American heart journal
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American heart journal · Oct 2012
Comparative StudyAortic annulus area assessment by multidetector computed tomography for predicting paravalvular regurgitation in patients undergoing balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a comparison with transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a valid alternative to surgery in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Aortic annulus (AoA) sizing is crucial for TAVI success. The aim of the study was to compare AoA dimensions measured by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) vs those obtained with transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for predicting paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PVR) after TAVI. ⋯ Mismatch between prosthesis area and AoA area detected by MDCT is a better predictor of PVR as compared with echocardiography mismatch. Specific MDCT-based sizing recommendations should be developed.
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American heart journal · Oct 2012
Burden of atrial fibrillation and poor rate control detected by continuous monitoring and the risk for heart failure hospitalization.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) on electrocardiogram has been identified as a risk factor for hospitalizations in patients with heart failure (HF). We investigated whether continuous AF monitoring can identify when patients with HF are at risk for hospitalization. ⋯ Evaluation of AFb and rate control information on a monthly basis can identify patients at risk for HF hospitalization in the next 30 days.