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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Vascular complications associated with transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve insertion (TAVI) are a frequent untoward consequence of arterial sheath insertion. We report the prevalence of anatomic arterial injury with open artery access TAVI. METHODS: This review consisted of 53 consecutive patients who received transfemoral Sapien 23 or 26 mm TAVI via the 22- or 24-French sheath through open artery access from November 2008. The median age of the patients was 83 years (range, 59 to 94), and there were 31 males (58%). All arteries were examined to determine the optimal point of access and then explored after removal of the sheath to document injury. RESULTS: The accessed artery had a minimal lumen diameter of 8.9 mm (7.2 to 14.7) and a sheath-to-artery ratio of 1.0 (0.6 to 1.2). The point of access was the common femoral artery in 33 patients (62%) and the external iliac artery in 20 (38%). Exploration of the artery demonstrated localized arterial injury in 22 patients (42%). Female gender was predictive of injury (p = 0.03), but arterial access site location, presence of arterial access calcification, sheath-to-artery ratio, and sheath size were not. Techniques of artery repair included primary closure in 34 patients (64%), pericardial patch angioplasty in 15 (28%), and graft interposition in 4 (8%). There was one minor groin wound complication. CONCLUSIONS: Open artery access allows for direct examination and optimal access site choice of the vessel during transfemoral TAVI. Localized arterial injury was commonly encountered after 22- and 24-French sheath insertion, but the associated artery repair complication rate was low.
Journal of Cardiac Surgery 06/2013; · 0.87 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE. We provide an outline of aortic anatomy and disease patterns, describe methods of aortic measurement, and highlight measurement thresholds for surgical intervention. We also discuss findings that can assist in preoperative planning and in detecting underlying connective tissue disorders. CONCLUSION. A standardized approach to the measurement of the aorta is needed and features suggestive of an underlying connective tissue disorder should be recognized. Radiologists should be aware of the image limitations and clinical implications of reported measurements.
American Journal of Roentgenology 06/2013; 200(6):W581-W592. · 2.78 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Endovascular repair of the aorta has traditionally been limited to the abdominal aorta and, more recently, the descending thoracic aorta. However, recently hybrid repairs (a combination of open surgical and endovascular repair) have made endovascular repair of the aortic arch possible. Hybrid repair of the aortic arch typically involves an open surgical debranching procedure that allows for revascularization of the aortic arch vessels and subsequent endovascular stent placement. These approaches avoid the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest required for full, open surgical repair of the aortic arch. In hybrid repairs, the stent landing zone determines which branch vessels will be covered and therefore need revascularization. This article will review the preprocedure assessment with computed tomography angiography, techniques for revascularization and postprocedure complications.
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy 05/2013; 11(5):589-606.
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ABSTRACT: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. New serological biomarkers, such as troponins, have improved the diagnosis of ACS; however, the diagnosis of ACS can still be difficult as there is marked heterogeneity in its presentation and significant overlap with other disorders presenting with chest pain. Evidence is accumulating that cardiac MRI provides information that can aid the detection and differential diagnosis of ACS, guide clinical decision-making and improve risk-stratification after an event. In this review, we present the relevant cardiac MRI techniques that can be used to detect ACS accurately, provide differential diagnosis, identify the sequelae of ACS, and determine prognostication after ACS.
