BackgroundResults of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) are basically dependent on suitable patient selection. Currently used two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography (2DE) scores have many limitations. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography (3DE)-based scores were developed for better patient selection and outcome prediction. We aimed to compare between 3D-Anwar and 2D-Wilkins scores in mitral assessment for BMV, and investigate the additive value of 3DE in prediction of immediate post-procedural outcome. Fifty patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis and candidates for BMV were included. Patients were subjected to 2D- and real-time 3D-transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before and immediately after BMV for assessing MV area (MVA), 2D-Wilkins and 3D-Anwar score, commissural splitting, and mitral regurgitation (MR). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was also undertaken immediately before and intra-procedural. Percutaneous BMV was performed by either multi-track or Inoue balloon technique.ResultsThe 2DE underestimated post-procedural MVA than 3DE (p = 0.008). Patients with post-procedural suboptimal MVA or significant MR had higher 3D-Anwar score compared to 2D-Wilkins score (p = 0.008 and p = 0.03 respectively). The 3D-Anwar score showed a negative correlation with post-procedural MVA (r = − 0.48, p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for both scores revealed superior prediction of suboptimal results by 3D-Anwar score (p < 0.0001). The 3DE showed better post-procedural posterior-commissural splitting than 2DE (p = 0.004). Results of both multi-track and Inoue balloon were comparable except for favorable posterior-commissural splitting by multi-track balloon (p = 0.04).ConclusionThe 3DE gave valuable additive data before BMV that may predict immediate post-procedural outcome and suboptimal results.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s43044-019-0019-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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HighlightsThere was a non-significant difference regarding LVEF and TIMI flow between both PPCI and PI.Myocardium wall preservation was significant in early PI (P = 0.023)Mean procedural and fluoroscopic time were 35.1 ± 6.1 and 6.3 ± 0.9 min.No reported entry site complications also no difference in primary end point (P = 0.326).It is safe and effective to use TRA in STEMI patients who reperfused by either early or late PPCI or PI.

Background Trans-ulnar approach was proposed primarily for elective procedures in patients not suitable for trans-radial approach that was introduced two decades ago. The trans-ulnar approach is as safe and effective as the trans-radial approach for coronary angiography and intervention. Aim This study’s aim was to assess the feasibility and safety of the trans-ulnar approach in coronary procedures as a preliminary experience for operators experienced in trans-radial approach with no/minimal trans-ulnar approach experience at an Egyptian center. Results Vascular access in 120 patients was selected randomly for coronary angiography and angioplasty—80 through radial and 40 through ulnar approach. Patients were examined for local complications and Doppler evaluation to both radial and ulnar arteries a day after the procedure was done. Ulnar approach success was 82.5% versus 93.7% in the radial group; failure of ulnar artery puncture was the only cause of crossover in the ulnar group, while occurrence of persistent spasm was the leading cause of crossover in the radial group followed by radial artery tortuosity. The procedure time of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention of the ulnar group was significantly higher than that of the radial group (P value = 0.011 and 0.034, respectively). The mean caliber of the right ulnar artery was 2.45 ± 0.38, slightly larger than that of the radial artery 2.33 ± 0.38 at the level of the wrist, but this difference was statistically non-significant. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that ulnar access with experienced radial operators and in our patients is a safe and practical approach for coronary angiography or angioplasty, without any major complications. Bearing in mind its high success rate, it can be used when a radial artery is not useful for the catheterization or as a default approach on the expense of slightly longer procedural time.

Aortic root pathology has been described in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot, although the most common reason for repeat surgery in the adult after TOF repair relates to problems in the right ventricular outflow tract, the aortic root is often forgotten. Objective: We sought to determine those patients with known Fallot tetrallogy at risk for progressive dilatation of the thoracic aorta and explore the common predictors present in this patient group. Methods and Results: A multicenter observational study which enrolled 100 patients (50 surgically repaired and 50 before surgical repair of TOF) with standardized reassessment of echocardiographic parameters and multislice CT angiography of the heart and great vessels data. The data were reviewed and analyzed according to the demographic, morphological, surgical and clinical details. We used standard nomograms and Z score for aortic root dimensions at the level of aortic annulus, sino- 23422% of patients after intra-cardiac repair of TOF. Older age at repair, long shunt to repair interval and residual ventricular septal defect are the most common variables associated with aortopathy and aortic regurgitation in such group of patients. The second important finding is the occurrence of aortic root dilatation in 70% of patients before surgical repair of TOF; whereas male sex and TOF with pulmonary atresia appeared to be the most common variables associated with aortopathy and aortic regurgitation in this group of patients.

