Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Understanding sympathetic nervous had never been easy. (It doesn’t in any way mean, we have mastered para-sympathetic !). As physicians and cardiologists, we are expected to know the updated adrenergic, dopaminergic, imidazoline receptors etc. We need to know at-least an overview of its current nomenclature, area of distribution, benefits of blocking and stimulating them. Unfortunately, many of us consider it as student stuff and too theoretical for a busy cardiologist.

A realistic scenerio

Then one fine day, an I-pad wielding ,medical representative would come, late in night and teach us about a new drug called Moxonidine. “Sir this is a combined alpha and Imidazoline-1 agonist. Just .2 mg is enough sir to treat any refractory HT” We nod our heads sheepishly, wondering what is that Imidazoline ? Why is this guy is saying alpha agonist* ?

*So far I had been thinking only alpha blockers, have anti-hypertensive action. It took few moments to make some sense . Oh, okay, I got it, Clonidine and Prazosin are entirely different groups of drugs, though they act on alpha receptors—one stimulating and other blocking at different sites.

This post is meant to avoid such embarrassing situations.

Final message

Let us learn new things every day , but never think, reviewing what we read in the past is a mean academic activity.

Reference

1.Paul A. Insel, M.D Adrenergic Receptors- Evolving Concepts and Clinical Implications N Engl J Med 1996;334:580-585
2.Campbell lain C, McWilliam JR, Adamson P. Central adrenergic receptors. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 1987;1(2):55-66.
doi:10.1177/026988118700100201

Read Full Post »

The answer is, yes, but a crude yes. A lot of OCT literature has taken this aspect casually. Macrophages, both resident and blood borne monocyte-macrophage, lay the foundation for the athersclerotic plaques. Currently, cardiology imaging specialists tell us, that bright spots in OCT, beneath the Intima are believed to be macrophages, based on a few histological correlation studies. If you go through these studies (Ref 1), it is almost guessing like tossing a coin .It finds 57% of bright spots were macrophages. The rest 43 % can be any of the following 7 in the list.

The causes of bright spots in OCT are too many

1.Lipid Pools/Necrotic Core: Lipid-rich areas or necrotic cores in plaques can appear as hyperreflective spots.These may mimic macrophage infiltration but are typically larger and less discrete.

2.Cholesterol Crystals: Resemble macrophage-related foci but are often linear or needle-like.

3.Calcifications: We know calcium is always a bright spotin any Imaging. Same with OCT Microcalcifications or early calcium deposits in plaques can appear as bright easily mistake formacrophage. But, unlike macrophages, calcifications are often accompanied by acoustic shadowing.

4.Fibrous Tissue: Dense fibrous tissue in stable plaques may occasionally produce bright spots, particularly if imaging artifacts enhance their reflectivity.

5.Neovascularization: Reflection due to red blood cell content or vessel wall components, mimick macrophage accumulation.

6.Thrombus: Small thrombi (red or white) within plaques can appear as bright spots.

7.Imaging Artifacts: Motion artifacts, stent strut reflections, or incomplete blood clearing during OCT imaging can produce spurious hyperreflective spots that mimic macrophages.

Please note :The most important factor in the above list, is the last one, ie technical and Imaging artifact.

Can we identify true macrohoages with emerging technologies ?

We are in the era of virtual histology. It may come true in the future. Current generation OCTs have 10 to 20 micron resolution.

 Image source (Ref 2)OCT cross-section images of the atherosclerotic vessel lumen, the location indicated by the white arrow is, rather susspected the macrophage. (C,D) 

Advanced techniques like USPIO*-enhanced OCT and μOCT** show promise for more precise macrophage detection, but they are not yet standard in clinical practice. For now, OCT remains a valuable tool for assessing plaque vulnerability, in which we believe macrophages are playing a key trigger.

*USPIO:  ultra-small superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIOs) is an MRI contrast agent

**Nishimiya K, Poduval RK, Tearney GJ. OCT Emerging Technologies: Coronary Micro-optical Coherence Tomography. Interv Cardiol Clin. 2023 Apr;12(2):237-244. doi: 10.1016/j.iccl.2023.01.001. PMID: 36922064.

What is purpose of identifying these macrophages with such costly technology?

