RVS pacing produce a variable effect on LV electromechanical activation that is significantly more pronounced than HA pacing. A pacing site such as HA selected by fluoroscopic and electrophysiological markers maintains baseline and homogeneous LV activation pattern. (PACE 2010; 566–574)
Some ongoing trials have suggested that closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) may reduce migr... more Some ongoing trials have suggested that closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) may reduce migraine symptoms. We sought to assess the safety and effectiveness of migraine treatment by means of PFO transcatheter closure using paradoxical embolism risk-driven criteria. We enrolled 75 patients (48 women and 27 men, mean age 40 +/- 3.7 years) who were referred to our center over a 12-month period for a prospective study to evaluate severe disabling migraine, despite antiheadache therapy and the PFO. Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) was used to assess the incidence of migraine headache and severity. Criteria for intervention included all of the following: basal shunt, curtain shunt pattern on transcranial Doppler, presence of interatrial septal aneurysm, 3 to 4 class MIDAS score, symptomatic significant aura, coagulation abnormalities, migraine refractory to conventional drugs. On the basis of the inclusion criteria, we shortlisted 20 patients (12 women, mean age 35 +/- 6.7 years, mean MIDAS score 38.9 +/- 5.8) for transcatheter closure of PFO and excluded the rest who were referred to the neurologist for medical therapy. The procedure was successful in all of the patients with no perioperative or in-hospital complications. After a mean follow-up of 10 +/- 3.1 months (range 6-14), all patients' migraine symptoms improved (mean MIDAS score 3.0 +/- 2.1, P < 0.03) with PFO complete closure in all patients on transesophageal and transcranial Doppler ultrasound. In this small pilot series, we adopted the criteria which in our opinion best reflected the risk of paradoxical embolism in these patients. By adopting the proposed criteria, primary transcatheter closure of the PFO resulted in a significant reduction in migraine.
The angiographic characteristics of renal artery stenoses (RAS) in patients with coronary artery ... more The angiographic characteristics of renal artery stenoses (RAS) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have not been yet fully investigated. We sought to evaluate the angiographic characteristics of RAS in patients with CAD. The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography in a single public institution over a 12-month period were evaluated. The patients who underwent coincident diagnostic renal angiography to evaluate renal vessels on the basis of clinical criteria and who had at least one-vessel CAD were analyzed. Moderate (50-70%) to severe (70-100%) arterial stenoses were noted as significant angiographic findings. The types of stenosis (ostial, true renal, mixed) and presence and location of calcium were recorded. Angiographically significant RAS were reported in 40 (19.5%) of 205 consecutive patients (mean age 67.1 +/- 12.8 years, mean serum creatinine concentration 2.1 +/- 0.5 mg/dl, mean glomerular filtration rate 52 +/- 13 ml/min) for a total of 55 lesions. The RAS severity was moderate in 30.9% (17/55), severe in 69.1% (38/55), ostial in 27.2% (15/55), true renal in 10.9% (6/55), and mixed in 61.8% (34/55) of the patients. The mean lesion length was 16 +/- 1.8 mm. Patients with > or = 3-vessel CAD had a statistically significantly higher prevalence of mixed calcified RAS (18/24, 75%). Logistic regression analyses revealed > or = 3-vessel CAD (odds ratio 9.917, p = 0.002), age > 65 years (odds ratio 3.817, p = 0.036), and > or = 3 risk factors (odds ratio 2.8, p = 0.048) as independent predictors of RAS. RAS in multivessel CAD patients seems to have a peculiar angiographic pattern, such as a higher prevalence of mixed calcified lesions and poststenotic enlargement, that should be taken in account when dealing with RAS.
Objectives:Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in patients undergoing short-term rig... more Objectives:Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in patients undergoing short-term right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing and correlation with baseline echocardiographic and clinical characteristics.Background:RVA pacing causes abnormal ventricular depolarization that may lead to mechanical LV dyssynchrony. The relationships between pacing-induced LV dyssynchrony and baseline echocardiographic and clinical variables have not been fully clarified.Methods:Tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed in 153 patients before and after RVA pacing. LV dyssynchrony was measured by the time between the shortest and longest electromechanical delays in the five basal LV segments (intra-LV). The prevalence and degree of LV dyssynchrony after RVA pacing was evaluated in three groups: baseline LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%, 35–55%, and ≥55%. The intrapatient effect of RVA pacing was determined as the percent increase in intra-LV value (Δintra-LV%). The pacing-induced intra-LV was correlated with baseline variables.Results:The prevalence and degree of LV dyssynchrony after RVA pacing was significantly higher in patients with lower LVEF (P < 0.001). ΔIntra-LV% was inversely correlated with baseline intra-LV and LVEF (B =−2.6, B =−4.2, P < 0.001). Baseline intra-LV and LV end-systolic volume correlated positively with intra-LV after RVA pacing (B = 0.49, B = 0.6, P < 0.001), whereas LVEF showed an inverse correlation.Conclusions:The degree of LV dyssynchrony induced by RVA is variable. Patients with higher baseline LV dyssynchrony, more dilated LV, and more depressed LVEF showed a higher degree of LV dyssynchrony during pacing. These findings may assume importance in predicting the risk of heart failure in pacemaker patients.