Background:We explore the dual benefits of sildenafil on bi-ventricular functions in the form of improvement of ejection fraction, pulmonary vascular resistance and functional capacity of systolic heart failure patients either related to dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy. Aim of the work:To evaluate the effect of oral sildenafil on biventricular function in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Patients and methods: The prospective randomised case-control study included 80 patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction resulting from dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy were equally randomised to one of the treatment groups in (1:1) who were collected from the outpatient clinic of cardiac care unit (CCU) of Beni-Suef University hospital; each group contained 40 patients: The first group (control group): received the guideline-recommended treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction which consists of [angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, aldosterone receptor antagonist, digoxin]. The second group (sildenafil group): received the previously mentioned guideline-recommended treatment in the control group plus sildenafil 25 mg three times per day. All patients were subjected to detailed history taking, baseline transthorathic echocardiography and exercise ECG using the Naughton protocol.Follow-up transthorathic echocardiography and exercise ECG was conducted after 3 months.Results: Sildenafil improves heart failure symptoms such as dyspnea or orthopnea or increasing the functional capacity of myocardium which is measured by estimated metabolic equivalents of task (METS) (P = .017), and exercise duration (P = .013). Sildenafil increased cardiac output (P = .033), which is considered one of the desirable targets in heart failure patients. Conclusion:In patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction secondary to dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy, relatively small doses of sildenafil significantly enhances exercise period and functional ability, with substantial improvement in left ventricular systolic function irrespective of the existence of major pulmonary hypertension. How to cite this article: Abdelaziz SM, Hussein RRS, El Mokadem M, Mahmoud HB. Clinical and hemodynamic effects of oral sildenafil on biventricular function on patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Int J Clin Pract.

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment of heart failure with reduced EF (HFrEF) and wide QRS complex. Nearly 30% of candidates are non-responders. One of the suggested mechanisms of inadequate response is the reduced baseline RV function; also the effect of CRT on right ventricular systolic function has not been well studied. We examined the effect of CRT on right ventricular (RV) dimensions and overall systolic function and whether RV function prior to CRT could have an impact on CRT response. Methods: 30 patients with a mean age of 51.9 ± 9.2 years including 9 (30%) females, with advanced HF (EF < 35%, LBBB > 120 ms, or non-LBBB > 150 ms, with NYHA class III or ambulatory class IV) were enrolled and underwent CRT implantation. Standard two dimensional (2D) echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, for assessment of Left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (LVEDV), and end-systolic volumes (LVESV), ejection fraction, RV maximum basal (RVD1 basal), maximum mid (RVD2 mid) transverse, maximum longitudinal (RVD3 long) diameters, TAPSE, fractional area change (FAC), right ventricle index of myocardial performance(RIMP) and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S'), were done before CRT implantation and at the end of the follow up period (6 months). Patients presenting with reduction of LVESV of >15% were considered responders. Results: 20 (67%) cases were responders. Both groups were similar regarding demographic, clinical, ECG, and echocardiographic criteria at baseline however, the RA volume and RV transverse diameters were smaller and systolic function parameters were significantly better in the responders group prior to CRT compared to non-responders (NR) group. At the end of the follow up, only the responders group had further significant reduction in RV basal, mid and longitudinal diameters together with significant improvement in RV systolic function, in contrast to non-responders group who showed more RV dilatation and more decline of RV systolic function, compared to baseline readings(with P value <0.0001 for all parameters), Correlation between RV parameters before CRT implantation and CRT response was performed and ROC curves were plotted to define cutoff values for each parameter with FAC of >40 % has 85% sensitivity and 90 % specificity (P value= 0.004). TAPSE of >20 mm has 85% sensitivity and 80 % specificity (P value=0.002), S' of >10 cm/s % has 85% sensitivity and 70 % specificity (P value=0.001) and RIMP of <0.52 has 85% sensitivity and 70 % specificity (P value=0.003) in predicting CRT response. Conclusions: CRT induces RV reverse remodeling and improves RV systolic function particularly in cardiac volumetric responders. RV systolic dysfunction before CRT implantation could identify patients that might not benefit from CRT thus helping proper patient selection and optimizing CRT response.

Background: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) of bifurcation disease remains a challenge in terms of procedural success rate as well as long term Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE), Target Lesion Revascularization (TLR), restenosis, and Stent Thrombosis (ST). Bifurcation interventions, when compared with nonbifurcation interventions, have a lower rate of procedural success and a higher rate of restenosis.