title: Automated 3D analysis of pre-procedural MDCT to predict annulus plane angulation and C-arm positioning: benefit on procedural outcome in patients referred for TAVR.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine whether pre-procedural analysis of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) scans could accurately predict the "line of perpendicularity" (LP) of the aortic annulus and corresponding C-arm angulations required for prosthesis delivery and impact the outcome of the procedure.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Optimal positioning of the transcatheter aortic prosthesis is paramount to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedural success.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients referred for TAVR at our center underwent a routine pre-procedural MDCT scan. A 3-dimensional (3D) analysis using software dedicated to define the LP of the aortic annulus and the corresponding C-arm positioning was performed in 71 consecutive patients. In 35 patients, the results of the MDCT analysis were not available at the time of the procedure (angiography cohort). In that cohort the position of the C-arm was determined during the procedure using ad-hoc angiography. In 36 patients, the MDCT analysis was performed pre-procedure and results were available at the time of the procedure (MDCT cohort). In that cohort the position of the C-arm was derived from the MDCT analysis rather than by ad-hoc angiography.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of MDCT analysis to predict the LP of the aortic annulus were excellent (kappa = 1 and 0.94, respectively). Patient variations of the LP ranged >70°. Compared with the angiography cohort, the MDCT cohort was associated with a significant decrease in implantation time (p = 0.0001), radiation exposure (p = 0.02), amount of contrast (p = 0.001), and risk of acute kidney injury (p = 0.03). Additionally, the combined rate of valve malposition and aortic regurgitation was also reduced (6% vs. 23%, p = 0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Automated 3D analysis of pre-implantation MDCT accurately predicts the LP of the aortic annulus and the corresponding C-arm position required for TAVR. With this approach, the implantation of the balloon-expandable prosthetic valve can be performed without an aortogram in the majority of cases and still be safe, with a low rate of valve malpositioning and regurgitation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mariam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Samim
authors.forename: Pieter R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Stella
authors.forename: Pierfrancesco
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Agostoni
authors.forename: Jolanda
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kluin
authors.forename: Faiez
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ramjankhan
authors.forename: Ricardo P J
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Budde
authors.forename: Gertjan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sieswerda
authors.forename: Emanuela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Algeri
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van Belle
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Elkalioubie
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Juthier
authors.forename: Anouar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Belkacemi
authors.forename: Michel E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Bertrand
authors.forename: Pieter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Doevendans
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Van Belle
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D001331:Automation; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000009:adverse effects; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015588:Observer Variation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome