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This study sought to minimize the risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) with contemporary repositionable self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).Self-expanding TAVR traditionally carries a high risk of PPMI. Limited data exist on the use of the repositionable devices to minimize this risk.At NYU Langone Health, 248 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis underwent TAVR under conscious sedation with repositionable self-expanding TAVR with a standard approach to device implantation. A detailed analysis of multiple factors contributing to PPMI was performed; this was used to generate an anatomically guided MInimizing Depth According to the membranous Septum (MIDAS) approach to device implantation, aiming for pre-release depth in relation to the noncoronary cusp of less than the length of the membranous septum (MS).Right bundle branch block, MS length, largest device size (Evolut 34 XL; Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota), and implant depthMS length predicted PPMI. On multivariate analysis, only implant depthMS length (odds ratio: 8.04; 95% confidence interval: 2.58 to 25.04; p 0.001) and Evolut 34 XL (odds ratio: 4.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.68 to 14.63; p = 0.004) were independent predictors of PPMI. The MIDAS approach was applied prospectively to a consecutive series of 100 patients, with operators aiming to position the device at a depth of MS length whenever possible; this reduced the new PPMI rate from 9.7% (24 of 248) in the standard cohort to 3.0% (p = 0.035), and the rate of new left bundle branch block from 25.8% to 9% (p 0.001).Using a patient-specific MIDAS approach to device implantation, repositionable self-expanding TAVR achieved very low and predictable rates of PPMI which are significantly lower than previously reported with self-expanding TAVR.

Recent improvements in 3D TEE post processing rendering techniques referred to as TrueVue (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA, USA). It allows for novel photorealistic imaging of cardiac structures including left atrial appendage (LAA) and its closure devices. Here we present TrueVue images of the LAA prior to and after LAA exclusion/occlusion using various percutaneous and surgical techniques. TrueVue may improve delineation of LAA anatomy prior to occlusion as well as visualization of occluder device position within the LAA.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • The WaveCrest device is a novel LAA occluder with unique features. • Two-dimensional and 3D TEE and fluoroscopy are essential for successful implantation. • Air between layers of WaveCrest ePTFE fabric may obscure visualization on TEE.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is one of the most commonly encountered valvular lesions in clinical practice. MR can be either primary (degenerative) or secondary (functional) depending on the etiology of MR and the pathology of the mitral valve (MV). Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic tool for MR and is key in determining this etiology as well as MR severity. While clinicians usually turn to 2 Dimensional echocardiography as first-line imaging, 3 Dimensional echocardiography (3DE) has continually shown to be superior in terms of describing MV anatomy and pathology. This review article elaborates on 3DE techniques, modalities, and advances in software. Furthermore, the article demonstrates how 3DE has reformed MR evaluation and has played a vital role in determining patient management.

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) comprises a group of congenital cardiovascular anomalies associated with pulmonary venous flow directly or indirectly into the right atrium. Scimitar syndrome is a variant of PAPVR in which the right lung is drained by right pulmonary veins connected anomalously to the inferior vena cava. Surgery is the definitive treatment for scimitar syndrome. However, it is not always necessary as many patients are asymptomatic, have small left-to-right shunts, and enjoy a normal life expectancy without surgery. We report multimodality imaging in four adults with scimitar syndrome and the implications for management of this rare syndrome.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and is a major risk factor for embolic stroke. In this article, the authors describe the crucial role of two- and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the pre- and postprocedural assessment and intraprocedural guidance of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion procedures. Although recent advances have been made in the field of systemic anticoagulation with the novel oral anticoagulants, these medications come with a significant risk for bleeding and are contraindicated in many patients. Because thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation typically arises from thrombi originating in the LAA, surgical and percutaneous LAA exclusion/occlusion techniques have been devised as alternatives to systemic anticoagulation. Currently, surgical LAA exclusion is typically performed as an adjunct to other cardiac surgical procedures, which limits the number of eligible patients. Recently, several percutaneously delivered devices for LAA exclusion from the systemic circulation have been developed, some of which have been shown in clinical trials to reduce the risk for thromboembolism. These devices use an either purely endocardial LAA occlusion approach, such as the Watchman and Amulet procedures, or both an endocardial and a pericardial (epicardial) approach, such as the Lariat procedure. In the Watchman and Amulet procedures, a transseptally delivered structure composed of nitinol is placed in the LAA orifice, thereby excluding the LAA from the systemic circulation. In the Lariat procedure, a magnet link is created between a transseptally delivered endocardial wire and epicardially delivered pericardial wire, followed by epicardial suture ligation of the LAA.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Aorto-right ventricular fistula is a rare diagnosis and is on the spectrum of aortic periannular rupture. • Multimodality imaging is crucial in identifying aortic periannular rupture, defining its course, and for preprocedural planning. • We describe a case of aorto-right ventricular fistula, which was successfully treated using an Amplazter vascular plug intravenous device (St. Jude Medical) and is to our knowledge the first reported case of using a plugging device for this type of disorder.

