METHODS: Adult patients who underwent stenting between July 2003 and December 2017 were included in this single-center retrospective study. We created a novel index of aortic volumetric and diameter changes using computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance (MR) images measured through TeraRecon and AngioQ. Predictors of aortic remodeling were explored using univariable linear regression analysis.
RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four patients (mean age 35.2 years, 58.2% men) underwent CoA stenting. Paired aortic diameter measurements were available in 20 patients, and 40 paired patients in volumetric measurements. There was significant reduction in aortic diameter immediately proximal to the left carotid and subclavian arteries, and the aorta distal to the stenosis (P less than .05) at follow-up. There was a significant volumetric reduction in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and the aortic segment most proximal to the top of the stent (P less than .05). Univariate predictors of aortic remodeling included sex, age, presence of previous surgical repair, aortic valve morphology, and the number of antihypertensive medications. Mean follow-up time was 4.0 ± 3.8 years, where 5% of patients underwent reintervention due to complications, 3% developed aneurysms, and 3% had stent fractures.
CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to examine the anatomical changes that occur in the aorta post stent repair through analysis of serial imaging. Patients with stent-repaired coarctation demonstrated negative remodeling in multiple areas of the aorta with regards to the aortic diameter and volumetric measurements.
METHODS: In this single centre, retrospective cohort study, we linked a detailed clinical registry with provincial administrative databases to obtain short and long-term outcomes. Validated algorithms were used to established baseline comorbidities and adverse outcomes.
RESULTS: Between 1999 and 2017, 479 patients had PFO closure with an Amplatzer PFO Occluder. The average age of the patients was 47.3 years (standard deviation (SD) = 12.4), and 54.7% were males. The procedural success was 100%, and 96% of patients were discharged on the same day. Any in-hospital complication was observed in 2.5% (n = 12) of patients. At 30 days post-discharge, 18% of patients had an ED visit and 5% a hospitalization. Over a mean follow-up of 9.1 (SD = 3.8) years, 4% experienced TIA, 1.5% stroke, and 7.6% atrial fibrillation. The composite outcome of stroke/TIA/death was observed in 10.9% of patients (1.22 events per 100 person-years). Patients >60 years old experienced higher rates of adverse events than younger patients.
CONCLUSIONS: In this large real-world cohort of patients with cryptogenic stroke, we observed excellent safety and effectiveness outcomes for PFO closure conducted with Amplatzer PFO Occluder, similar to randomized controlled trials or other long-term cohort studies. New onset atrial fibrillation was one of the most commonly adverse events. Future studies should investigate early post-discharge management of patients to prevent readmissions.