Future Cardiology 05/2013; 9(3):351-70.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the coronary arteries has been proposed as an alternative screening modality to catheter coronary angiography (CCA) prior to noncoronary cardiac surgery. The safety and utility of preoperative coronary CTA in patients undergoing robotic mitral valve repair is unknown. METHODS: One hundred and ninety consecutive patients undergoing robotic repair of degenerative mitral leaflet prolapse were eligible for preoperative CT evaluation; retrospective electrocardiogram-gated CTA of the chest to assess the coronary arteries, followed by contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis to assess the systemic arterial and vascular anatomy. If coronary CTA identified coronary artery stenosis 50% or greater, CCA was performed for further assessment. RESULTS: Computed tomography evaluation was performed in 178 patients (94%). Six patients (3%) had coronary artery stenosis 50% or greater identified on coronary CTA and underwent CCA. In each of these cases, CCA revealed no significant obstructive lesion. On a per patient basis, coronary CTA had an accuracy of 91% (95% confidence interval 0.81 to 0.96) for excluding obstructive coronary disease. The CT also demonstrated significant noncoronary vascular findings in 6 patients (3%). These findings included iliac artery dissection and aneurysm (n = 4), and pulmonary embolism (n = 2). Mitral repair rate was 100% and no patients underwent conversion to sternotomy. Median hospital stay was 3 days and there were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In patients at low-to-intermediate risk of coronary artery disease, CT is useful as a single screening modality of the coronary arteries and peripheral vasculature to determine candidacy for minimally invasive robotic mitral valve repair.
The Annals of thoracic surgery 02/2013; · 3.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Melanoma is a common neoplasm with a propensity to metastasize to the heart. Although cardiac metastasis is rarely diagnosed ante mortem, using a multimodality approach, several imaging findings may be seen. Echocardiography is often the initial imaging method used to detect cardiac metastases and their complications. On computed tomography, intraluminal filling defects and myocardial/pericardial nodules may be seen. On magnetic resonance imaging, metastatic melanoma is classically hyperintense on T1 images and hypointense on T2 images, a result of the T1 shortening of melanin; however, this is seen in a minority of cases. As melanoma metastases are fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose avid, fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography may also be used to detect cardiac metastases.
Current problems in diagnostic radiology 09/2012; 41(5):159-64.
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Circulation 08/2012; 126(6):786-7. · 14.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the cardiac phase having the highest coronary sharpness for low and high heart
rate patients scanned with dual source CT (DSCT) and to compare coronary image sharpness over different cardiac phases. DSCT
coronary CT scans for 30 low heart rate (≤70beats per minute- bpm) and 30 high heart rate (>70bpm) patients were reconstructed
into different cardiac phases, starting at 30% and increasing at 5% increments until 70%. A blinded observer graded image
sharpness per coronary segment, from which sharpness scores were produced for the right (RCA), left main (LM), left anterior
descending (LAD), and circumflex (Cx) coronary arteries. For each coronary artery, the phase with maximal image sharpness
was identified with repeated measures analysis of variance. Comparison of coronary sharpness between low and high heart rate
patients was made using generalized estimating equations. For low heart rates the highest sharpness scores for all four vessels
(RCA, LM, LAD, and Cx) were at the 65 or 70% phase, which are end-diastolic cardiac phases. For high heart rates the highest
sharpness scores were between the 35 and 45% phases, which are end-systolic phases. Low heart rate patients had higher coronary
sharpness at most cardiac phases; however, patients with high heart rates had higher coronary sharpness in the 45% phase for
all four vessels (P<0.0001). Using DSCT scanning, optimal image sharpness is obtained in end-diastole at low heart rates and in end-systole
in high heart rates.
The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging 04/2012; 25(8):837-845. · 2.29 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Iodinated contrast agents have been in use since the 1950s to facilitate radiographic imaging modalities. Physicians in almost all specialties will either administer these agents or care for patients who have received these drugs. Different iodinated contrast agents vary greatly in their properties, uses, and toxic effects. Therefore, clinicians should be at least superficially familiar with the clinical pharmacology, administration, risks, and adverse effects associated with iodinated contrast agents. This primer offers the non-radiologist physician the opportunity to gain insight into the use of this class of drugs.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings 04/2012; 87(4):390-402. · 5.70 Impact Factor
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Journal of the American College of Cardiology 10/2011; 58(18):e33. · 14.16 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive imaging of the heart and coronary vasculature using CT and MRI is a new and exciting opportunity for radiologists. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review normal and variant anatomy of the coronary arteries and of several coronary anomalies that may be clinically significant. The coronary veins and artifacts simulating disease will also be briefly covered. This article will help radiologists learn and review normal coronary anatomy, normal variants, and coronary anomalies and recognize pitfalls, such as coronary veins and artifacts, that may be confusing when first encountered. CONCLUSION: The coronary arteries generally are predictable in their origin, course, and perfusion territories. Standardized reporting systems exist for describing the location of specific lesions, and radiologists who interpret CT and MR coronary images should be aware of and should attempt to integrate these reporting schemes into clinical practice.
American Journal of Roentgenology 10/2011; 197(4):816-26. · 2.78 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To characterize the early outcomes of robotic mitral valve (MV) repair using standard open techniques.
We prospectively studied 100 patients with severe mitral regurgitation due to leaflet prolapse who underwent robot-assisted MV repair using conventional open-repair techniques between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009, at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
The mean age of the patients was 53.9 years; 77 patients (77%) were male. Fifty-nine patients (59%) had posterior leaflet prolapse, 38 (38%) had bileaflet disease, and 3 (3%) had isolated anterior leaflet prolapse. Median cross-clamp and bypass times decreased significantly during the course of the study (P<.001). Median postoperative ventilation time was 0 hours for the last 25 patients, with most patients extubated in the operating room. No deaths occurred. Reexploration for postoperative bleeding occurred in 1 patient (1%); 3 patients (3%) required percutaneous coronary intervention. Median hospital stay was 3 days. One patient (1%) underwent mitral reoperation for annuloplasty band dehiscence. Residual regurgitation was mild or less in all patients at dismissal and 1 month postoperatively. Significant reverse remodeling occurred by 1 month, including decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (-7.2 mm; P<.001) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (-61.0 mL;P<.001).
Robot-assisted MV repair using proven, conventional open-repair techniques is reproducible and safe and hastens recovery for all categories of leaflet prolapse. One month after surgery, significant regression in left ventricular size and volume is evident.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings 07/2011; 86(9):838-44. · 5.70 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To describe findings of patients with surgically confirmed pericardial disease on state of the art MR sequences. Retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent pericardiectomy and preoperative MR over a 5 year period ending in 2009. Patients' records were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of chronic recurrent pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis, or pericardial tumor. MR imaging findings of pericardial thickness, IVC diameter, presence or absence of pericardial or pleural effusion, pericardial edema, pericardial enhancement, and septal "bounce" were recorded. Patients with constriction had a larger IVC diameter (3.1 ± 0.4 cm) than patients with recurrent pain and no constriction (2.0 ± 0.4 cm). Mean pericardial thickness for the 16 patients with chronic recurrent pericarditis but no evidence of constriction was 4.8 ± 2.9 mm. Mean pericardial thickness for patients with constriction was 9.2 ± 7.0 cm with calcification, and 4.6 ± 2.1 cm without calcification. 94% of patients with chronic recurrent pericarditis had gadolinium enhancement of the pericardium, while 76% of patients with constriction had pericardial enhancement. Septal "bounce" was present in 19% of chronic recurrent pericarditis cases and 86% of constriction cases. 5 patients had a pericardial neoplasm, 1 of which was not identified preoperatively. State of the art MR techniques can identify significant and distinct findings in patients with chronic recurrent pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis, and pericardial tumors.
The international journal of cardiovascular imaging 07/2011; 28(5):1099-109. · 2.15 Impact Factor
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Journal of the American College of Cardiology 05/2011; 57(18):1856. · 14.16 Impact Factor
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Journal of the American College of Cardiology 04/2011; 57(17):1721-34. · 14.16 Impact Factor
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The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery 03/2011; 141(6):1539-40. · 3.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Thoracic aortic aneurysms tend to be asymptomatic and were previously often diagnosed only after a complication such as dissection or rupture occurred. Better imaging techniques and an increase in the use of cross-sectional imaging has led to an increase in the diagnosis of aortic aneurysms, which has allowed for elective treatment prior to the development of a complication. The location, size and etiology of an aneurysm all impact the clinical outcomes and these factors are used to determine the appropriate timing of surgical replacement. Surgeons often rely on the information obtained from preoperative imaging to determine when to intervene and what type of procedure will be necessary, making it important for the radiologist to understand these issues in order to provide the necessary information. Postoperative imaging after surgical replacement of the aorta is also important, as there are some common findings that occur in this patient population that can impact how they are treated. The purpose of this article is to review the etiology and associated findings of aneurysms of the ascending aorta and arch, with a focus on how computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography findings are used to determine the appropriate timing for elective replacement and the type of surgical procedure, as well as the role of follow-up imaging. This will include a review of the most commonly performed types of surgical procedures, to provide an understanding of how the findings of preoperative imaging studies impact what the surgeon does in the operating room, as well as the expected findings of postoperative imaging studies.
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy 01/2011; 9(1):45-61.
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ABSTRACT: Left atrial ablation is increasingly used to treat patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Prior to ablation, exclusion of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is important. Whether ECG-gated dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) provides a sensitive means of detecting LAA thrombus in patients undergoing percutaneous AF ablation is unknown. Thus, we sought to determine the utility of ECG-gated DSCT in detecting LAA thrombus in patients with AF.
A total of 255 patients (age 58 ± 11 years, 78% male, ejection fraction 58 ± 9%) who underwent ECG-gated DSCT and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) prior to AF ablation between February 2006 and October 2007 were included. CHADS2 score and demographic data were obtained prospectively. Gated DSCT images were independently reviewed by two cardiac imagers blinded to TEE findings. The LAA was either defined as normal (fully opacified) or abnormal (under-filled) by DSCT.
An under-filled LAA was identified in 33 patients (12.9%), of whom four had thrombus confirmed by TEE. All patients diagnosed with LAA thrombus using TEE also had an abnormal LAA by gated DSCT. Thus, sensitivity and specificity for gated DSCT were 100% and 88%, respectively. No cases of LAA filling defects were observed in patients <51 years old with a CHADS2 of 0.
In patients referred for AF ablation, thrombus is uncommon in the absence of additional risk factors. Gated DSCT provides excellent sensitivity for the detection of thrombus. Thus, in AF patients with a CHADS2 of 0, gated DSCT may provide a useful stand-alone imaging modality.
Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 11/2010; 29(2):75-81. · 1.17 Impact Factor
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Michael F Morris,
Joseph J Maleszewski,
Rakesh M Suri,
Harold M Burkhart,
Thomas A Foley,
Crystal R Bonnichsen,
Nandan S Anavekar,
Phillip M Young, Eric E Williamson,
James F Glockner,
Philip A Araoz
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ABSTRACT: Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are increasingly important adjuncts to echocardiography for the evaluation of mitral valve disease. The mitral valve may be involved in various acquired or congenital conditions with resultant regurgitation or stenosis, and many of these conditions can be identified with CT or MR imaging. In addition, CT is useful for detecting and monitoring postoperative complications after mitral valve repair or replacement. As the use of CT and MR imaging increases, awareness of the CT and MR imaging appearances of the normal mitral valve and the various disease processes that affect it may foster recognition of unsuspected mitral disease in patients undergoing imaging for other purposes. Supplemental material available at http://radiographics.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/rg.306105518/-/DC1.
Radiographics 10/2010; 30(6):1603-20. · 2.85 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Important features of cardiac masses can be clearly delineated on cardiac computed tomography (CT) imaging. This modality is useful in identifying the presence of a mass, its relationship with cardiac and extracardiac structures, and the features that distinguish one type of mass from another. A multimodality approach to the evaluation of cardiac tumors is advocated, with the use of echocardiography, CT imaging and magnetic resonance imaging as appropriately indicated. In this article, various cardiac masses are described, including pseudotumors and true cardiac neoplasms, and the CT imaging findings that may be useful in distinguishing these rare entities are presented.
Radiologic Clinics of North America 07/2010; 48(4):799-816. · 2.59 Impact Factor
