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Introduction: Intraoperative trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been found to underestimate severity of aortic stenosis (AS) compared to trans-thoracic echo (TTE). We conducted a prospective study comparing pre induction TTE and intra operative TEE grading of AS in patients posted for aortic valve replacement surgeries., Methods: Sixty patients with isolated AS who were undergoing aortic valve replacement were enrolled in our study. Baseline TTE was done and after induction of anesthesia, TEE was done. Mean gradient across aortic valve, peak jet velocity, aortic valve area (AVA) by continuity equation and dimensionless index (DI) were assessed in both., Results: Mean gradient decreased from 56.4 in TTE to 39.8 mm Hg in TEE leading to underestimation of AS in 74.5% of patients (P < 0.0). Mean of peak jet velocity also decreased from 500 in TTE to 386cm/s in TEE (P < 0.01). In 76 % of patients this led to reduction of AS grade from severe to moderate. Mean AVA was 0.67 cm 2 in TTE and 0.69 cm 2 in TEE. Though there was 0.02 cm 2 increase, it was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). All the patients remained as severe AS in TEE. DI mean was 0.19 in both TTE and TEE (P = 0.14).It led to underestimation of severity in 6% of patients in TEE., Conclusion: Our study shows that AVA measurement by continuity equation and DI are reliable in grading aortic stenosis while performing intraoperative TEE. Mean gradient and jet velocity can be significantly reduced.

We report a rare case of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm of both right and left coronary sinus (LCS), with perforation of the LCS opening into the left ventricle. The LCS aneurysm with its perforation was undiagnosed on transthoracic echocardiography emphasizing the role of transesophageal echocardiography in delineating the anatomy.

Diastolic dysfunction is common in cardiac disease and an important finding independent of systolic function as it contributes to the signs and symptoms of heart failure. Tissue Doppler mitral early diastolic velocity (Ea) combined with peak transmitral early diastolic velocity (E) to obtain E/Ea ratio provides an estimate of the left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. However, E/Ea has a significant gray zone and less reliable in patients with preserved ejection fraction (>50%). Two-dimensional echocardiographic speckle tracking measure myocardial strain and strain rate (Sr) avoiding the Doppler-associated angulation errors and tethering artifacts. Global myocardial peak diastolic strain (Ds) and diastolic Sr (DSr) at the time of E and isovolumic relaxation combined with E (E/Ds and E/10 DSr) have been recently proposed as novel indices to determine LV filling pressure. The present article elucidates the methodology of studying diastology with strain echocardiography along with the advantages and limitations of the novel technique in light of the available literature.

Background: Prophylactic use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) mainly depends on left ventricular (LV) systolic function. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a robust prognostic parameter for LV strain. It has proved to be more sensitive than LV ejection fraction (EF) as a measure of LV systolic function and is a strong predictor of outcome. Aim: To determine whether GLS can be used as a reliable marker and its cut-off value for IABP insertion in patients undergoing elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG). Settings and Design: A prospective observational clinical study which included 100 adult patients scheduled for elective OPCABG. Materials and Methods: Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)-estimated GLS was computed and compared with LV EF measured by three dimensional (3D) echocardiography for the insertion of IABP. The intensive care unit (ICU) parameters were correlated with echocardiographic parameters to predict early post-operative outcome. Results: IABP insertion correlates better with GLS (post-revascularization > pre-revascularization) than with 3D LV EF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed the highest area under the curve (AUC, 0.972) with a cut-off value of > -9.8% for GLS compared to 3D LV EF (AUC, 0.938) with a cut-off value of = 44%. ICU parameters show better correlation with E/e'> GLS > WMSI than 3D LV EF. Conclusion: GLS is a better predictor of IABP insertion compared to 3D LV EF in patients undergoing OPCABG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) can complicate the postoperative course of patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). The phenomenon of LVOTO is a consequence of an interplay of various pathoanatomic mechanisms. The prevailing cardiovascular milieu dictates the hemodynamic significance of the resultant LVOTO in addition to the anatomical risk factors. A thorough understanding of the predisposing factors, mechanism, and hemodynamic sequel of the obstruction is pivotal in managing these cases. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination aids in risk prediction, diagnosis, severity characterization, and follow-up of management efficacy in the setting of postoperative LVOTO. The armamentarium of management modalities includes conservative (medical) and surgical options. A stepwise approach should be formulated based on the physiological and anatomical substrates predisposing to LVOTO. The index phenomenon occurs more frequently than appreciated and should be considered when the post-AVR patients exhibit hemodynamic instability unresponsive to conventional supportive measures. The present article provides an overview of various peculiarities of this under-recognized phenomenon in the context of the perioperative management of patients undergoing AVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The postoperative course following on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is often unpredictable. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify predictors of poor postoperative outcome in this subset of patients. Design Prospective observational study Setting Single university hospital Participants Forty patients with severe LV systolic dysfunction undergoing isolated on-pump CABG Interventions None Measurements and Main Results Comprehensive transesophageal echocardiographic examination was performed to obtain the indices of systolic and diastolic LV function after induction of anesthesia. A poor postoperative outcome was defined as patient death or vasoactive inotropic score≥20 for at least 6 hours and/or requiring intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation and/or mechanical ventilation for≥24 hours. Poor postoperative outcome was observed in 40% (16/40) of patients. Patients with poor postoperative outcomes had a significantly higher systolic dyssynchrony index, septal-lateral delay with a significantly lower global longitudinal strain and isovolumic acceleration, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and lateral and medial mitral annulus systolic velocity. In a binary logistic regression model, global longitudinal strain (odds ratio, 1.5, confidence interval [CI] 95%, 1.19-1.88, p = 0.001), septal-lateral delay (odds ratio, 1.02, 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; p = 0.001) and systolic dyssychrony index (odds ratio, 1.3, 95% CI, 1.13-1.48; p = 0.000) were found to be predictors of poor postoperative outcome. Conclusion Global longitudinal strain, systolic dyssynchrony index, and septal-lateral delay were reliable and accurate predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with severe LV systolic dysfunction undergoing on-pump CABG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease) arising from infestation with a larval or adult form of the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm is endemic in certain states of India, but affecting interventricular septum (IVS) solitarily is a scarce phenomenon. We present a rare case of transesophageal echocardiography guided management of IVS hydatid cyst even during cardiopulmonary bypass, which presented with a rather unusual complaint of repeated syncope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved cosmetic appearance, reduced pain and duration of post-operative stay have intensified the popularity of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS); however, the increased risk of stroke remains a concern. In conventional cardiac surgery, surgeons can visualize and feel the cardiac structures directly, which is not possible with MICS. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is essential during MICS in detecting problems that require immediate correction. Comprehensive evaluation of the cardiac structures and function helps in the confirmation of not only the definitive diagnosis, but also the success of surgical treatment. Venous and aortic cannulations are not under the direct vision of the surgeon and appropriate positioning of the cannulae is not possible during MICS without the aid of TEE. Intra-operative TEE helps in the navigation of the guide wire and correct placement of the cannulae and allows real-time assessment of valvular pathologies, ventricular filling, ventricular function, intracardiac air, weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and adequacy of the surgical procedure. Early detection of perioperative complications by TEE potentially enhances the post-operative outcome of patients managed with MICS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]