In:
Echocardiography, Wiley, Vol. 35, No. 3 ( 2018-03), p. 337-345
Abstract:
Transcatheter heart valve thrombosis ( THV ‐t) and endocarditis ( THV ‐e) are relevant complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation ( TAVI ). Transcatheter heart valve ( THV ) dysfunction definition is mostly based on Doppler (stenosis/regurgitation) without considering leaflets characteristics. Purpose To evaluate the additional diagnostic value of leaflets echocardiographic features over Doppler when prosthetic valve complication is suspected. Methods Among 621 post‐ TAVI patients, 128 cases with probable valve complication were identified. THV ‐t was finally diagnosed in 13 patients (10%) and THV ‐e in 8 (6%), while the remaining 107 (84%) had no definitive diagnosis of thrombosis/endocarditis ( THV ‐no). We analyzed at 2 time points (baseline and follow‐up) both traditional Doppler parameters and leaflets morpho‐functional features. Results Both Doppler and leaflets parameters showed high sensitivity (sensitivity 92%) and low specificity (ranging from specificity 32% to 74%) in detecting THV ‐t. Interestingly, the combination of mean aortic pressure gradient ≥20 mm Hg and leaflet thickening significantly improved the specificity of echocardiography for diagnosis of THV thrombosis (specificity 94%). On the other hand, echocardiographic diagnosis of THV endocarditis remained limited by very low sensitivity despite showing high specificity. Conclusions The combination of Doppler and leaflets parameters can improve the echocardiographic diagnosis of THV thrombosis in post‐ TAVI patients with suspicious symptoms, via a significant increase in the overall test specificity. This would potentially allow more rational gatekeeping to more expensive/invasive diagnostic examinations (eg, CT scan) or therapeutic trials (eg, unnecessary anticoagulation).
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0742-2822
,
1540-8175
DOI:
10.1111/echo.2018.35.issue-3
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2018
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2041033-5
