CT-derived left ventricular global strain in aortic valve stenosis patients: A comparative analysis pre and post transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Introduction: We assessed the potential of CT strain to detect changes in myocardial function in patients referred for TAVI pre and post intervention.

Patients And Methods: 25 consecutive patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis in whom TAVI had been performed were included in this analysis. Functional CT data sets acquired before and 3 to 6 months after TAVI were available.

Leaflet thrombosis following transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is increasingly being offered to high-risk patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. Recent reports have suggested a high incidence of subclinical leaflet thrombosis following bioprosthestic aortic valve replacement. We report the frequency and clinical presentation of leaflet thrombosis identified by cardiac CT in patients referred for follow-up contrast enhanced CT angiography following TAVI.

Computer-aided evaluation of low-dose and low-contrast agent third-generation dual-source CT angiography prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of computer-aided evaluation software for a comprehensive workup of patients prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using low-contrast agent and low radiation dose third-generation dual-source CT angiography.

Methods: We evaluated 30 consecutive patients scheduled for TAVI. All patients underwent ECG-triggered high-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the aortic root and aorta with a standardized contrast agent volume (30 ml Imeron350, flow rate 4 ml/s) and low-dose (100 kv/350 mAs) protocol.

Influence of the coronary calcium score on the ability to rule out coronary artery stenoses by coronary CT angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Background: Recent guidelines for the workup of patients with chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease include coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). However, its diagnostic value may be limited in patients with severe coronary calcification.

Objective: We investigated the relationship between the extent of coronary calcium and the ability of coronary CTA to rule out significant stenoses in a series of consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Prediction of fluoroscopic angulations for transcatheter aortic valve implantation by CT angiography: influence on procedural parameters.

Aims: Repeated angiograms to achieve an exactly orthogonal visualization of the aortic valve plane can substantially contribute to the total contrast amount required for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We investigated whether pre-procedural identification of an optimal fluoroscopic projection by cardiac computed tomography (CT) can significantly reduce the amount of a procedure-related contrast agent compared with angiographic determination of suitable angulations.

Methods And Results: Eighty consecutive patients (81 ± 5 years, 55% male) with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis and normal renal function who underwent cardiac CT prior to TAVI were prospectively randomized.