Not much really. May be a feel of scientific enthrallment. Of course, it can help monitor plaque healing, which is going to happen anyway whether we visulaize it or not if proper medications are taken (Intensive dose statin). Ofcoure ,these imaging modes do have a role , if we want to know how the macrophages are going to feed on the bio-absorbable stents.

Final message

All that blinks bright in OCT, are not macrophages. Virtual histology-based interventions are great scientific tools, but have little value in cath lab interventions as of now.

Reference

1.Phipps J.E., Vela D., Hoyt T.et al. : “Macrophages and intravascular OCT bright spots: a quantitative study”. J Am Coll Cardiol Img 2015; 8: 63.

2.Li Z, Tang H, Tu Y. Molecular and Nonmolecular Imaging of Macrophages in Atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2021 May 19;8:670639. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.670639. PMID: 34095259; PMCID: PMC8169961.

3.Phipps JE, Vela D, Hoyt T, Halaney DL, Mancuso JJ, Buja LM, Asmis R, Milner TE, Feldman MD. Macrophages and intravascular OCT bright spots: a quantitative study. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2015 Jan;8(1):63-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2014.07.027. Epub 2014 Nov 5. PMID: 25499133; PMCID: PMC4297553.

Follow up question

Do the macrophages invade the stent metal ?

The answer is an unequivocal yes. The catch is, DES , tends to whip out the macrophages from its vicinty . BMS welcomes it . Which is good ? Think about it , answer will be very surprising.

Read Full Post »

I am neither an active or inactive Interventional cardiologist. But, I have sat through numerous sessions of complex PCI workshops. I used to wonder why they give so much importance to the side branch crossing. Obviously, it must be for some good reason. I did this brief write-up, trying to comprehend some sense. Hope the experts would agree with this.

Read Full Post »

It is an unusual study on STEMI ,yet profound, in adding clinical wisdom in this techno era. The study is titled : Symptoms Predictive of Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Troponin Era: Analysis From the TRAPID-AMI Study . Kudos to the Henry ford hospital team, for thinking to produce such a study .

This study looked into the clinical characters of STEMI presentation and correlated with various aspects including Troponin levels with reference tothe clinical factors.

Reproducing just one sample data about the character of chest pain. Please go through the complete paper.

Few observations need a comment

The pull or catchining type of pain has 0% likelyhood of STEMI.The last in the list is mentioned as dyspnea is of great importance.It is the angina equivalnet ,which is reported to be 50 % is quiet high.

One observation, and an unlikely miss I could found, is the incidence of epigastric pain and rare abdominal pain in some of those pateints with inferio posterior MI where it direct intimacy with diaphgram and whcih can radiate downwrds.We have missed some cases as acute abdomen, as pancreatitis , later on proven to be RCA STEMI.

Final message

We keep talking at length, dozens of listless trials fighting between single or two stent strategies in bifurcation lesions in every compulsive interventional workshop. Currently, I don’t think any conference would give a stage space to discuss trials such as TRAP-AMI which can infuse fresh thoughts in youngsters’ minds. It is an unrealistic wish though; any cardiology scientific committee should be mandatorily instructed to allot at least 30% of time to clinical cardiology that can bring back the field of cardiology, on the righteous track again.

Reference

1.McCord J, Aurora L, Lindahl B, Giannitsis E, Calle-Muller C, Nowak R, Body R, Christ M, deFilippi CR, Christenson RH, Jacobsen G, Alquezar A, Panteghini M, Melki D, Plebani M, Verschuren F, French J, Bendig G, Weiser S, Mueller C; TRAPID-AMI Investigators. Symptoms Predictive of Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Troponin Era: Analysis From the TRAPID-AMI Study. Crit Pathw Cardiol. 2019 Mar;18(1):10-15. doi: 10.1097/HPC.0000000000000163. PMID: 30747759.

Read Full Post »

1.Is systemic HT an advantage ?so that high pressure head aids in pushing the blood across the lesion. ?

I don’t know whether I can say Yes*, physiologically, the high proximal pressure and low distal pressure help maintain the flow. The distal drop happens due to the tightness of the lesion itself, but that is counterproductive, unless tone of the distal microvascular bed is intact and dilates fully.

*Mind you, IABP during cardiogenic shock, essentially does this – keep the coroanry diastolic pressure high.

However, there are significant caveats.

