Marcotte, F

Abstract Background Bicuspid aortic valve (BAv) is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, resulting in valve fibrosis, calcification, and ultimately early degenerative valve disease, often necessitating premature aortic valve intervention. In recent years, growing evidence has been published supporting the role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], an important carrier of oxidized phospholipids, in the development of aortic valve disease in the general population. However, the specific influence of Lp(a) levels in patients with BAv remains to be firmly established. Purpose To assess the role of Lp(a) levels in the development of aortic valve disease and the necessity for aortic valve interventions among individuals with BAv. Methods This retrospective multicenter study encompassed consecutive patients diagnosed with BAv from January 1997 to December 2022, all of whom had undergone serum Lp(a) measurement. This study evaluated the association between Lp(a) concentrations and the occurrence of aortic valve interventions. A cutoff point of ≥30 mg/dl for high Lp(a) levels was established. Binary logistic regression was utilized to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for an aortic intervention according to high versus low Lp(a) levels. Additionally, Kaplan Meier curves were employed to estimate the cumulative requirement for an aortic valve replacement based on Lp(a) concentrations. Results A total of 452 patients with BAv and a Lp(a) measurement were included in the study, with a mean age of 37.2 ±10.5 years at the time of BAv diagnosis, with 71.2% being male. Among these, 101 (22.3%) patients underwent an aortic valve replacement. In 72 cases (71.3%) aortic stenosis was the primary indication for intervention, while aortic regurgitation accounted for 29 cases (28.7%). The presence of elevated Lp(a) levels (≥30 mg/dl) demonstrated a significant association with the requirement for an aortic valve intervention (OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.4-3.6, p<0.001) in both the regression analysis and using the Kaplan-Meier estimator (Figure). High Lp(a) concentrations posed a risk factor for aortic valve replacements regardless of whether the primary indication for intervention was significant stenosis (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.1-3.1, p=0.028) or regurgitation (OR 2.5, 95%CI 1.2-5.4, p=0.018). Conclusion Increased concentrations of Lp(a) may influence the clinical trajectory of patients with a BAv and may be a significant risk factor for aortic valve replacement, irrespective of the primary indication for intervention. Further investigations will be critical in unveiling the precise pathological mechanisms of Lp(a) in BAv. Confirming whether reducing Lp(a) levels could slow the progression of aortic disease in this demographic requires further exploration. Kaplan-Meier estimator.

Abstract Introduction Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with an increased incidence of aortic stenosis. Bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration and native aortic stenosis share similar pathological mechanisms. Evidence regarding the role of serum Lp(a) concentrations in bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration is lacking. Purpose To evaluate the association between serum Lp(a) concentrations and bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration. Methods In this retrospective multicenter study, consecutive patients who underwent a bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement between Jan-2010 and Dec-2020 and had a preoperatory serum Lp(a) measurement were included. A baseline transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed following the aortic valve replacement and a follow-up TTE was performed at least 24 months after the baseline study to determine the presence of bioprosthetic valve degeneration. Significant degeneration was defined as: (a) an increase >10 mmHg in mean bioprosthetic aortic valve gradient from baseline status + a decrease in effective orifice area + a decrease in Doppler velocity index + exclusion of clinically thrombotic leaflet thickening, OR (b) new moderate or severe prosthetic aortic regurgitation (if the main component was periprosthetic, then it was not considered). Lp(a) concentrations were compared between patients with and without degeneration and regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between bioprosthetic valve degeneration and Lp(a) levels. Results In total, 211 cases were included (mean age 74.1 ±9.4 years, 72.0% males, 29.9% transcatheter aortic valve replacements) (Figure 1). Median time between baseline and follow-up TTE was 5.0 (IQR 3.7) years. Bioprostheses degeneration was observed in 33 (15.6%) patients at follow-up. Median serum levels of Lp(a) were significantly higher in the patients affected by degeneration versus non-affected cases (50.0 vs 15.7 mg/dl, p=0.003). In the regression analysis, high Lp(a) levels (≥30 mg/dl) were associated with degeneration both in a univariate analysis (OR 4.8, 95%CI 2.2-10.9, p<0.001) and multivariate analysis adjusted by other risk factors for bioprostheses degeneration (age, sex, hypertension, smoking, patient prosthesis mismatch, creatinine levels, and body surface area) (OR 5.2, 95%CI 2.1-12.8, p<0.001). Conclusion Serum Lp(a) concentrations seem to be a risk factor for bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration (Figure 2). There is an increasing need to accurately predict bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration and to develop novel methods and treatments to increase their durability. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to investigate whether lowering Lp(a) could slow bioprostheses degradation.Population characteristicsLp(a) and bioprostheses degeneration