Acute aortic dissection is one of the most common catastrophes affecting the aorta. Aortic branch... more Acute aortic dissection is one of the most common catastrophes affecting the aorta. Aortic branch occlusion occurs in up to one third of patients with aortic dissection and is associated with increased risk for early death and serious complications. A 67-year-old man without history of cardiovascular disease was referred to our center for acute aortic type A dissection and was treated with a 28-mm Vasculteck prosthesis. During the early postoperative period, he felt left hemiparesis, and an angio-computed tomography showed a progression of the dissection to the right common carotid artery and left brachiocephalic trunk: the abdominal aorta with the celiac trunk. We felt that the patient should receive conservative management, except for the carotid involvement, for which an endovascular approach was planned. After carefully engaging the carotid ostia with a modified no-touch technique, a self-expandable stent and a balloon-expandable stent were deployed to seal the left common and internal carotid artery dissection, whereas two self-expandable stents were implanted within the right internal carotid artery. Angiographic control demonstrated complete sealing of the carotid dissections. The patient recovered quickly after the intervention and was discharged after 2 days without any neurologic or vascular complication. The patient did extremely well at two 3-month follow-ups, and coverage of the descending thoracic aorta dissection was scheduled to be performed in the next 2 months. This case suggests that endovascular techniques may offer a reliable and effective answer to extended dissections, helping decrease the risk for neurologic or visceral complications and reducing the operative risk for further complete surgical or endovascular aortic repair.
We postulated that eustachian valve (EV) and Chiari network (CN) play a role in the pathophysiolo... more We postulated that eustachian valve (EV) and Chiari network (CN) play a role in the pathophysiology of both migraine and paradoxical embolism. We sought to prospectively investigate the potential role of EV/CN in migraine-patent foramen ovale (PFO) connection assessing their prevalence by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in patients with migraine submitted to PFO transcatheter closure. Over a 24-month period, we prospectively enrolled 50 consecutive patients (mean age 37+/-12.5 years, 38 females) with previous stroke and migraine referred to our centre for PFO catheter-based closure. Migraine with aura (MwA) and migraine without aura (MwoA) were diagnosed according to the International Headache Society criteria and Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS). Patients who met the inclusion criteria for closure underwent ICE study and closure attempt. After ICE study, a prominent EV or CN were diagnosed on ICE in 41 patients (82%): 100% in MwA patients, 60% in MwoA patients (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) and in 55.5% of patients with no migraine. Patients with EV and CN had more frequently a curtain pattern on TC Doppler, a larger right-to-left shunt, more recurrent cerebral paradoxical embolism before closure, and a higher preoperative MIDAS score. Patients with EV/CN had a larger decrease in MIDAS score after closure. This study suggests that EV and CN have a deep impact on MwA and paradoxical embolism pathophysiology: EV, CN, and MwA should be considered as adjunctive risk factors for paradoxical embolism in the work-up of both symptomatic and asymptomatic PFO patients.
Background: Large patent foramen ovale (PFO), spontaneous right-to-left shunt, large atrial septa... more Background: Large patent foramen ovale (PFO), spontaneous right-to-left shunt, large atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), coagulation abnormalities, and prominent eustachian valve (EV) have all been independently suggested as risk factors for recurrent stroke. We sought to retrospectively evaluate risk of stroke and impact of transcatheter PFO closure in patients with concurrent large PFO, spontaneous right-to-left shunt, large ASA, coagulation abnormalities, and prominent EV.Methods: Between March 2006 and October 2008, 36 (mean age 44 ± 10.9 years, 28 females) out of 120 consecutive patients referred to our center for transcatheter PFO closure had concomitant diagnosis of (a) large PFO on transcranial Doppler (TCD) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), (b) spontaneous right-to-left shunt on TCD, (c) large ASA, (d) prominent EV, and (e) coagulation abnormalities. All patients fulfilled the standard current indications for transcatheter closure and underwent preoperative TEE and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with subsequent intracardiac echocardiographic-guided transcatheter PFO closure.Results: Compared to the remaining PFO population in the same period, patients with all five concomitant features had more ischemic brain lesions on MRI, previous history of recurrent stroke, more frequently a history of venous thromboembolism, and more severe migraine with aura. The concomitance of all the features confers the highest risk of recurrent stroke (OR 9.9, 3.0–18 [95% CI], P < 0.001).Conclusions: Despite its small sample size and nonrandomized retrospective nature, this is the first study to suggest that patients with concurrence of all the investigated characteristics have potentially a higher risk of stroke compared to controls. We thus propose the CARP criteria as a basis for further larger, longitudinal studies to assess the potential benefits of transcatheter closure in this patient subset in the absence of clinical recurrent stroke.