There is law of diminishing Returns : In a 90% lesion, the resistance is so high that even elevated Pa may not substantially increase flow due to the fixed obstruction. Hypertension increases left ventricular afterload, raising myocardial oxygen demand. In a 90% LAD lesion with compromised flow, this can worsen ischemia, outweighing any flow benefit from higher pressure.

2.What happens to trans-lesion flow during hypotension ?

This has direct implications when a patient with a significant lesion develops hypotension due to a systemic cause like dehydration or postoperative hypovolemia. We have often observed transient ST/T changes in a postoperative patient that may or may not lead to full-blown ACS.

To know what exactly happens across a lesion, we need to understand coronary autoregulation and its limits. Coronary autoregulation maintains stable myocardial blood flow despite changes in coronary perfusion pressure. Its limits and range are as follows. .

The famous dog experiment on the coronary flow on depressurisation (Ref 2)

Range of Autoregulation: In healthy coronary arteries, autoregulation operates effectively between perfusion pressures of approximately 50–60 mmHg to 120–140 mmHg. Within this range, vascular smooth muscle in coronary arterioles adjusts resistance to maintain near-constant blood flow.Lower Limit: Below 50–60 mmHg, autoregulation fails, and blood flow becomes pressure-dependent. This can lead to ischemia, especially in the subendocardium, which is most vulnerable due to higher oxygen demand.Upper Limit: Above 120–140 mmHg, maximal vasodilation is reached, and further increases in pressure do not significantly increase flow.

However , we don’t know how this autoregulatory biological servo control, is tampered in the presence of a single or a tandem lesions.

3.How does FFR gets altered during exertion in such lesion ?

We have very limited data available on this and are essentially ignorant . FFR during exertion typically decreases compared to rest due to the amplified pressure gradient across the stenosis driven by increased flow demand and limited reserve.However collaterals can mitigate this fall in FFR.

Final message

Putting a stent across 90% lesion surely is a childish task, when compared to understanding complex hemodynamic vortices that happen across it.

Reference

1.Johnson NP, Gould KL, De Bruyne B. Autoregulation of Coronary Blood Supply in Response to Demand: JACC Review Topic of the Week. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021 May 11;77(18):2335-2345. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.03.293. PMID: 33958131.

2.Smalling RW, Kelley K, Kirkeeide RL, Fisher DJ. Regional myocardial function is not affected by severe coronary depressurization provided coronary blood flow is maintained. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1985 Apr;5(4):948-55. doi: 10.1016/s0735-1097(85)80438-1. PMID: 3973297.

Read Full Post »

We know, stress tests can give false positive results suggesting ischemia in at least 20% of patients for various reasons . It can occur with systemic (Anemia) and cardiac conditions such as HT, LVH, baseline ECG changes, or myocardial disease.

Here is a middle-aged man who went for an annual health check and ended up with this TMT. His exercise capacity was good at 11 METs, stopped at early stage 4 standard Bruce. He was asymptomatic, and every other parameter was normal.

Images: Resting, Peak, severe positive response, in lead V5 and V6. Every cardiologist advised some form of CAG. Opinions were so diverse, ranging between silent left main, tight proximal LAD to innocuous false positive.

What is your inference ? The patient seeked by advice It was indeed an academic stress test. There is a frightening ST depression I said. yes the rest is very likely to be false positive but I don’t have the courage to commit so. Mostly, you can’t escape from a coronary angiogram” . Next option is CT angiogram, Thallium or dobutamine stress.

It was indeed an academic stress test. There is a frightening ST depression . Very difficult to Ignore. May be, it could be false positive but I don’t have the courage to commit so. Mostly, you can’t escape from a coronary angiogram” .Other options are  CT angiogram, Thallium or dobutamine stress.

He smiled and said, “You are absolutely right, doctor. Out of 5 cardiologists I consulted, 4 asked me to go for an immediate angiogram. Still, I escaped because of one Egyptian cardiologist.”

I was eager to see what he did . This is the test he did.

Yes. It was indeed a smart move. The shrewd cardiologist did a bicycle ergometry and simultaneous echocardiogram without any drugs or injections. He could confidently rule out significant CAD (by absence of any wall motion defect). Hats off to him. Lets earn some courage from such truely learnt cardiologist.

Final message

Most of us (Cardiologists) find it difficult to trust the physiological data that come from history, ie excercise capcity . We are obsessed with anatomy. Though, we eloborately debate about physiology-based intervention inside cathlab in every conference.