Aortic root thrombus is an uncommon complication of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). We present the case of a 71-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent destination therapy HeartMate II LVAD placement. Eighteen months later, he presented with a cerebrovascular accident followed by myocardial infarction. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed an aortic root thrombus spanning the left and noncoronary cusps and obliterating the left main coronary artery. We discuss the incidence, risk factors, and management of aortic root thrombus in LVAD patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report of three-dimensional echocardiography used to characterize an LVAD-associated aortic root thrombus.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and is a major risk factor for embolic stroke. For patients with atrial fibrillation who are unable to tolerate systemic anticoagulation, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion has been shown to mitigate stroke risk. In this article, we describe the vital role of the echocardiographer in intraprocedural guidance of percutaneous LAA occlusion procedures as well as in the pre- and post-procedure assessment of these patients. A few percutaneously delivered devices for LAA exclusion from the systemic circulation are available in contemporary practice. These devices employ an either exclusive endocardial LAA occlusion approach, such as the Watchman (Boston Scientific, Maple Grove, MN) and Amulet (St. Jude Medical, Minneapolis, MN), or both an endocardial and pericardial (epicardial) approach such as the Lariat procedure (SentreHEART, Palo Alto, CA). Two- and three-dimension transesophageal echocardiography is critical for patient selection, procedure planning, procedural guidance, and ensuring satisfactory immediate as well as long-term LAA occlusion/exclusion efficacy. This review will provide an overview of the role of the echocardiographer in all aspects of LAA occlusion/exclusion procedures for the most commonly used commercially available devices in current practice.

Lipomatous atrial septal hypertrophy (LASH) is a histologically benign cardiac lesion characterized by excessive fat deposition in the region of the interatrial septum that spares the fossa ovalis. The etiology of LASH remains unclear, though it may be associated with advanced age and obesity. Because of the sparing of the fossa ovalis, LASH has a pathognomonic dumbbell shape. LASH may be mistaken for various tumors of the interatrial septum. Histologically, LASH is composed of both mature and brown (fetal) adipose tissue, but the role of brown adipose tissue remains unclear. In interventional procedures requiring access to the left atrium, LASH may interfere with transseptal puncture, as traversing the thickened area can reduce the maneuverability of catheters and devices. This may cause the needle to enter the epicardial space, causing dangerous pericardial effusions. LASH was once considered a contraindication to percutaneous device closure of atrial septal defects because of an associated increased risk for incorrect device deployment. However, careful attention to preprocedural imaging and procedural intracardiac echocardiography enable interventional cardiologists to perform procedures in patients with LASH without serious complications. In this review article, the authors describe anatomic and functional aspects of LASH, with emphasis on their roles in percutaneous interventions.