To evaluate the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on ventricular-arterial coupli... more To evaluate the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) in patients with refractory congestive heart failure (HF), left bundle brunch block, and sinus rhythm. The ratio between arterial elastance (Ea) and left ventricular end-systolic elastance (Ees), the so-called VAC, defines the efficiency of the myocardium in pumping blood. Seventy-eight patients were studied with echocardiography before CRT, and 1 year later. End-systolic elastance was calculated according to the method of Chen. Arterial elastance (ratio of the systolic pressure to the stroke volume), end-systolic volume (ESV), and quality of life (QoL) (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) were assessed at the baseline and after 1 year. Patients with a reduction&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;15% of ESV or a decrease&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;33% in QoL score were considered responders to CRT. QRS duration and interventricular delay were significantly reduced with CRT compared with baseline (156+/-2 vs. 195+/-3 ms, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001; and 25+/-2 vs. 55+/-3 ms, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001, respectively). Arterial elastance/Ees decreased significantly on CRT (2.47+/-1.48 vs. 1.41+/-0.87, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001). The lowering of Ea/Ees was congruent to a decrease in intraventricular delay (83.1+/-55.7 vs. 28.4+/-49.5 ms, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001) and an increase in ejection fraction (26+/-6.3 vs. 36.9+/-8.0%, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001). Responders to CRT were 74 and 71% of the overall patient population, considering as endpoint QoL or ESV, respectively. The analysis of VAC showed a baseline cut-off value of 2, above which 88% and 69% of patients responded to CRT, considering as endpoint QoL or ESV, respectively. The non-invasive assessment of VAC may be proposed as an immediate, easy, and optimal tool for quantifying the effect of CRT in patients with HF.
Background: These days no codified multidisciplinary protocol has been reported to manage all the... more Background: These days no codified multidisciplinary protocol has been reported to manage all the different patent foramen ovale (PFO)-mediated syndromes. We sought to propose a multidisciplinary program of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of all PFO-mediated syndromes based on an in-hospital multidisciplinary task force and to review the activities during the first year.Methods: From September 2004, we organized in our hospital, a 600-bed tertiary hospital, a management program for PFO-mediated syndromes based on a task force composed of cardiologists, neurologists, and internists. Different levels of protocols were created in order to cover diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of PFO-mediated syndromes. We reviewed the activity of our program in the first year up to September 2005.Results: Thirty-five patients (23 female, mean age 65 ± 24 years) were evaluated for suspected PFO-mediated syndromes: 20 for cryptogenic stroke, 2 for peripheral and coronary embolisms, 3 for platypnea-orthodeoxia, 9 for emicrania with aura, and 1 with hypoxiemia during neurosurgical intervention in the posterior cranial fossa. Diagnosis of PFO was confirmed in 25 patients. According to the multidisciplinary protocols, 15 patients failed to meet the requirements for transcatheter closure and were left in medical therapy whereas 11 patients (7 patients with PFO, 2 with multiperforated ASD, and 2 with a secundum ASD) underwent transcatheter closure. After a mean follow-up of 10.8 ± 4.9 months, no recurrent PFO syndromes were noted in patients treated with devices.Conclusion: The first year of our multidisciplinary program allowed a reasonable and potentially successful approach for correctly identifying patients with PFO-mediated syndromes until randomized studies are completed.