Our flawed intellect keeps asking this question: How can I trust physiology (Flow) without documenting a good anatomy? In fact, truth is the other way around. A good epicardial anatomy rarely guarantee good physiology. (It is worth recalling, CAG, the investigation we celebrate as the gold standard, images only about 2% of the entire coronary vasculature.)

A well-documented near physiologically flowing coronary circulation, negates the need to document anatomy through whihc it flows,however shabby or good it may be. (For the FFR & iFR guys, it must be mentioned that a negative stress test implies a net combined three-vessel FFR of > 0.9.)

Postamble

There was a well-accepted holistic, yet scientific concept roaming around in cardiology academic circles in the 1990s. (Of course, now it is thrown to the dustbin.) It said, if anybody crosses 10 METs in TMT, he or she is unlikely to harbor a significant lesion; even if there is one, it usually doesn’t require a metallic fix.

Read Full Post »

In pregnant women with significant heart disease : A quick LSCS or a potentially prolonged natural delivery,which is more safe ?

In pregnant women with significant heart disease, the choice between natural vaginal birth and a cesarean section (LSCS) depends on several factors, including the specific type and severity of the heart condition, the overall health of the mother and fetus, and the recommendations of a multidisciplinary medical team (typically involving obstetricians, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists). There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Hemodynamics of normal delivery

Natural delivery involves the physiological stress of labor, which includes increased cardiac output, blood pressure fluctuations, and oxygen demand, peaking at 50-80% above baseline during contractions and pushing. For women with significant heart disease (e.g., severe mitral stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, or cardiomyopathy), prolonged labor could strain the heart excessively, potentially leading to decompensation, heart failure, or arrhythmias. The unpredictability of labor duration is a key concern, as it might delay intervention if complications arise.

A planned C-section, on the other hand, offers a controlled environment with predictable timing and monitored anesthesia (often regional, like spinal ,graded spinal or epidural, which can minimize hemodynamic shifts compared to general anesthesia). It avoids the prolonged cardiac stress of labor and allows immediate access to surgical intervention if needed. However, it’s not risk-free: C-sections increase the risk of bleeding, infection, and fluid shifts post-delivery, which can also challenge a compromised heart. Recovery might also be tougher on someone with limited cardiac reserve.

Evidence leans toward individualized decisions rather than a universal preference. For example, women with conditions like Marfan syndrome and aortic dilatation (>4 cm) or Eisenmenger syndrome often have C-sections recommended due to the risk of aortic rupture or acute heart failure during labor. In contrast, women with well-managed, less severe conditions (e.g., repaired congenital defects) might safely attempt vaginal delivery with careful monitoring and a low threshold for intervention.

The American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology guidelines suggest that for high-risk cardiac patients (e.g., WHO Class III or IV), a planned C-section under controlled conditions is often safer, especially if labor could become prolonged or unpredictable. Epidural anesthesia and assisted vaginal delivery (e.g., forceps) can sometimes bridge the gap, reducing labor strain while avoiding surgery, but this requires a stable patient and skilled team.

Is LSCS really more safe ?

Ultimately, “more safe” hinges on the specific case. A quick C-section in a monitored setting often edges out natural delivery for significant heart disease because it minimizes uncertainty and prolonged stress—but it’s not without trade-offs. The medical team would weigh the patient’s cardiac function (e.g., ejection fraction, symptoms), fetal status, and delivery logistics. If you’re asking about a specific scenario, feel free to give me more details, and I can refine the answer further

Dictums can’t dictate

Is the generally accepted dictum, that ceserain section is meant only for obsterical Indication, still valid in most cardiac patients?

It is true , cesarean section is reserved for obstetric indications—like fetal distress, breech presentation, or failure to progress in labor, has historically been rooted in minimizing surgical risks and prioritizing natural delivery when possible. However, in the context of pregnant women with cardiac disease, this principle isn’t universally upheld as a strict rule. For cardiac patients, the decision often shifts from purely obstetric factors to a broader risk-benefit analysis that includes maternal cardiac safety, sometimes overriding the “obstetric indication only” guideline.