Background Individuals referred for stress testing to identify coronary artery disease may have nonobstructive atherosclerosis, which is not detected by stress tests. Identification of increased risk despite a negative stress test could inform prevention efforts. Abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Hypothesis Routine ABI testing in the stress laboratory will identify unrecognized peripheral arterial disease in some patients. Methods Participants referred for stress testing without known history of atherosclerotic disease underwent ABI testing (n = 451). Ankle-brachial index was assessed via simultaneous arm and leg pressure using standard measurement, automated blood-pressure cuffs at rest. Ankle-brachial index was measured after exercise in 296 patients and 30 healthy controls. Abnormal postexercise ABI was defined as a >20% drop in ABI or fall in ankle pressure by >30 mm Hg. Results Overall, 2.0% of participants had resting ABI ≤0.90, 3.1% had ABI ≥1.40, and 5.5% had borderline ABI. No patient with abnormal or borderline ABI had an abnormal stress test. Participants who met peripheral arterial disease screening criteria (age ≥65 or 50–64 with diabetes or smoking) tended toward greater frequency of low ABI (2.9% vs 1.0%; P = 0.06) and were more likely to have borderline ABI (0.91 to 0.99; 7.8% vs 2.9%; P = 0.006). Postexercise ABI was abnormal in 29.4% of patients and 30.0% of controls (P not significant). Conclusions Ankle-brachial index screening at rest just before stress testing detected low ABI in 2.0% of participants, all of whom had negative stress tests.

An 85-year-old woman presented with severe degenerative native mitral regurgitation (MR) in the setting of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 65%. Transesophageal echocardiograp...

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for low gradient (LG) severe aortic stenosis (AS) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains an area of clinical uncertainty. METHODS: Retrospective review identified 422 patients who underwent TAVR between September 4, 2014 and July 1, 2016. Procedural indication other than severe AS (n = 22) or LVEF ≤50% (n = 98) were excluded. Outcomes were defined by valve academic research consortium two criteria when applicable and compared between LG (peak velocity

Background: Prediction of cardiovascular risk in younger patients is particularly challenging. Most current risk estimators underestimate risk potentially leading to under-treatment in younger patients with significant risk factors for atherosclerosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients age 20 to 50 (n = 274) referred to a cardiology clinic between 2013 and 2016 and undergoing carotid ultrasound for risk stratification and statin initiation was conducted. A medical history was obtained by chart review at the time of carotid ultrasound. The 2008 Framingham general risk score was used to calculate a 10-year cardiac risk. Carotid plaque was defined using standard definitions as carotid artery focal wall thickening 50% or greater than the surrounding vessel wall or a focal region > 1.5 mm protruding into the lumen. Results: Average age was 41 ± 7.9 years, 60% male, 77% Caucasian, 4% diabetes. Ten percent (n = 27) had carotid plaque noted on ultrasound. Those with plaque compared to those without were older (46 ± 4.3 vs. 41 ± 7.5, p < 0.01), more likely to have hypertension (HTN) (52% vs. 20%, p < 0.01), more likely to be active smokers (19% vs. 6%, p = 0.02) and had higher total cholesterol (222 ± 53 mg/dl vs. 202 ± 45 mg/dl, p = 0.04) and LDL-C (140 ± 40 mg/dl vs. 121 ± 43 mg/dl, p = 0.04). No differences were noted in gender, race, body mass index, diabetes or family history of early heart disease. The average cardiac risk score was 5.9 ± 3.5% for those with plaque and 4.2 ± 3.2% for those without (p < 0.01). When assessing the same population by number of risk factors, 93% (n = 25) of individuals with carotid plaque had ≥ 2 cardiac risk factors (one point each for age 40 to 50, smoking, family history of heart early disease, obesity, LDL > 160 mg/dl, DMII or HTN). This compared to 37% (n=10) who had carotid plaque on imaging and a risk score ≥ 7.5%. Receiver operator curve characteristics to predict plaque were similar for the cardiac risk score (AUC 0.674) and number of cardiac risk factors (AUC 0.674, p = 0.96). Conclusion: In patients 50 years or younger, ≥ 2 cardiac risk factors revealed a higher percentage of carotid plaque than a Framingham cardiac risk score cut off value of ≥ 7.5%. In younger patients with cardiac risk factors, novel algorithms are needed to more accurately guide medication therapy.