We postulate that, in patients with large patent foramen ovales (PFO) and atrial septal aneurysms... more We postulate that, in patients with large patent foramen ovales (PFO) and atrial septal aneurysms (ASA), left atrial (LA) dysfunction simulating “atrial fibrillation (AF)-like” pathophysiology might represent an alternate mechanism in the promotion of arterial embolism.Despite prior reports concerning paradoxical embolism through a PFO, the magnitude of this phenomenon as a risk factor for stroke remains undefined, because deep venous thrombosis is infrequently detected in such patients.To test our hypothesis, we prospectively enrolled 98 consecutive patients with previous stroke (mean age 37 ± 12.5 years, 58 women) referred to our center for catheter-based PFO closure. Baseline values of LA passive and active emptying, LA conduit function, LA ejection fraction, and spontaneous echocontrast (SEC) in the LA and LA appendage were compared with those of 50 AF patients as well as a sex/age/cardiac risk-matched population of 70 healthy control subjects.Pre-closure PFO subjects demonstrated significantly greater reservoir function as well as passive and active emptying, with significantly reduced conduit function and LA ejection fraction, when compared with AF and control patients. Furthermore, in PFO patients, 66.3% (65 of 98) had moderate-to-severe ASA and basal shunt; SEC was observed in 52% of PFO plus ASA patients before closure. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression revealed moderate-to-severe ASA (odds ratio: 9.4, 95% confidence interval: 7.0 to 23.2, p < 0.001) as the most powerful predictor of LA dysfunction. After closure, all LA parameters normalized to the levels of control subjects: no SEC, device-related thrombosis, or aortic erosion were observed on follow-up echocardiography.This study suggests that moderate-to-severe ASA might be associated with LA dysfunction in patients with PFO. The resultant similarities to the pathophysiology of AF might represent an additional contributing mechanism for arterial embolism in such patients.
Background. The possibility of nickel toxicity has been raised with interatrial shunt closure de... more Background. The possibility of nickel toxicity has been raised with interatrial shunt closure devices constructed of nitinol. This study is aimed to assess the potential adverse symptoms in terms of incidence, duration, and significance, in patients with interatrial shunt and nickel allergy who underwent nitinol device-based closure.Methods. We prospectively enrolled 46 consecutive patients (mean age 35 ± 28.8 years, 30 female) over a 12-month period referred to our center for catheter-based closure of interatrial shunts. Patients were investigated for previous hypersensivity to nickel and were required to test potential nickel allergy with cutaneous patch test (TRUE test) before device implantation. Routinely, clinical visit with laboratory examinations, and TTE were scheduled at 1, 6, and 12 months.Results. Nine patients (19.5%, mean age 31.3 ± 13.2 years) had proved symptomatic and instrumental nickel allergy as showed by cutaneous patch skin test but preferred to be implanted. All patients underwent successful transcatheter closure with an immediate occlusion rate of 100% without intraoperative complications. Between the 2nd and 3rd postoperative day, 8 out of 9 patients developed a sort of ‘device syndrome’ that included concurrent chest discomfort, exertional dyspnea and asthenia, and mild leukocytosis. The syndrome was treated with Prednison and Clopidogrel and in all was resolved after 1-week therapy. Interestingly, none of the patients without nickel allergy developed postclosure symptoms (P < .001).Conclusions. In conclusion, nickel allergy is still a problematic issue in patients scheduled for transcatheter closure of intracardiac shunts; however, our brief study suggests that nickel allergy is not per se a contraindication to nitinol device closure.
Previous studies have suggested that the closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) may reduce or ... more Previous studies have suggested that the closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) may reduce or resolve migrainous symptoms, but ideal indications, devices and techniques are far from being identified definitively. A 21-year-old woman was referred to our center for evaluation of severe migraine (more than two attacks per week, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 6 h in duration, inability to work, direct relationship with Valsalva manouvre and effort, presence of aura), migraine disability assessment questionnaire (MIDAS) score of 42 and a large PFO with no atrial septal aneurysm: on transesophageal echocardiography and instrumental data suggesting a close relationship between migraine and PFO. Having explained the off-label indications for transcatheter PFO closure in this particular case, the patient was recruited for our in-hospital study protocol for assessment for transcatheter closure of PFO to relieve severe migraine and the patient gave consent. A 9-Fr, 9-MHz UltraICE catheter (EP Technologies, Boston Scientific Corporation, San Jose, California, USA) was then inserted through the left femoral vein and a complete intracardiac study was carried out. A 25-mm Premere device was successfully implanted. The patient was discharged the day after being on 75 mg aspirin once a day for 6 months and, at 3-month follow-up, the patient was well with no further migraine attacks (MIDAS score 2). There was no evidence of thrombus formation on the surface of device and no shunt was detected on transesophageal echocardiograhy and transcranial Doppler. Although more clear-cut indications are required, this case study may be the stimulus and basis for further large prospective randomized studies to assess the effectiveness of PFO closure in treating migraine and the best implantation technique and device.
