Relationship of inflammatory indices with left atrial appendage thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND Inflammatory indices derived from complete blood tests have been reported to be associated with poor outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF).The data about the relationship between inflammatory indices and left atrial appendage thrombus(LAAT)or dense spontaneous echo contrast(SEC)are limited.AIM To explore the value of inflammatory indices for predicting the presence of LAAT or dense SEC in nonvalvular AF patients.METHODS A total of 406 patients with nonvalvular AF who underwent transesophageal echocardiography were included and divided into two groups based on the presence(study group)or absence(control group)of LAAT or dense SEC.Inflammatory indices,including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet–tolymphocyte ratio(PLR),and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio(LMR),were calculated from complete blood analysis.The associations of inflammatory indices RESULTS LAAT and dense SEC were detected in 11(2.7%)and 42(10.3%)patients,respectively.The PLR only showed an association with LAAT/dense SEC in the univariate model.Elevated NLR(odds ratio[OR]=1.48,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.11-1.98,P=0.007)and reduced LMR(OR=0.59,95%CI:0.41-0.83,P=0.003)were found to be independent risk factors for the presence of LAAT/dense SEC.The areas under the NLR and LMR curves for predicting LAAT/dense SEC were 0.73(95%CI:0.66-0.80,P<0.001)and 0.73(95%CI:0.65-0.81,P<0.001),respectively,while the cutoff values were 2.8(sensitivity:69.8%;specificity:64.0%)and 2.4(sensitivity:71.7%;specificity:60.6%),respectively.CONCLUSION Increased NLR and decreased LMR may predict LAAT/dense SEC in patients with nonvalvular AF.

Left atrial appendage occluder detachment treated with transthoracic ultrasound combined with digital subtraction angiography guided catcher:A case report

BACKGROUND There are very few cases of cardiac occluder detachment,and it is rare to completely remove the occluder using interventional methods without undergoing thoracotomy surgery after detachment.This case innovatively used ultrasound guidance combined with digital subtraction angiography(DSA)to completely remove the occluder,accumulating some experience.CASE SUMMARY The patient underwent left atrial appendage occlusion surgery in our hospital due to atrial fibrillation.After the surgery,the occluder fell off and became free in the left ventricle,which is very dangerous.We innovatively used ultrasound guidance,combined with DSA,and interventional surgery to successfully capture the free occluder using a catcher,completely remove it,and then re implant a new left atrial appendage occluder.After the surgery,the patient recovered very well.CONCLUSION The size selection of the occluder is slightly conservative,and the shape of the left atrial appendage opening is irregular.

Comparing Short-Term Outcomes of Right Mini-Thoracotomy and Median Sternotomy for Isolated Left Atrial Myxoma Excision

Background: Left atrial myxoma (LAM) is the most common heart tumor in adults, requiring prompt surgical removal to prevent complications like valvular obstruction or embolization. Objectives: This study aimed to compare early postoperative outcomes between two surgical approaches—right mini-thoracotomy and median sternotomy—for the removal of isolated left atrial myxoma. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute (NHFH&RI), Mirpur, Dhaka, from March 2017 to August 2019. Twenty-eight patients undergoing surgery for isolated left atrial myxoma were included. The surgical approach was determined by the operating surgeon. We analyzed outcomes like intubation time, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale score), and overall hospital stay using SPSS. Statistical significance was set at p Results: Patients in the right mini-thoracotomy group had longer mean intubation times (11.43 vs. 5.93 hours, p Conclusion: Despite longer intubation and ICU times, the right mini-thoracotomy approach offers a minimally invasive alternative for isolated left atrial myxoma excision, with favorable outcomes overall.