Congenital absence of left atrial appendage (LAA) is an extremely rare condition and its physiological consequences are unknown. We present two cases of incidental finding of a congenitally absent LAA in a 79-year-old male who presented for routine transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to rule out intracardiac thrombus prior to placement of biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and a 54-year old female who presented for TEE prior to radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation. Characterization of patients with such an absence is important because congenitally absent LAA may be confused with flush thrombotic occlusion of the appendage. There are very few published reports of congenital absence of LAA. To our knowledge, our report is the first to demonstrate the congenital absence of LAA by 3D transesophageal echocardiography.

A 77-year-old woman with a history of failed mitral valve (MV) repair with severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation underwent MV replacement with a 25-mm Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna bovine bioprosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) with resolution of symptoms. After 6 months

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of 3D transesophageal echocardiography still images and movies of mechanical mitral valves, mitral bioprostheses, and mitral valve repairs. Alongside these visual descriptions, the historical overview of surgical and percutaneous mitral valve intervention is described with the special emphasis on the incremental value of 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE). For each mitral valve intervention, 2D echocardiography, chest x-ray, and fluoroscopy images corresponding to 3DTEE are given. In addition, key references on echocardiographic imaging of individual valves and procedures are enumerated in accompanying figures and tables.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is routinely used to assess for thrombus in the left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, little is known about the outcome of AF ablation in patients with documented LAA sludge. We hypothesize that AF ablation can be performed safely in a proportion of patients with sludge in the LAA and may have a significant benefit for these patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing AF ablation at New York University Langone Medical Center (NYULMC) from January 1st 2011 to June 30, 2013. Patients with sludge found on their TEE immediately prior to AF ablation were identified and followed for stroke, AF recurrence, procedural complications, major bleeding, or death. Among 1,076 patients who underwent AF ablation, 8 patients (mean age 69 ± 13 years; 75 % men) with sludge were identified. Patients with sludge in their LAA had no incidence of early or late occurrence of stroke during mean follow-up of 10 months. One patient had a left groin hematoma, and two patients had atrial tachycardias that needed a repeat ablation. TEE at the time of repeat ablation demonstrated the presence of spontaneous echo contrast (smoke) and resolution of sludge. There were no deaths. In a cohort of eight patients with LAA sludge who underwent AF ablation, no significant thromboembolic events occurred during or after the procedure. AF ablation can be performed safely and may be beneficial in these patients. Larger studies are warranted to better determine the most appropriate management route.

Although gender related differences have been explored in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), differences in aortic valvar complex and cardiac anatomy and their potential influence on outcomes remain poorly elucidated. A consecutive contemporary series of patients undergoing TAVR were

Post-dilatation (PD) for self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) demands a distinct procedural strategy and availability of an appropriate sheath and balloon and the identification of patients requiring PD for TAVR has other implications, such as case selection for

To review the utility and the latest developments in three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography of mitral valve prolapse. Although 3D echocardiography was invented in 1974, it did not gain wide clinical acceptance until the introduction of real-time 3D echocardiography in the first decade of the 21st century. Driven by improvements in probe technology and increases in computing power, 3D echocardiography now provides unprecedented images of mitral valve prolapse and its associated mitral regurgitation with no or minimal requirements for image post processing. 3D echocardiography has become the echocardiographic modality of choice for establishing the diagnosis, describing the precise anatomy, and visualization of mitral regurgitant jets in mitral valve prolapse. 3D echocardiography is becoming indispensable in guiding surgical and percutaneous methods of mitral valve repair and replacement.

Contraindications to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) include various esophageal pathologies, but compression of the esophagus by vertebral osteophytes is not listed in the current American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. We report a case of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in an 81-year-old man who had incidentally been found to have extrinsic esophageal compression by cervical osteophytes prior to a proposed TEE. The incidence of esophageal perforation in patients with DISH and vertebral osteophytes is not well documented. We believe these patients are at increased risk of esophageal perforation during TEE, and thus, TEE may be relatively contraindicated in patients with DISH.