Background: The right ventricular septum (RVS) and Hisian area (HA) are considered more “physiolo... more Background: The right ventricular septum (RVS) and Hisian area (HA) are considered more “physiological” pacing sites than right ventricular apex (RVA). Studies comparing RVS to RVA sites have produced controversial results. There are no data about variability of electromechanical activation obtained by an approach using fluoroscopy and electrophysiological markers. This study compared the variability of left ventricular (LV) electromechanical activation in patients undergoing short-term RVA and RVS with that measured during HA pacing based on fluoroscopy and electrophysiological markers.Methods: Tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed in 142 patients before and after RVA (54), RVS (44), and HA (44) pacing. Electromechanical activation was assessed by: (1) electromechanical latency (EML)-interval between QRS onset and mechanical activation of basal LV; (2) intra-LV dyssynchrony (intra-LV)-interval between earliest to the latest LV basal motion. The intra- and interpatients variability among pacing groups were assessed.Results: Pacing from RVA showed longer EML and higher degree of intra-LV than RVS and HA pacing. RVA and RVS showed a higher variability than HA pacing with regard to intrapatient changes of EML (RVA vs RVS, P = 0.4; RVS vs HA, P = 0.01, RVA vs HA, P = 0.0002) and intra-LV (RVA vs RVS, P = 0.2; RVS vs HA, P = 0.04; RVA vs HA, P = 0.005). Similar results were found in interpatients variability from paced-values.Conclusions: RVA and RVS pacing produce a variable effect on LV electromechanical activation that is significantly more pronounced than HA pacing. A pacing site such as HA selected by fluoroscopic and electrophysiological markers maintains baseline and homogeneous LV activation pattern. (PACE 2010; 566–574)
Some ongoing trials have suggested that closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) may reduce migr... more Some ongoing trials have suggested that closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) may reduce migraine symptoms. We sought to assess the safety and effectiveness of migraine treatment by means of PFO transcatheter closure using paradoxical embolism risk-driven criteria. We enrolled 75 patients (48 women and 27 men, mean age 40 +/- 3.7 years) who were referred to our center over a 12-month period for a prospective study to evaluate severe disabling migraine, despite antiheadache therapy and the PFO. Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) was used to assess the incidence of migraine headache and severity. Criteria for intervention included all of the following: basal shunt, curtain shunt pattern on transcranial Doppler, presence of interatrial septal aneurysm, 3 to 4 class MIDAS score, symptomatic significant aura, coagulation abnormalities, migraine refractory to conventional drugs. On the basis of the inclusion criteria, we shortlisted 20 patients (12 women, mean age 35 +/- 6.7 years, mean MIDAS score 38.9 +/- 5.8) for transcatheter closure of PFO and excluded the rest who were referred to the neurologist for medical therapy. The procedure was successful in all of the patients with no perioperative or in-hospital complications. After a mean follow-up of 10 +/- 3.1 months (range 6-14), all patients&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; migraine symptoms improved (mean MIDAS score 3.0 +/- 2.1, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.03) with PFO complete closure in all patients on transesophageal and transcranial Doppler ultrasound. In this small pilot series, we adopted the criteria which in our opinion best reflected the risk of paradoxical embolism in these patients. By adopting the proposed criteria, primary transcatheter closure of the PFO resulted in a significant reduction in migraine.
The angiographic characteristics of renal artery stenoses (RAS) in patients with coronary artery ... more The angiographic characteristics of renal artery stenoses (RAS) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have not been yet fully investigated. We sought to evaluate the angiographic characteristics of RAS in patients with CAD. The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography in a single public institution over a 12-month period were evaluated. The patients who underwent coincident diagnostic renal angiography to evaluate renal vessels on the basis of clinical criteria and who had at least one-vessel CAD were analyzed. Moderate (50-70%) to severe (70-100%) arterial stenoses were noted as significant angiographic findings. The types of stenosis (ostial, true renal, mixed) and presence and location of calcium were recorded. Angiographically significant RAS were reported in 40 (19.5%) of 205 consecutive patients (mean age 67.1 +/- 12.8 years, mean serum creatinine concentration 2.1 +/- 0.5 mg/dl, mean glomerular filtration rate 52 +/- 13 ml/min) for a total of 55 lesions. The RAS severity was moderate in 30.9% (17/55), severe in 69.1% (38/55), ostial in 27.2% (15/55), true renal in 10.9% (6/55), and mixed in 61.8% (34/55) of the patients. The mean lesion length was 16 +/- 1.8 mm. Patients with &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 3-vessel CAD had a statistically significantly higher prevalence of mixed calcified RAS (18/24, 75%). Logistic regression analyses revealed &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 3-vessel CAD (odds ratio 9.917, p = 0.002), age &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 65 years (odds ratio 3.817, p = 0.036), and &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 3 risk factors (odds ratio 2.8, p = 0.048) as independent predictors of RAS. RAS in multivessel CAD patients seems to have a peculiar angiographic pattern, such as a higher prevalence of mixed calcified lesions and poststenotic enlargement, that should be taken in account when dealing with RAS.
Objectives:Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in patients undergoing short-term rig... more Objectives:Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in patients undergoing short-term right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing and correlation with baseline echocardiographic and clinical characteristics.Background:RVA pacing causes abnormal ventricular depolarization that may lead to mechanical LV dyssynchrony. The relationships between pacing-induced LV dyssynchrony and baseline echocardiographic and clinical variables have not been fully clarified.Methods:Tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed in 153 patients before and after RVA pacing. LV dyssynchrony was measured by the time between the shortest and longest electromechanical delays in the five basal LV segments (intra-LV). The prevalence and degree of LV dyssynchrony after RVA pacing was evaluated in three groups: baseline LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%, 35–55%, and ≥55%. The intrapatient effect of RVA pacing was determined as the percent increase in intra-LV value (Δintra-LV%). The pacing-induced intra-LV was correlated with baseline variables.Results:The prevalence and degree of LV dyssynchrony after RVA pacing was significantly higher in patients with lower LVEF (P < 0.001). ΔIntra-LV% was inversely correlated with baseline intra-LV and LVEF (B =−2.6, B =−4.2, P < 0.001). Baseline intra-LV and LV end-systolic volume correlated positively with intra-LV after RVA pacing (B = 0.49, B = 0.6, P < 0.001), whereas LVEF showed an inverse correlation.Conclusions:The degree of LV dyssynchrony induced by RVA is variable. Patients with higher baseline LV dyssynchrony, more dilated LV, and more depressed LVEF showed a higher degree of LV dyssynchrony during pacing. These findings may assume importance in predicting the risk of heart failure in pacemaker patients.
Acute aortic dissection is one of the most common catastrophes affecting the aorta. Aortic branch... more Acute aortic dissection is one of the most common catastrophes affecting the aorta. Aortic branch occlusion occurs in up to one third of patients with aortic dissection and is associated with increased risk for early death and serious complications. A 67-year-old man without history of cardiovascular disease was referred to our center for acute aortic type A dissection and was treated with a 28-mm Vasculteck prosthesis. During the early postoperative period, he felt left hemiparesis, and an angio-computed tomography showed a progression of the dissection to the right common carotid artery and left brachiocephalic trunk: the abdominal aorta with the celiac trunk. We felt that the patient should receive conservative management, except for the carotid involvement, for which an endovascular approach was planned. After carefully engaging the carotid ostia with a modified no-touch technique, a self-expandable stent and a balloon-expandable stent were deployed to seal the left common and internal carotid artery dissection, whereas two self-expandable stents were implanted within the right internal carotid artery. Angiographic control demonstrated complete sealing of the carotid dissections. The patient recovered quickly after the intervention and was discharged after 2 days without any neurologic or vascular complication. The patient did extremely well at two 3-month follow-ups, and coverage of the descending thoracic aorta dissection was scheduled to be performed in the next 2 months. This case suggests that endovascular techniques may offer a reliable and effective answer to extended dissections, helping decrease the risk for neurologic or visceral complications and reducing the operative risk for further complete surgical or endovascular aortic repair.
We postulated that eustachian valve (EV) and Chiari network (CN) play a role in the pathophysiolo... more We postulated that eustachian valve (EV) and Chiari network (CN) play a role in the pathophysiology of both migraine and paradoxical embolism. We sought to prospectively investigate the potential role of EV/CN in migraine-patent foramen ovale (PFO) connection assessing their prevalence by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in patients with migraine submitted to PFO transcatheter closure. Over a 24-month period, we prospectively enrolled 50 consecutive patients (mean age 37+/-12.5 years, 38 females) with previous stroke and migraine referred to our centre for PFO catheter-based closure. Migraine with aura (MwA) and migraine without aura (MwoA) were diagnosed according to the International Headache Society criteria and Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS). Patients who met the inclusion criteria for closure underwent ICE study and closure attempt. After ICE study, a prominent EV or CN were diagnosed on ICE in 41 patients (82%): 100% in MwA patients, 60% in MwoA patients (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) and in 55.5% of patients with no migraine. Patients with EV and CN had more frequently a curtain pattern on TC Doppler, a larger right-to-left shunt, more recurrent cerebral paradoxical embolism before closure, and a higher preoperative MIDAS score. Patients with EV/CN had a larger decrease in MIDAS score after closure. This study suggests that EV and CN have a deep impact on MwA and paradoxical embolism pathophysiology: EV, CN, and MwA should be considered as adjunctive risk factors for paradoxical embolism in the work-up of both symptomatic and asymptomatic PFO patients.