In women with significant heart disease, the physiological demands of labor (e.g., increased cardiac output, blood pressure spikes, and oxygen consumption) can pose a direct threat to maternal survival, even if the pregnancy itself is obstetrically uncomplicated. Conditions like severe pulmonary hypertension, advanced heart failure, or critical aortic stenosis carry high maternal mortality risks during labor—sometimes 30-50% in extreme cases like Eisenmenger syndrome. Here, a planned C-section isn’t just about the baby; it’s about keeping the mother alive. This makes maternal cardiac status a valid indication for C-section, challenging the traditional obstetric-only framework.

However, the dictum still holds some relevance for cardiac patients with milder or well-controlled conditions (e.g., WHO Class I or II, like a repaired atrial septal defect with normal function). In these cases, vaginal delivery is often preferred if obstetric factors don’t demand otherwise, as it avoids surgical risks like bleeding, infection, or anesthesia-related complications that could still tax a less-severe cardiac condition. Assisted vaginal delivery (e.g., with forceps or vacuum) and epidural anesthesia can further reduce labor strain, making natural birth feasible and safe.

Current guidelines, from the American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology, reflect this changing perception . They recommend individualized plans rather than blanket rules. For high-risk cardiac patients (WHO Class III or IV), a C-section is frequently favored—often scheduled around 34-36 weeks if preterm delivery is tolerated—regardless of obstetric status, because the controlled setting trumps the unpredictability of labor. For lower-risk patients, the obstetric indication rule still guide us, unless cardiac monitoring suggests otherwise.

It must me emphasised , the discipline of the multidisciplinary team , especially the egoless ineractions of all members is the key. Type of anesthesia and their cooperation and expertise will be a defining factor many times.

Final message

So, the dictum is no longer valid in all cardiac patients” anymore—it’s just sort of entered our minds and refuse to go away. (There are set of contions and absolute indication for LSCS in heart disese. Every one agrees on that) The purpose of this write up is to look beneath those established Indications.

There is an urgent need for some “academic tinkering” to this decades old, much revered dictum, for the beenfit of mother and baby May be , It applies where cardiac risk is low and obstetric needs dominate, but for severe heart disease, maternal cardiac indication alone can justify a C-section. The shift reflects better understanding of cardio-obstetric interplay and prioritizes outcomes over tradition.

Counterpoint

Guidelines are still dilly-dallying between choices of delivery , based on tradition, technology, expertise & experince (Ref 2 : vouch against LSCS), I think, the obstetrician who is the captain of the multidisciplinary team along with her anesthetist and intensivist are the best persons to take the call. Cardiologist’s role is generally minimal in most situations except for that critical moral support , few management advices and ofcourse for legal protection.

Reference

1 https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehy340

2.Ruys TP, Roos-Hesselink JW, Pijuan-Domenech A, Vasario E, Gaisin IR, Iung B, Freeman LJ, Gordon EP, Pieper PG, Hall R, Boersma E, Johnson MR. Is a planned caesarean section in women with cardiac disease beneficial? Heart 2015;101:530–536.

3.Park K, Bairey Merz CN, Bello NA, Davis American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee and the Cardio-Obstetrics Work Group. Management of Women With Acquired Cardiovascular Disease From Pre-Conception Through Pregnancy and Postpartum: JACC Focus Seminar 3/5. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021 Apr 13;77(14):1799-1812. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.01.057. PMID: 33832606; PMCID: PMC8061780.

Read Full Post »

This is the Image of JVP wave forms from the famous original paper by BORST JG, MOLHUYSEN JA. in 1954 paper in Lancet.(Ref 1)

JVP typically has three positive waves and two negative waves. The “A” waves are due to atrial contraction while V waves are due to passive atrial filling. A waves are timed prior to S1 and V waves peak around S2. A tiny c wave interrupts the “x” descent . The word “c” could refer either to the RV contractile force or carotid contamination in the neck or simply a controversial wave.

The downward waves are X and Y descent. The major X descent is due to systolic atrial filling*, when the tricuspid valve is closed. Y descent is diastolic atrioventricular filling.

One interesting echocardiographic correlation has been observed. The force, power, and amplitude of X descent indirectly reflect RV contractility, and it can be referred to as poor man’s TAPSE.


One clinical question often asked in cardiology boards for fellows.

What are the difference between V waves that occur in ASD and Tricuspid regurgitation ?

