Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Apr 2013
Effects of aging and body size on proximal and ascending aorta and aortic arch: inner edge-to-inner edge reference values in a large adult population by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography.
Aortic size is known to vary significantly by age and body size and to be an important predictor of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine reference values for proximal thoracic aorta diameters, using the inner edge technique and two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. ⋯ The results of this study show the effect of aging on the proximal thoracic aorta and emphasize the importance of accounting for gender and body size when assessing aortic size. The obtained reference ranges will help standardize the assessment of aortic dimensions by applying inner edge convention and facilitate comparisons with other imaging techniques.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Apr 2013
Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography adds value to transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) mandates comprehensive, accurate multimodality imaging. Echocardiography is involved at all key stages and, with the advent of real-time three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography, is uniquely placed to enable periprocedural monitoring. The investigators describe a comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) and 3D echocardiographic protocol, and the additional benefits of 3D TEE, within a high-volume TAVI program. ⋯ A systematic, comprehensive echocardiographic protocol, incorporating the additional benefits of 3D TEE, has a vital role within a TAVI program and, combined with a 3D THV sizing strategy, contributes to excellent outcomes.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Mar 2013
Left ventricular global systolic longitudinal deformation and prognosis 1 year after femoral and apical transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Aortic valve replacement is the recommended therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis who have symptoms or decreased left ventricular (LV) function. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a treatment alternative in surgically high-risk or inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis. The objective of this study was to analyze LV function assessed by global LV longitudinal systolic strain (GLS) and relation to prognosis in patients with severe aortic stenosis treated with femoral or apical TAVI. ⋯ LV EF and longitudinal systolic deformation were improved in TAVI independent of technical approach using the Edwards SAPIEN valve prosthesis during 1-year follow-up. The mortality rate was comparable between technical approaches and independent of baseline LV function. However, patients with the greatest improvement in LV systolic longitudinal deformation after TAVI had a lower mortality rate.