The Clinical Association of Left Atrial Function with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

The left atrium (LA) has been recognized as a morphophysiological barometer of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. Because in the myocardial ischemia cascade where LV diastolic dysfunction often precedes LV systolic dysfunction, the LA which fashions as an early marker of diastolic anomaly, could equally reflect a declining LV function and/or be a good predictor of potential sequelae. We assessed this association of LA function with reduced LV systolic function among hospitalized patients. Among patients with reduced LV ejection fraction, LA passive ejection fraction was lower (0.172 ± 0.12 vs. 0.232 ± 0.14, p = 0.013) whereas LA kinetic energy was higher (6.48 ± 6.3 vs. 4.57 ± 3.5, p = 0.005). Echocardiographic assessment of LA function, therefore, appears correlated with LVEF and could be important when risk stratifying hospitalized patients.

Progress in the study and treatment of peri-device leak after left atrial appendage closure

For patients with atrial fibrillation with an increased risk of stroke and contraindications to long-term anticoagulation,percutaneous left atrial appendage closure(LAAC)has become an important alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation.Incomplete closure of the LAAC during the procedure leads to faster blood flow in the interstitial space around the device,resulting in peri-device leak(PDL),which is not uncommon.Studies are still inconclusive in determining the incidence,long-term safety,and management of PDL.Therefore,this article reviewed the progress made in the research and treatment of PDL after LAAC.

“Treat-Repair-Treat”:Management of Left Main Coronary Compression by a Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Atrial Septal Defect and Significant Pulmonary Hypertension

Left main coronary compression syndrome(LMCS)may complicate pulmonary artery aneurysms(PAA),usually developed in the context of pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH).We report the case of a 51-year-old female patient with an atrial septal defect(unsuitable for device closure)complicated by a PAA generating a 90%left main stenosis.The significant PAH held us back from immediate surgery.After specific dual PAH-targeted therapy(sildenafil and bosentan),the atrial septal defect could be closed with a unidirectional valved patch;the PAAinduced LMCS was treated by reductive arterioplasty.The postoperative course was uneventful.Follow-up showed clinical improvement,but PAH treatment was still needed.After three months,coronary angiography showed only an insignificant residual left main stenosis,proving that reductive pulmonary arterioplasty was effective in treating LMCS.Any PAA requires further evaluation for LMCS,a dangerous but treatable complication.The“treat-repair-treat”strategy and shunt-closure with a unidirectional valved patch can both improve surgical prospects of LMCS with shunt-related PAH.

Assessment of Left Atrial Function by Full Volume Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography and Left Atrial Tracking in Essential Hypertension Patients with Different Patterns of Left Ventricular Geometric Models

Objective To evaluate left atrial function in essential hypertension patients with different patterns of left ventricular geometric models by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography （RT-3DE） and left atrial tracking （EAT）.

Predictive value of red cell distribution width on left atrial thrombus or left atrial spontaneous echo contrast in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of red cell distribution width （RDW） on left atrial thrombus （LAT） or left atrial spontane- ous echo contrast （LASEC） in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation （AF）. Methods We reviewed 692 patients who were diagnosed as non-valvular AF and underwent transesophageal echocardiography （TEE） in Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute from April 2014 to December 2015. The baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory test of blood routine, electrocardiograph measurements were analyzed. Results Eighty-four patients were examined with LAT/LASEC under TEE. The mean RDW level was significantly higher in LAT/LASEC patients compared with the non-LAT/LASEC patients （13.59% ± 1.07% ws. 14.34% ± 1.34%; P 〈 0.001）. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed and indicated the best RDW cut point was 13.16%. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that RDW level 〉 13.16% could be an independent risk factor for LAT/LASEC in patients with AF. Conclusion Elevated RDW level is associated with the presence of LAT/LASEC and could be with moderate predictive value for LAT/LASEC in patients with non-valvular AF.