Abstract Introduction Right ventricular (RV) size informs about prognosis and need for pulmonary valve replacement in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered the reference standard for measurement of RV volumes. Despite known limitations for RV evaluation, 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) remains the primary and most available imaging modality in the rTOF population. Purpose To determine which TTE RV size parameters best correlate with CMR-derived indexed RV end-diastolic (RVEDVi) and end-systolic (RVESVi) volumes in the rTOF population. We sought to determine the best TTE measurement thresholds to predict normal RV volume (RVEDVi ≤110 mL/m2) and significant RV dilatation by CMR (RVEDVi ≥150ml/m2). Method We retrospectively enrolled all rTOF patients followed at a single-center between 2010 and 2018 who had both TTE and CMR exams performed within a 12-month interval. All TTE exams were reviewed by an observer measuring RV areas, RV inlet and RV outlet at end-diastole and end-systole. Analyses of CMR studies were performed by 3 observers who measured RV area, RV inlet, RV outlet and RV volumes at end-diastole and end-systole. Correlations between TTE and CMR parameters were performed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Using the TTE RV parameters with the strongest correlation with CMR, we subsequently determined thresholds to predict a CMR RVEDVi ≤110ml/m2 and ≥150ml/m2 using ROC analysis. Results We enrolled 130 patients (59 women [45%], mean age 43±12.8 years). Median age at TOF repair was 4 [3–6] years; 18 patients (14%) had subsequent pulmonary valve replacement. Median interval between TTE and CMR exams was 114 [59–239] days. There were significant correlations between all TTE parameters and CMR RVEDVi. TTE indexed RV end-diastolic area (RVEDAi) most strongly correlated with CMR RVEDVi (r=0.73, p<0.0001). All TTE RV parameters significantly correlated with CMR RVESVi but indexed RV end-systolic area had the strongest correlation (r=0.77, p<0.0001). ROC analysis performed to predict RVEDVi of ≤110ml/m2 and ≥150ml/m2 using TTE RVEDAi revealed areas under the curve of 0.86±0.04 and 0.90±0.03, respectively. A TTE RVEDAi ≤17cm2/m2 predicted a normal CMR RV volume (≤110ml/m2) with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 74%. A TTE RVEDAi ≥19cm2/m2 predicted a CMR RVEDVi ≥150 mL/m2 with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 76%. Conclusion In rTOF patients, both diastolic and systolic TTE RV area best correlate with CMR-derived RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes. A cut-off value of TTE RVEDAi of 19cm2/m2 is 93% sensitive and 76% specific to predict a CMR RVEDVi ≥150ml/m2. Simple RV size measurement using TTE may help inform the need and frequency of CMR evaluations in rTOF patients.

Abstract Introduction Systolic right ventricular (RV) function has prognostic significance both in acquired and congenital heart diseases. However accurate assessment of RV ejection fraction (EF) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) remains challenging due to the complex geometric shape of the RV. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard modality for assessment of RV function; however the cost and availability limits the regular use of MRI in clinical practice. The RV strain measured by speckle tracking (RVS) is a novel method of assessing RV EF. Purpose The purpose of the study was to assess the accuracy of RVS compared RV fractional area change (FAC%), tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) and Doppler tissue imaging-derived isovolumic acceleration and peak systolic velocity (S') at the lateral tricuspid annulus in the assessment of impaired RV EF. Methods We retrospectively identified patients who had a cardiac MRI between 2012- 2017 and only included patients with a TTE within 1 month of the MRI for our final analysis. Baseline characteristics, TTE and MRI parameters were extracted from chart review. RV strain was measured retrospectively using ECHOINSIGHT software. Four TTE parameters including RVS, TAPSE, S' and FAC% were tested for accuracy to identify impaired RV EF (defined as EF<45%) using receiver operator curves. Results The study cohort included 500 patients with mean age 55 yr ± 18 and right ventricular systolic pressure 33.7±13.6 mmHg. The proportion of female gender, diabetes, hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea were 38%, 15.6%, 43% & 19.8% respectively. The area under ROC for TAPSE, S', FAC% and RVS were 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51–0.65, p=0.03), 0.59 (95% CI 0.52–0.66, p=0.03), 0.67 (95% CI 0.61–0.73, p=0.03) and 0.70 (0.64–0.76, p=0.03) for assessing RV EF <45%. Conclusion Right ventricular strain most accurately detected impaired right ventricular ejection fraction as obtained by MRI. Acknowledgement/Funding None