Psoas Muscle Area as a Predictor of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Outcomes.

Background: Frailty is a well-recognised predictor of outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Psoas muscle area (PMA) is a surrogate marker for sarcopaenia and is a validated assessment tool for frailty. The objective of this study was to examine frailty as a predictor of outcomes in TAVI patients and assess the prognostic usefulness of adding PMA to established frailty assessments.

After-hours emergency radiology CT reporting by radiology registrars at an Australian level 1 trauma centre: A review of discrepancies between preliminary and final reports.

Introduction: There is reliance on radiology registrar reporting of after-hours CT scans in many public hospitals across Australia and New Zealand. This study evaluates the extent and nature of CT reporting discrepancies after-hours by comparing trainee preliminary reports with consultant finalised reports.

Methods: A retrospective review of all after-hours CT scans between January and December 2014 by radiology trainees at a level 1 trauma centre was performed.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a new standard of care.

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular lesion requiring intervention and with an ageing population, its burden is likely to increase. Increasing comorbidity and a desire for less invasive treatment strategies has facilitated the expansion of percutaneous aortic valve therapies. Robust clinical trial data are now available to support the role of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients of prohibitive, high and now intermediate surgical risk.

Effects of renal sympathetic denervation on myocardial structure, function and perfusion: A serial CMR study.

Background And Aims: Echocardiographic studies have shown improvements in cardiac indices associated with renal sympathetic denervation (RDN), however, the benefits on myocardial perfusion have never been assessed. This trial was designed to study the effects of RDN on myocardial perfusion using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Methods: A total of 14 patients with resistant hypertension were recruited for RDN and myocardial perfusion, alongside other CMR indices, was assessed at baseline and at 6 months.

Renal sympathetic denervation increases renal blood volume per cardiac cycle: a serial magnetic resonance imaging study in resistant hypertension.

Aim: Preclinical studies have demonstrated improvements in renal blood flow after renal sympathetic denervation (RSDN); however, such effects are yet to be confirmed in patients with resistant hypertension. Herein, we assessed the effects of RSDN on renal artery blood flow and diameter at multiple time points post-RSDN.

Methods And Results: Patients (n=11) with systolic blood pressures ≥160 mmHg despite taking three or more antihypertensive medications at maximum tolerated dose were recruited into this single-center, prospective, non-blinded study.

Left Atrial Appendage Eccentricity and Irregularity Are Associated With Residual Leaks After Percutaneous Closure.

Objectives: Predictors of residual leak following percutaneous LAA closure were evaluated.

Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure aims to exclude this structure from the circulation, typically using a circular occluder. A noncircular orifice is frequently encountered however, and fibrous remodeling of the LAA in atrial fibrillation may restrict orifice deformation.

Attenuation in peripheral endothelial function after continuous flow left ventricular assist device therapy is associated with cardiovascular adverse events.

Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) have abnormal endothelial function. Although use of a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) results in significant hemodynamic improvement, the effects on systemic endothelial function are unclear.

Methods And Results: Eighteen HF patients with CF-LVAD implantation were included in this prospective observational study.

Distinctive clinical characteristics according to age and gender in apical ballooning syndrome (takotsubo/stress cardiomyopathy): an analysis focusing on men and young women.

Background: Apical ballooning syndrome (ABS) predominantly affects postmenopausal women. There is a paucity of data regarding ABS in men and young women. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of men and young women (<50 y) to older women (≥50 y).

Coincidence of apical ballooning syndrome (tako-tsubo/stress cardiomyopathy) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: potential common substrate and pathophysiology?

Background: Apical ballooning syndrome (ABS) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) are recently described, seemingly unrelated, reversible conditions. The precise pathophysiology of these syndromes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of a unique series of patients with both ABS and PRES.