Surgical left atrial appendage occlusion during cardiac surgery： A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical left atrial appendage occlusion(s-LAAO) during concomitant cardiac surgery.METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search through May 31 st 2018 for all eligible studies comparing s-LAAO vs no occlusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Clinical outcomes during follow-up included: embolic events, stroke, all-cause mortality, atrial fibrillation(AF), reoperation for bleeding and postoperative complications. We further stratified the analysis based on propensity matched studies and AF predominance.RESULTS Twelve studies(n = 40107) met the inclusion criteria.s-LAAO was associated with lower risk of embolic events(OR: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.53-0.76; P < 0.001) and stroke(OR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.57-0.82; P < 0.0001).Stratified analysis demonstrated this association was more prominent in the AF predominant strata. There was no significant difference in the incidence risk of allcause mortality, AF, and reoperation for bleeding and postoperative complications.CONCLUSION Concomitant s-LAAO during cardiac surgery was associated with lower risk of follow-up thromboembolic events and stroke, especially in those with AF without significant increase in adverse events. Further randomized trials to evaluate long-term benefits of s-LAAO are warranted.

Evaluation of left atrial remodelling following percutaneous left atrial appendage closure

Atrial fibrillation prevalence is increasing with age, reaching up to 5% of patients older than 65 years, and is associated with 20%-30% of stroke episodes in that population.

Progress in the Study of the Left Atrial Function Index in Cardiovascular Disease:A Literature Review

Some studies have shown that left ventricular structure and function play an important role in the risk stratifi cation and prognosis of cardiovascular disease.The clinical application of left atrial function in cardiovascular disease has gradually attracted attention in the cardiovascular fi eld.There are many traditional methods to evaluate left atrial function.Left atrial function related indexes measured by echocardiography has been identifi ed as a powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease in recent years,but they have some limitations.The left atrial function index has been found to evaluate left atrial function more effectively than traditional parameters.Furthermore,it is a valuable predictor of the risk stratifi cation and prognosis in patients with clinical cardiovascular disease such as heart failure,atrial fi brillation,hypertension,and coronary heart disease.

Left Atrial Volume Index in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy—Correlation with Left Ventricular Function

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relation of left atrial (LA) volume and LA volume index with left ventricular function and to determine the association of duration of symptoms and left atrial volume index in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, single centre study conducted in India. A total of 50 patients who were admitted to department of cardiology from July, 2008 to February, 2009 with diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and an ejection fraction of <40% were included. Results: Of the 50 patients, 34 (68%) were males. 27 (54%) patients were in NYHA class II and 23 (46%) patients were in NYHA class III. LA volume was found to be ≥40 ml in all patients. LV function and LA volume were found to be correlated (r = -0.789, p < 0.01). Similarly, there was a correlation between LV function and LA volume index (r = -0.826, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between LA volume index and duration of symptoms (r = 0.04). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a strong inverse correlation between LA volume and left ventricular function and also between LA volume index and left ventricular function. The patients with NYHA class III were having larger left atrial volume than those with NYHA class II. Moreover, the duration of symptoms has no correlation with left atrial volume index.

Analysis of risk factors for left atrial thrombosis in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis

Objective To analyse the risk factors for left atrial thrombosis in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. Methods From January 2001 to December 2008,2277 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis underwent operations in our hospital. There were 737 males and 1540 females,the age ranged from 19 to 84 years [average (50.9 ±10.2) years]. Left atrial thrombosis group

Left atrial enlargement and non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as risk factors for left atrial thrombus/spontaneous Echo contrast in patients with atrial fibrillation and low CHA2DS2-VASc score

Objective To determine the risk factors for thromboembolism in lower risk patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(AF)and low CHA2DS2-VASc scores,which remain undefined.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the baseline clinical characteristics,routine laboratory parameters,and echocardiographic measurements of 705 patients(71.1%male;mean age:52.10±9.64 years)with low CHA2DS2-VASc score(0 or 1;1 point for female sex)out of 1346 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF who underwent transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)at Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute between January 2013 and December 2015.Results Patients with left atrial thrombus(LAT)or spontaneous echo contrast(SEC)on TEE(24/705,4%)showed a higher incidence rate of vascular disease(54.2%vs.32.9%,P=0.045)and non-paroxysmal AF(79.2%vs.29.4%,P<0.001),larger left atrial diameter(43.08±4.59 vs.36.02±5.53 mm,P<0.001),and lower left ventricular ejection fraction(58.23±8.82%vs.64.15±7.14%,P<0.001)than those without.Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified left atrial diameter[odds ratio(OR)=1.171,95%confidence interval(CI):1.084–1.265,P<0.001]and non-paroxysmal AF(OR=3.766,95%CI:1.282–11.061,P=0.016)as independent risk factors for LAT/SEC.In ROC curve analysis,a left atrial dimeter cutoff of 37.5 mm yielded 95.0%sensitivity and 62.7%specificity(AUC:0.847,P<0.0001,95%CI:0.793–0.914).Conclusion In patients with non-valvular AF with low CHA2DS2-VASc score,the presence of LAT or SEC was associated with left atrial enlargement,which had moderate predictive value,and non-paroxysmal AF.