V waves in ASD vs Tricuspid regurgitation

V wave is due to passive filling wave of atria when the ventricle is  contracting and Tricuspid valve is closed.This physiological v wave . In ASD*, this wave just gets exaggerated as the right atrium receives  the shunted blood from left atrium when the trisupid valve is closed. Since it almost resembles normal atrial flow pattern , both X descent and Y descent are retained ,and y may be slighly prominent in ASD.

In Tricuspid regurgitation , the V waves are truly  pathological in terms of opened tricuspid valve and  timing of TR jet which fills the atria in systole rather thanin diastole. (Note this is different from the  excessive diastolic filling of atria as in ASD )

While Y descent is prominent in both ASD and TR ,the X descent in TR is lost for simple reason. tricuspid valve is leaking and TR jet abolish  the systolic X descend, rather it becomes a   X-ascent (Conventionaly  called CV waves)

*Please note, the  v waves of ostium primum ASD, may not follow this rule as MR from cleft mitral valve further modifies the v wave.

Final message

When we analyse the V waves in  JVP  , it is important to assess its timing, relative to 2nd sound  and also the both the descents  to derive maximum hemodynamic information. 

Reference

1.BORST JG, MOLHUYSEN JA. Exact determination of the central venous pressure by a simple clinical method. Lancet. 1952 Aug 16;2(6729):304-9. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(52)92474-4. PMID: 14955978.

2.Parikh DN, Fisher J, Moses JW, Goldberg HL, Levin AR, Engle MA, Borer JS. Determinants and importance of atrial pressure morphology in atrial septal defect. Br Heart J. 1984 May;51(5):473-9. doi: 10.1136/hrt.51.5.473. PMID: 6721943; PMCID: PMC481536.

3.Akabane, S., Asamoto, M., Azuma, S. et al. Assessment of the relationship between central venous pressure waveform and the severity of tricuspid valve regurgitation using data science. Sci Rep 14, 24839 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-74890-8

Read Full Post »

I saw two patients recently, with a similar degree of hypertension and LVH. One with a normal-sized LA and the other with a mild LA enlargement.

When checked for the “E” declaration time, it was found to be absolutely normal in the patient who had LAE. The one with normal LA size had a relatively short DT and his functional capacity was less.

52-year-old man with HT, and LVH with mild LAE. His E DT was very much normal a1 178 ms. He has a good functional capacity. I expected a grade 2 diastolic dysfunction. But, none of the other parameters were convincing. Used to think, if LA is enlarged, it must be a little advanced form of diastolic dysfunction. Though It is still true in many, but, this case, demand us to dwell into these two important parameters of LV diastolic function.

What is the relationship between Left atrial size and Mitral “E” decceleration time ?

The conventional and straightforward answer is they are inversely related.

We know Left atrial size typically reflects the chronicity of elevated left atrial pressure or volume overload, which can result from conditions such as mitral valve disease, left ventricular dysfunction, or atrial fibrillation. An enlarged LA is often a marker of prolonged stress on the atrium due to increased filling pressures or impaired left ventricular relaxation.

Mitral E velocity deceleration time (DT) is a measure derived from Doppler echocardiography, representing the time it takes for the early diastolic filling velocity (E wave) to decline from its peak to baseline.

In healthy individuals with normal LA size and normal diastolic function, DT is typically within a normal range (e.g., 160–240 ms), and LA size does not significantly influence DT. In pathological states, an enlarged LA (e.g., LA volume index >34 mL/m²) combined with a shortened DT (<160 ms) indicate restrictive physiology or advanced diastolic dysfunction.

Question 2

Is this Inverse relation always right ?

There is generally an inverse relationship between LA size and mitral E velocity DT in the context of diastolic dysfunction with elevated LA pressure. LA size increases due to pressure overload, DT tends to decrease. However, the exact relationship is much more complex. If LA enlargement is due to volume overload (e.g., chronic mitral regurgitation) without significantly elevated pressure, DT may not shorten dramatically.

If the LA is stiff and non-compliant, the E deceleration time is likely to be short, and an inverse relation is acceptable logic. But, if the LA is more accommodative and relaxed, mild enlargement actually reduces the LA mean pressure, and E deceleration gets normalized even if it was prolonged earlier due to diastolic dysfunction.

LA behaviour is still a mystery X factor in diastolic dysfunction.