The preferred depth of implant for self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become increasingly high. However, the impact on outcomes of contemporary self-expanding valves (SEV), which are both retrievable and repositionable, has been poorly elucidated. We sought to study the

Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF TAVR) can be performed under general anesthesia (GA) or moderate sedation (MS). Despite observational studies suggesting a shorter length of stay (LOS), shorter procedural time and a similar mortality rate with MS, only 5% of patients

Carotid atherosclerosis is implicated in 20–30 % of strokes. However, the annual risk of stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis is less than 5 %. Symptomatic carotid stenosis poses a greater risk for recurrent stroke with estimates as high as 15 % per year. This paper aims to raise awareness of populations at risk for carotid stenosis, the role of carotid screening and the sensitivity and specificity of various diagnostic modalities. The results of previous trials that support current guidelines for management of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis will also be reviewed.

Using the continuity equation, 2D echocardiography can underestimate the aortic valve area (AVA), largely due to errors in measuring the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area. Here we compare LVOT area measurements obtained by 3D echocardiography against the standard 2D measurement. 73

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is a significant cause of embolic stroke. Although systemic anticoagulation is the primary strategy for preventing the thromboembolic complications of AF, anticoagulants carry major bleeding risks, and many patients have contraindications to their use. Because thromboembolism typically arises from a clot in the left atrial appendage (LAA), local therapeutic alternatives to systemic anticoagulation involving surgical or percutaneous exclusion of the LAA have been developed. Surgical exclusion of the LAA is typically performed only as an adjunct to other cardiac surgeries, thus limiting the number of eligible patients. Furthermore, surgical exclusion of the LAA is frequently incomplete, and thromboembolism may still occur. Percutaneous LAA exclusion includes two approaches: transseptal delivery of an occlusion device to the LAA and epicardial suture ligation of the LAA, the LARIAT procedure. In the LARIAT procedure, a pretied snare is placed around the epicardial surface of the LAA orifice via pericardial access. Proper snare placement is achieved with epicardial and endocardial magnet-tipped guidewires. The endocardial wire is advanced transvenously to the LAA apex after transseptal puncture. The epicardial wire, introduced into the pericardial space, achieves end-to-end union with the endocardial wire at the LAA apex. The snare is then placed over the LAA, tightened, and sutured. On the basis of early clinical experience, the LARIAT procedure has a high success rate of LAA exclusion with low risk for complications. The authors describe the indispensable role of real-time transesophageal echocardiography in the guidance of LAA epicardial suture ligation with the LARIAT device.

Intravenous microbubble contrast agents are frequently used during ultrasound imaging to improve endocardial border detection, enhance Doppler signals, differentiate thrombi from tumors or define vascular anatomy. Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) with or without addition of atropine is a standard technique for evaluation of coronary artery disease. Noncontrast or contrast-enhanced DSE is generally considered a safe procedure. We report what appears to be the first case of new-onset seizure activity following perflutren microbubble contrast injection during dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography. On the basis of this single occurrence, we are only able to demonstrate a temporal, but not a causal relationship between the administration of microbubble echo contrast and onset of seizure. We do not suggest withholding administration of microbubble contrast when clinically indicated. However, increased vigilance in monitoring for seizure development in patients receiving microbubble contrast seems warranted.

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) is an underdiagnosed disorder and a treatable etiology of hypertension and renal insufficiency. All patients were referred for a transesophageal echocardiogram for various indications. Abdominal ultrasound was performed in 69 patients, 43 with severe thoracic aortic plaque (or =4 mm) and 26 controls with no or mild plaque (or =2 mm). Severe RAS (or =60%) was defined as flow velocityor =1.8 m/s and a renal:aortic ratio ofor =3.5. There were 8 cases of RAS (all severe) in the 43 patients with severe aortic plaque (19% vs 0% of controls; p = 0.02). Severe plaque (p = 0.02) and hypertension (p = 0.03) were correlated with RAS. On multivariate analysis, severe plaque (p = 0.017) and hypertension (p = 0.002) remained independently correlated with RAS. In a paired analysis, matched for age and gender (McNemar), severe plaque was significantly associated with RAS (p = 0.008). Severe thoracic aortic plaque is strongly associated with RAS, which is found in 19% of patients with severe plaque. Patients found to have severe aortic plaque on transesophageal echocardiography should be screened for RAS.

A 77-year-old woman with a history of internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD) placement 5 years earlier was referred for transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) to evaluate mitral regurgitation. An electrocardiogram revealed ventricular pacing with unexpected right bundle …

Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is a common manifestation of valve disease in antiphospholipid syndrome. Mitral valve LSE is characterized by verrucous vegetations on the atrial surfaces of valve leaflets. In this report, mitral valve LSE was visualized by real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). 3D TEE provides a unique en face view of the mitral valve akin to a surgical or autopsy view that allows for an accurate determination of the size, shape, and location of the vegetations.

A 55-year-old woman was diagnosed with endocarditis involving the aortic valve and resulting in moderate aortic insufficiency. Transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated an unusually accentuated diastolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral valve leaflet toward the interventricular septum. The anterior leaflet remained within a few millimeters of the septum throughout diastole, with a narrow jet of aortic insufficiency separating the anterior leaflet from the septum. We hypothesize that the particularly long anterior mitral leaflet was drawn toward the septum during diastole due to the Venturi effect of the aortic insufficiency jet within a narrow ventricular outflow tract. This accentuated diastolic anterior motion may be a diastolic correlate of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve.

Echocardiography has become the diagnostic technique of choice for delineating the intracardiac hemodynamics in a host of pathophysiologic states. Pressures and flows can be estimated or measured with enough accuracy to allow for clinical decision-making. We present a case with an unusual Doppler echocardiographic finding and discuss its derivation.

Takayasu's arteritis is a chronic vasculitis of unknown etiology that typically occurs in women. It affects the aorta and its main branches, leading to either arterial stenoses or aneurysms. Here we report a case of a 42-year-old woman presenting with loss of peripheral vision in her left eye. On ultrasound imaging, she had distinctive findings of Takayasu's arteritis with marked circumferential thickening of the intimal-medial layer in the left common carotid artery and characteristic sparing of the carotid bulb and internal carotid artery. The diagnosis was further supported by computed topography findings of aneurysms in the subclavian artery and aorta. Awareness of these ultrasound findings may be of particular importance to many echocardiographers who are extending their practice into vascular imaging.

A 55-year-old woman was diagnosed with endocarditis involving the aortic valve and resulting in moderate aortic insufficiency. Transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated an unusually accentuated diastolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral valve leaflet toward the interventricular septum. The anterior leaflet remained within a few millimeters of the septum throughout diastole, with a narrow jet of aortic insufficiency separating the anterior leaflet from the septum. We hypothesize that the particularly long anterior mitral leaflet was drawn toward the septum during diastole due to the Venturi effect of the aortic insufficiency jet within a narrow ventricular outflow tract. This accentuated diastolic anterior motion may be a diastolic correlate of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve.

Libman–Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is a common manifestation of valve disease in antiphospholipid syndrome. Mitral valve LSE is characterized by verrucous vegetations on the atrial surfaces of valve leaflets. In this report, mitral valve LSE was visualized by real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). 3D TEE provides a unique en face view of the mitral valve akin to a surgical or autopsy view that allows for an accurate determination of the size, shape, and location of the vegetations. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E100-E101)

[Figure][1] [![Graphic][3] ][3][![Graphic][4] ][4][![Graphic][5] ][5][![Graphic][6] ][6] A 64-year-old man developed a 3-month history of recurrent fatigue, fevers, and leukocytosis after teeth cleaning. A year earlier, he had experienced sudden vision loss in the left