Percutaneous devices for left atrial appendage occlusion: A contemporary review

Patient with atrial fibrillation(AF) are at risk of developing stroke with the left atrial appendage(LAA) being the most common site for thrombus formation. If left untreated, AF is associated with 4 to 5 folds increase in the risk of ischemic stroke in all age groups. About 5% to 15% of AF patients have atrial thrombi on transesophageal echocardiography, and 91% of those thrombi are located in the LAA in patient with nonrheumatic AF. Although oral anticoagulants are the gold-standard treatment for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular AF,some patients are at high risk of bleeding and deemed not candidates for anticoagulation. Therefore, LAA occlusion(LAAO) has emerged as alternative approach for stroke prevention in those patients. Surgical LAAO is associated with high rate of unsuccessful closure and recommended only in patients with AF and undergoing cardiac surgery. Percutaneous LAAO uses transvenous access with trans-septal puncture and was first tested using the PLAATO device.Watchman is the most common and only Food and Drug Administration(FDA)approved device for LAAO. LAAO using Watchman device is non-inferior to warfarin therapy in preventing ischemic stroke/systemic thromboembolism.However, it is associated with lower rates of hemorrhagic stroke, bleeding and death. Amplatzer is another successful LAAO device that has CE mark and is waiting for FDA approval. Optimal antithrombotic therapy post LAAO is still under debate and highly patient-specific. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the current literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different LAAO devices.

Device-related thrombosis on atrial septal defect occluder after simultaneous closure of left atrial appendage and atrial septal defect: a case report

An atrial septal defect (ASD) may cause right heart dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension and atrial fibrillation (AF), and atrial septal defect occlusion (ASDO) is the first choice for treating secundum defects when the morphology permits. ASD and AF frequently coexist, and the risk of AF and stroke persists after ASDO.[1] In recent years, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has been recognized as an effective treatment for stroke prevention in nonvalvular AF patients with a high risk of stroke, systemic embolism and bleeding who are unwilling to take oral anticoagulants or cannot tolerate them.

Assessment of Left Atrial Function in Diabetes Mellitus by Left Atrial Volume Tracking Method

The value of the left atrial volume tracking (LAVT) method in the evaluation of left atrial (LA) function in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) was examined in this study.Fifty-eight DM patients as DM group and 40 healthy people as normal control group were enrolled in this study.EUB-6500 echocardiographic imaging system with LAVT was applied to display and analyze the LA volume curve imaging on LV apical two and four chamber views.The maximal LA volume at end-systole (LAV max),LA volume at the onset of ECG-P wave (LAV p),the minimal LA volume at end-diastole (LAV min) from the LA volume curve were acquired and recorded.All values above were standardized by body surface area (BSA).Then the passive,active and total LA volume (LAVIpass,LAVIact,LAVItotal) and empting rate (%LAVIpass,%LAVIact,%LAVItotal),effective passive and active empting rate (%eLAVIpass,%eLAVIact),and the proportionality of passive empting volume and active empting volume were calculated.The LAVIp,LAVIact,LAVItotal,%LAVIact,%LAVItotal and %eLAVIact were significantly higher in the DM group than those in the control group,whereas the LAVIpass,%LAVIpass,%eLAVIpass and LAVIpass/act were lower (all P【0.05).For the LA volume change in DM,the active empting volume was enhanced at end-diastole.It was concluded that LAVT is a potentially useful tool to evaluate the function of LA.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics associated with left atrial thrombus detection: Apixaban

BACKGROUND The prevalence of left atrial appendage(LAA) thrombus detection by transesophageal echocardiogram(TEE) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(AF) anticoagulated with apixaban is not well defined and identification of additional risk factors may help guide the selection process for pre-procedural TEE. The purpose of our study was to retrospectively analyze the prevalence of LAA thrombus detection by TEE in patients continuously anticoagulated with apixaban for ≥ 4 wk and evaluate for any cardiac risk factors or echocardiographic characteristics which may serve as predictors of thrombus formation.AIM To retrospectively analyze the prevalence of LAA thrombus detection by TEE in patients continuously anticoagulated with apixaban.METHODS Clinical and echocardiographic data for 820 consecutive patients with AF undergoing TEE at Augusta University Medical Center over a four-year period were retrospectively analyzed. All patients(apixaban: 226) with non-valvular AF and documented compliance with apixaban for ≥ 4 wk prior to index TEE were included.RESULTS Following ≥ 4 wk of continuous anticoagulation with apixaban, the prevalence ofLAA thrombus and LAA thrombus/dense spontaneous echocardiographic contrast was 3.1% and 6.6%, respectively. Persistent AF, left ventricular ejection fraction < 30%, severe LA dilation, and reduced LAA velocity were associated with thrombus formation. Following multivariate logistic regression, persistent AF(OR: 7.427; 95%CI: 1.02 to 53.92; P = 0.0474), and reduced LAA velocity(OR:1.086; 95%CI: 1.010 to 1.187; P = 0.0489) were identified as independent predictors of LAA thrombus. No Thrombi were detected in patients with a CHA2 DS2-VASc score ≤ 1.CONCLUSION Among patients with non-valvular AF and ≥ 4 wk of anticoagulation with apixaban, the prevalence of LAA thrombus detected by TEE was 3.1%. This suggests that continuous therapy with apixaban does not completely eliminate the risk of LAA thrombus and that TEE prior to cardioversion or catheter ablation may be of benefit in patients with multiple risk factors.

A three-year longitudinal study of the relation between left atrial diameter remodeling and atrial fibrillation ablation outcome

Background The long-term prognostic influence of left atrial diameter （LAD） remodeling on the status of post-radiofrequency catheter ablation （RI CA） atrial fibrillation （AF） is unclear. This study employed a two-stage model from 3-year echocardiographic data to ascertain whether the two-stage model predicts RFCA outcome more favorably than models using the baseline LAD. Methods Data were retrospectively collected from 263 consecutive patients with drug-refractory AF undergoing RFCA. Regular echocardiographic measurements of LAD were performed at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and then every 6 months after RFCA. Sex, age, type of AF, number of RFCA, and AF status were recorded. We obtain the actual （predicted） 3-year LAD using a longitudinal linear mixed model （1st stage）. Logistic regression models based on the baseline LAD （Model 1）, actual （predicted） 3-year LAD （Model 2） （2nd stage）, and observed 3-year LAD （Model 3） were constructed to predict RFCA outcome. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve （AUC） were used to assess the performance of models. Results The lowess smoothed curve indicated that the LAD declined over the first three months and remained stable up to 36 months after RFCA. The degree of LAD reduction was significantly influenced by the baseline LAD. Non-paroxysmal AF, large LAD and female gender were significant predictors of AF recurrence. Model 2 had the largest AUC among the three models. Conclusions This longitudinal study-based two-stage model outperforms the original logistic model using the baseline LAD. Non-paroxysmal AF, larger LAD and female gender are significant predictors of RFCA failure.

Left atrial appendage occluder implantation for stroke prevention in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation： acute and long-term results

Atrial fibrillation （AF） is the most common cardiac ar-rhythmia in clinical practice with an increasing incidenceand prevalence. With ageing, the risk of thromboembolicand hemorrhagic events increases dramatically. As it hasbeen reported previously, 3-year survival rate among pa-tients with AF over 75 years of age after stroke is less than50%, and almost 90% of those patients will remain dis-abled.