aortic stenosis

We report a challenging patient with Williams syndrome and severe coarctation of the aorta. As in a few similar cases reported, several surgical and catheter interventions for recoarctation, intrastent intimal proliferation and stenosis of the left sub-clavian artery were required. Aortic patch angioplasty is planned for the future in a grower child.

Post-extrasystolic potentiation (PESP) is a marker of contractile reserve and refers to the augmentation of left ventricular contractility due to preload recruitment and rise in intracellular calcium following a premature beat. In this case report we show that PESP might be a safe and helpful aid to evaluate low flow, low gradient aortic stenosis and contractile reserve in the cathlab, thereby reducing the potential risk of complications associated with intravenous dobutamine evaluation and reducing unnecessary testing.

Introduction: Patients with aortic stenosis often develop hypertrophy and fibrosis, regardless of symptoms. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) represents the gold standard for the evaluation of fibrosis despite numerous limitations: cost, availability, atrial fibrillation, claustrophobia, kidney failure or inability to apnea.Purpose: The aim is to validate the role of echocardiographic parameters, such as Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), as early markers of fibrosis. Clinical and laboratory data, particularly B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), were also analyzed.Material and methods: In our study we recruited 33 patients with severe aortic stenosis, correlating echocardiographic values of GLS with the qualitative analysis of Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) and the quantitative analysis of T1 mapping of CMR.Results: 70% of patients with an alteration of GLS had LGE+. Univariate logistic regression shows that the factors associated with the presence of LGE on CMR are hypertension (p = 0.043), GLS (p = 0.032), and elevated BNP values (p = 0.021); for GLS, Odds Ratio (OR) is 5 so the chance of finding fibrosis on CMR increases 5 times in presence of an altered GLS. The multivariate analysis confirms the association with impaired GLS values (p = 0.033) and hypertension (p = 0.025), but not with elevated Pro-BNP values.Conclusion: In patients with severe aortic stenosis, the association between GLS, LGE, and T1 mapping can help identify earlier those patients with structural changes caused by the disease, who could benefit from early intervention. It remains to be established how the presence of these alterations has a role in determining the intervention time and the outcome of these patients.

The treatment of severe aortic stenosis by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is challenging in patients with high-risk coronary anatomy that is predisposed to iatrogenic or delayed coronary obstruction. Hence, the evidence on performing TAVI with adequate coronary protection with or without deploying a stent needs to be accumulated. We report two cases of TAVI performed in patients with low coronary heights, wherein a “wire only” strategy was used to provide coronary protection along with the implantation of a novel balloon-expandable Myval THV. The first patient underwent a valve-in-valve TAVI, while the second patient underwent the replacement of a native bicuspid Type 1A valve. This case series presents two high-risk TAVI cases wherein a guide extension catheter and a supportive coronary guidewire provided sufficient coronary protection. None of the cases required any rescue revascularization and no incidences of a new pacemaker implantation were reported.

Background: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is an established treatment for severe, symptomatic Aortic Stenosis (AS). However, the presence of low coronary heights confers a high risk for coronary obstruction during or after TAVR. Case: In this case report, we present our experience with transfemoral-TAVR in an elderly, high-risk (STS score – 12.08%) female severe AS patient with low coronary heights (right: 7.4 mm, left: 8.7 mm). She had lower annulus area (287 mm2) and moderately low valve area (0.7 cm2) as well. Her mean and peak pressure gradients (PGs) were 38 mmHg and 61 mmHg, respectively. Upon the Heart Team’s evaluation, TAVR was recommended and a 20 mm Balloon Expandable (BE) Myval Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) was selected. No peri-procedural or post-procedural complications were reported and the post-procedural hemodynamics, namely the mean and peak PGs improved to 16 mmHg and 30 mmHg after TAVR, respectively. The patient was discharged in a stable condition after four days of hospital stay.Conclusion: We report the successful implantation of a small-sized BE Myval THV (20 mm) in a patient with low coronary heights. Life-threatening complications including paravalvular leak, coronary obstruction, or annular rupture were well averted; hence, we ascertain that the Myval THV is a suitable device for treating severe AS in difficult anatomies. However, the viability of the novel valve needs to be reaffirmed in larger studies.. 

Background: This case study explores an integrated approach to managing a complex cardiac condition, presenting a comprehensive single-session intervention. This includes balloon valvuloplasty using a Nucleus 18 mm balloon, complex angioplasty with rotational atherectomy (rotablator) targeting calcified lesions in the left main and left anterior descending artery, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) with a 23 mm Sapien 3 valve, all performed on an 81-year-old woman. Furthermore, this report underscores the strategic left atrial appendage closure conducted three months post-procedure due to the patient’s elevated hemorrhagic risk.Case presentation: Facing critical coronary and valvular pathologies, the patient underwent a meticulously planned, single-session intervention. The process began with a balloon valvuloplasty using a Nucleus 18 mm balloon to address the aortic stenosis. This was followed by a high-risk angioplasty, during which the Impella CP device provided hemodynamic support and rotational atherectomy was employed to address the calcified coronary artery disease effectively. The same session saw the successful execution of TAVI using a 23 mm Sapien 3 valve. The comprehensive approach notably diminished procedural complications, illustrating the benefits of an integrated treatment pathway in managing high-risk patients. Three months later, the patient underwent a left atrial appendage closure, a critical move considering her high risk of hemorrhage. This procedure also provided an opportunity to assess the favorable outcomes of the previous angioplasty.Conclusion: This case validates the feasibility and efficacy of performing multiple advanced percutaneous interventions in a single session for high-risk cardiac patients. It underscores the crucial role of innovative and personalized treatment strategies in improving patient outcomes, particularly in complex clinical scenarios. Moreover, the case exemplifies the essential relationship between immediate, comprehensive intervention and subsequent follow-up procedures in ensuring optimal long-term patient care.

Rheumatic heart disease persists as a significant concern in developing regions, often resulting in multivalvular heart conditions. Treatment options are limited, though percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy effectively addresses rheumatic mitral stenosis. Non-surgical interventions for aortic stenosis include balloon aortic valvotomy and Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), tailored to patient factors like age and comorbidities.We describe two cases of Rheumatic multivalvular disease which were managed non-surgical. The first case is a pioneering procedure performed on a young patient combined percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy with balloon aortic valvotomy, guided by 4-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (4D TEE). This represents the first documented instance in medical literature, showcasing the potential of integrated interventions and advanced imaging techniques. In the second challenging case involving a heavily calcified, retrovirus, and Hepatitis B positive 55-year-old, a staged approach was adopted, involving percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy followed by Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Despite complexities, this sequential strategy demonstrates the adaptability of transcatheter techniques in managing complex valvular pathologies. These cases highlight the evolving landscape of interventional cardiology and underscore the importance of tailored, multidisciplinary approaches in optimizing outcomes for patients with rheumatic heart disease and multivalvular involvement, especially in resource-limited settings. Further exploration and dissemination of such innovative strategies hold promise for enhancing cardiac care quality and expanding treatment options globally.