Thaden, Jeremy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Mayo Clinic Background Variability in Doppler signals is common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and AF is common in low-gradient AS (LGAS). Presence of high single beat Doppler signals (peak velocity ≥4m/s or mean gradient ≥40mmHg) is not factored into decision-making in low-gradient aortic stenosis (LGAS). Objective Determine prevalence of at least one high Doppler signal in AF LGAS and its relationship to computed tomography aortic valve calcium score (AVCS) versus sinus rhythm (SR) high-gradient aortic stenosis (HGAS). Methods Consecutive patients with aortic valve area ≤1cm2 and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% during echo were identified (January 1, 2012-December 31, 2016). At least three consecutive Doppler signals were averaged in sinus rhythm (SR) and five in atrial fibrillation (AF). Results Of 1,854 patients, age 76± 11 years, male 52%, 301/1,854 (16%) were in AF and LGAS was present in 122/301 (41%). At least one high Doppler signal in AF LGAS was present in 43/122 (35%). AVCS within 1 year of echo was available for 36% of patient with SR HGAS and 34% of AS LGAS. Median AVCS was not different in SR HGAS 2424 (IQR 1623, 3445) vs AF LGAS with at least one high Doppler signal 2509 [IQR1547, 3119], p =0.10 AVCS threshold for severe AS (men >2000 women >1200) was met in 80% SR HGAS vs 86% AF LGAS with high signals. Conclusions High Doppler signals in AF LGAS are associated with high AVCS more frequently exceeding thresholds for severe AS. Single-beat high Doppler signals instead of the average correlate better with AVCS and classic HGAS.

Abstract Aims Despite improvements in cardiac haemodynamics and symptoms, long-term mortality remains increased in some patients after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Limited data exist on the prognostic role of left ventricular (LV) chamber stiffening in these patients. Methods and results We performed a retrospective analysis in 1893 patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) referred for AVR. LV end-diastolic pressure–volume relations (EDPVR, P = αV^β) were reconstructed from echocardiographic measurements of end-diastolic volumes and estimates of end-diastolic pressure (EDP). The impact of EDPVR-derived LV chamber stiffness (CS30, at 30 mmHg EDP) on all-cause mortality after AVR was evaluated. Mean age was 76 ± 10 years, 39% were females, and ejection fraction (EF) was 61 ± 12%. The mean LV chamber stiffness (CS30) was 2.2 ± 1.3 mmHg/mL. A total of 877 (46%) patients had high LV stiffness (CS30 >2 mmHg/mL). In these patients, the EDPVR curves were steeper and shifted leftwards, indicating higher stiffness at all pressure levels. These patients were slightly older, more often female, and had more prevalent comorbidities compared to patients with low stiffness. At follow-up [median 4.2 (interquartile range 2.8–6.3) years; 675 deaths], a higher CS30 was associated with lower survival (hazard ratio: 2.7 for severe vs. mild LV stiffening; P < 0.0001), both in patients with normal or reduced EF. At multivariate analysis, CS30 remained an independent predictor, even after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, EF, LV remodelling, and diastolic dysfunction. Conclusion Higher preoperative LV chamber stiffening in patients with severe AS is associated with poorer outcome despite successful AVR.