Background: Large patent foramen ovale (PFO), spontaneous right-to-left shunt, large atrial septa... more Background: Large patent foramen ovale (PFO), spontaneous right-to-left shunt, large atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), coagulation abnormalities, and prominent eustachian valve (EV) have all been independently suggested as risk factors for recurrent stroke. We sought to retrospectively evaluate risk of stroke and impact of transcatheter PFO closure in patients with concurrent large PFO, spontaneous right-to-left shunt, large ASA, coagulation abnormalities, and prominent EV.Methods: Between March 2006 and October 2008, 36 (mean age 44 ± 10.9 years, 28 females) out of 120 consecutive patients referred to our center for transcatheter PFO closure had concomitant diagnosis of (a) large PFO on transcranial Doppler (TCD) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), (b) spontaneous right-to-left shunt on TCD, (c) large ASA, (d) prominent EV, and (e) coagulation abnormalities. All patients fulfilled the standard current indications for transcatheter closure and underwent preoperative TEE and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with subsequent intracardiac echocardiographic-guided transcatheter PFO closure.Results: Compared to the remaining PFO population in the same period, patients with all five concomitant features had more ischemic brain lesions on MRI, previous history of recurrent stroke, more frequently a history of venous thromboembolism, and more severe migraine with aura. The concomitance of all the features confers the highest risk of recurrent stroke (OR 9.9, 3.0–18 [95% CI], P < 0.001).Conclusions: Despite its small sample size and nonrandomized retrospective nature, this is the first study to suggest that patients with concurrence of all the investigated characteristics have potentially a higher risk of stroke compared to controls. We thus propose the CARP criteria as a basis for further larger, longitudinal studies to assess the potential benefits of transcatheter closure in this patient subset in the absence of clinical recurrent stroke.
To evaluate the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on ventricular-arterial coupli... more To evaluate the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) in patients with refractory congestive heart failure (HF), left bundle brunch block, and sinus rhythm. The ratio between arterial elastance (Ea) and left ventricular end-systolic elastance (Ees), the so-called VAC, defines the efficiency of the myocardium in pumping blood. Seventy-eight patients were studied with echocardiography before CRT, and 1 year later. End-systolic elastance was calculated according to the method of Chen. Arterial elastance (ratio of the systolic pressure to the stroke volume), end-systolic volume (ESV), and quality of life (QoL) (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) were assessed at the baseline and after 1 year. Patients with a reduction&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;15% of ESV or a decrease&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;33% in QoL score were considered responders to CRT. QRS duration and interventricular delay were significantly reduced with CRT compared with baseline (156+/-2 vs. 195+/-3 ms, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001; and 25+/-2 vs. 55+/-3 ms, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001, respectively). Arterial elastance/Ees decreased significantly on CRT (2.47+/-1.48 vs. 1.41+/-0.87, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001). The lowering of Ea/Ees was congruent to a decrease in intraventricular delay (83.1+/-55.7 vs. 28.4+/-49.5 ms, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001) and an increase in ejection fraction (26+/-6.3 vs. 36.9+/-8.0%, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001). Responders to CRT were 74 and 71% of the overall patient population, considering as endpoint QoL or ESV, respectively. The analysis of VAC showed a baseline cut-off value of 2, above which 88% and 69% of patients responded to CRT, considering as endpoint QoL or ESV, respectively. The non-invasive assessment of VAC may be proposed as an immediate, easy, and optimal tool for quantifying the effect of CRT in patients with HF.
Background: These days no codified multidisciplinary protocol has been reported to manage all the... more Background: These days no codified multidisciplinary protocol has been reported to manage all the different patent foramen ovale (PFO)-mediated syndromes. We sought to propose a multidisciplinary program of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of all PFO-mediated syndromes based on an in-hospital multidisciplinary task force and to review the activities during the first year.Methods: From September 2004, we organized in our hospital, a 600-bed tertiary hospital, a management program for PFO-mediated syndromes based on a task force composed of cardiologists, neurologists, and internists. Different levels of protocols were created in order to cover diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of PFO-mediated syndromes. We reviewed the activity of our program in the first year up to September 2005.Results: Thirty-five patients (23 female, mean age 65 ± 24 years) were evaluated for suspected PFO-mediated syndromes: 20 for cryptogenic stroke, 2 for peripheral and coronary embolisms, 3 for platypnea-orthodeoxia, 9 for emicrania with aura, and 1 with hypoxiemia during neurosurgical intervention in the posterior cranial fossa. Diagnosis of PFO was confirmed in 25 patients. According to the multidisciplinary protocols, 15 patients failed to meet the requirements for transcatheter closure and were left in medical therapy whereas 11 patients (7 patients with PFO, 2 with multiperforated ASD, and 2 with a secundum ASD) underwent transcatheter closure. After a mean follow-up of 10.8 ± 4.9 months, no recurrent PFO syndromes were noted in patients treated with devices.Conclusion: The first year of our multidisciplinary program allowed a reasonable and potentially successful approach for correctly identifying patients with PFO-mediated syndromes until randomized studies are completed.
We postulate that, in patients with large patent foramen ovales (PFO) and atrial septal aneurysms... more We postulate that, in patients with large patent foramen ovales (PFO) and atrial septal aneurysms (ASA), left atrial (LA) dysfunction simulating “atrial fibrillation (AF)-like” pathophysiology might represent an alternate mechanism in the promotion of arterial embolism.Despite prior reports concerning paradoxical embolism through a PFO, the magnitude of this phenomenon as a risk factor for stroke remains undefined, because deep venous thrombosis is infrequently detected in such patients.To test our hypothesis, we prospectively enrolled 98 consecutive patients with previous stroke (mean age 37 ± 12.5 years, 58 women) referred to our center for catheter-based PFO closure. Baseline values of LA passive and active emptying, LA conduit function, LA ejection fraction, and spontaneous echocontrast (SEC) in the LA and LA appendage were compared with those of 50 AF patients as well as a sex/age/cardiac risk-matched population of 70 healthy control subjects.Pre-closure PFO subjects demonstrated significantly greater reservoir function as well as passive and active emptying, with significantly reduced conduit function and LA ejection fraction, when compared with AF and control patients. Furthermore, in PFO patients, 66.3% (65 of 98) had moderate-to-severe ASA and basal shunt; SEC was observed in 52% of PFO plus ASA patients before closure. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression revealed moderate-to-severe ASA (odds ratio: 9.4, 95% confidence interval: 7.0 to 23.2, p < 0.001) as the most powerful predictor of LA dysfunction. After closure, all LA parameters normalized to the levels of control subjects: no SEC, device-related thrombosis, or aortic erosion were observed on follow-up echocardiography.This study suggests that moderate-to-severe ASA might be associated with LA dysfunction in patients with PFO. The resultant similarities to the pathophysiology of AF might represent an additional contributing mechanism for arterial embolism in such patients.
Background. The possibility of nickel toxicity has been raised with interatrial shunt closure de... more Background. The possibility of nickel toxicity has been raised with interatrial shunt closure devices constructed of nitinol. This study is aimed to assess the potential adverse symptoms in terms of incidence, duration, and significance, in patients with interatrial shunt and nickel allergy who underwent nitinol device-based closure.Methods. We prospectively enrolled 46 consecutive patients (mean age 35 ± 28.8 years, 30 female) over a 12-month period referred to our center for catheter-based closure of interatrial shunts. Patients were investigated for previous hypersensivity to nickel and were required to test potential nickel allergy with cutaneous patch test (TRUE test) before device implantation. Routinely, clinical visit with laboratory examinations, and TTE were scheduled at 1, 6, and 12 months.Results. Nine patients (19.5%, mean age 31.3 ± 13.2 years) had proved symptomatic and instrumental nickel allergy as showed by cutaneous patch skin test but preferred to be implanted. All patients underwent successful transcatheter closure with an immediate occlusion rate of 100% without intraoperative complications. Between the 2nd and 3rd postoperative day, 8 out of 9 patients developed a sort of ‘device syndrome’ that included concurrent chest discomfort, exertional dyspnea and asthenia, and mild leukocytosis. The syndrome was treated with Prednison and Clopidogrel and in all was resolved after 1-week therapy. Interestingly, none of the patients without nickel allergy developed postclosure symptoms (P < .001).Conclusions. In conclusion, nickel allergy is still a problematic issue in patients scheduled for transcatheter closure of intracardiac shunts; however, our brief study suggests that nickel allergy is not per se a contraindication to nitinol device closure.
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