This throws up a fundamental question in our understanding of diastolic dysfunction. Some degree of LA flexibility and compliance reduces the LA mean pressure, and could relieve the symptoms. In this process, the mitral DT also is kept within the normal limits. In fact, now I have asked my fellows to analyze a concept of normalization of DT with progressive LA dilatation in hypertensive patients. This is contrary to the belief that LA dilatation is an ominous sign.

I think it is worth propsoing and pursuing a new concept.” LA dimension has a U curve phenomenon at least within the certain Iniital increments either in size or volume” . LA cannot be too stiff, at the same time it can’t yield out like a balloon.When does an LA decide to dilate and when does it resist is the question ? An agile atria without fibrosis, degeneration, and optimal fluidity extracellular matrix could be the defining factor.

Final message

Understanding the duality in the realtionship between LA size and E deccleration time seems to be crtical. A stiff, non-compliant LA aligns with a short DT and an inverse relationship with LA size in high-pressure states.A relaxed, accommodative LA with mild enlargement may not affect DT significantly and could even normalize it by reducing LA pressure, especially if DT was prolonged due to early LV diastolic dysfunction.

This behavior underscores why LA size and DT must be interpreted along side other factors like LA pressure estimates (e.g., E/e’ ratio), LV compliance, and the underlying pathology.

* A research question for fellows in cardiology

Read Full Post »

The short answer is, Yes.

Detailed answer is also yes : Read further please.

The MitraClip procedure, is designed to reduce mitral regurgitation (MR) by approximating the mitral valve leaflets, can alter the direction or nature of residual MR, including potentially converting a central MR jet into an eccentric one . This possiblity depends on the pre-procedural anatomy, the placement of the clips, and the resulting changes in mitral valve dynamics.

Central MR in ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) typically arises from functional MR, where symmetric annular dilation and leaflet tethering (due to LV remodeling) create a central regurgitant jet through a malcoapted valve. The MitraClip works by grasping the anterior and posterior leaflets, usually at the A2-P2 segments, to create a double-orifice valve, reducing the regurgitant orifice area. When successful, this diminishes the overall MR volume, often preserving the jet’s central nature if residual MR remains.

However, if the clip placement is asymmetri or if multiple clips are positioned unevenly, the geometry of the mitral valve can shift. This could redirect the residual regurgitant flow. For example, if the clip is placed more toward the medial or lateral commissure, or if it disproportionately restricts one leaflet’s motion (e.g., excessive tethering of the posterior leaflet), the remaining gap might produce an eccentric jet directed toward the opposite side of the left atrium.

Echocardiographic studies post-MitraClip occasionally report changes in jet direction. While the primary goal is MR reduction, not all procedures eliminate regurgitation entirely, and residual MR jets can appear eccentric depending on how the leaflets coapt after clipping. For instance, if the clip reduces central coaptation but leaves a smaller, off-center orifice, the jet might angle toward the atrial wall, resembling eccentric MR seen in organic valve disease (e.g., prolapse). This isn’t necessarily a conversion from central to eccentric in the classical sense but rather a modification of the residual flow pattern.

Clinical data doesn’t frequently highlight this as a major issue. In trials like COAPT and MITRA-FR, the focus is on MR severity reduction rather than jet direction, and eccentric jets aren’t systematically reported as a post-procedural phenomenon. However, case studies and operator experiences suggest that jet redirection can occur, particularly with suboptimal clip positioning or in complex anatomies.

Implication of new onset eccentric jet

1.Eccentric jet directed towards one of the pulmonary veins can cause unpredictable postural dyspnea.

2.Eccentric jets are difficult to quantify the exact post clip ERV.

3.Can Interfere with favorable remodelling of LA

4.Might Increase IE risk

Final message

Mitra-clip is an innovative catheter-based MR jet interrupter. However, it is not surprising this device could convert a central MR into an eccentric MR, considering the fact that it tampers with mitral valve orifice morphology almost blindly. Adding more complexity is that, the clip brings one more “Neo-regurgitation orifice”. Mitra-clip still can be useful in very selected patients, where it regresses the MR significantly. But, experience tells us the importance of precise clip deployment guided by meticulous imaging and expertise.

Postamble and a follow up question

Can mitraclip convert an eccentric jet into a central one ?

It would be great if this is possible .The problem here is , it need too much precision and overcoming the uncertainity of the iatogenic second jet morphology.

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »