Progression of Non-Significant Mitral and Tricuspid Regurgitation after Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Regurgitation.

Little is known about the natural history of non-significant mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (MR and TR) following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for aortic regurgitation (AR). We retrospectively analyzed 184 patients (median age 64 (IQR, 55-74) years, 76.6% males) who underwent SAVR for AR.

Acute Reduction in Left Ventricular Function Following Transcatheter Mitral Edge-to-Edge Repair.

Background Little is known about the impact of transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair on changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the effect of an acute reduction in LVEF on prognosis. We aimed to assess changes in LVEF after transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair for both primary and secondary mitral regurgitation (PMR and SMR, respectively), identify rates and predictors of LVEF reduction, and estimate its impact on prognosis. Methods and Results In this international multicenter registry, patients with both PMR and SMR undergoing transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair were included.

Improved Screening Reduces Transesophageal Study Cancellations at a Large Tertiary Israeli Medical Center.

Background: Cancellation of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) tests leads to inefficient use of echocardiography laboratory (echo lab) time and wastes resources.

Objectives: To identify the causes of same-day TEE cancellations in hospitalized patients, to formulate a TEE order screening protocol, and to evaluate its efficacy at implementation.

Methods: We performed a prospective analysis of inpatients referred to a single tertiary hospital echo lab for TEE study by inpatient wards.

Primary cardiac mesothelioma presenting with fulminant recurrent pericarditis: a case report.

Background: Primary pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare disease. Prognosis is poor, with little effects of chemo- or radio-therapy. The majority of cases is diagnosed at autopsy.

Severe aortic stenosis echocardiographic thresholds revisited.

Background: In view of inconsistencies in threshold values of severe aortic stenosis (AS) hemodynamic indices, it is unclear what is the relative contribution of each variable in a binary classification of AS based on aortic valve replacement (AVR) indication. We aimed to assess relative discriminative value and optimal threshold of each constituent hemodynamic parameter for this classification and confirm additional prognostic value.

Methods: Echocardiography studies of 168 patients with ≥ moderate AS were included.