Renal Failure (Dec 2023)

Zero-contrast imaging for the assessment of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in candidates with renal dysfunction

  • Guy F. A. Prado,
  • Stefano Garzon,
  • Jose Mariani,
  • Adriano Caixeta,
  • Breno O. Almeida,
  • Felipe O. Ramalho,
  • Marcelo L. C. Vieira,
  • Claudio H. Fischer,
  • Gilberto Szarf,
  • Walther Ishikawa,
  • Pedro A. Lemos

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/0886022X.2023.2224888
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 45, no. 1

Abstract

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AbstractBackground Candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are currently evaluated using computed tomography angiography and invasive cardiac catheterization as an essential part of case selection and pre-procedure interventional planning. However, both imaging methods utilize iodinated agents, which may cause contrast-induced nephropathy, particularly in patients with baseline renal dysfunction. This study aimed to describe a zero-contrast imaging protocol for pre-TAVI evaluation in patients with advanced renal impairment.Methods The pre-TAVI zero-contrast scheme consisted of the following multi-modality combinations: (1) gadolinium-free magnetic resonance imaging (three-dimensional navigator-echo with electrocardiogram-gated steady-state free-precession series); (2) iodinated-free multislice computed tomography electrocardiogram-gated; (3) lower limb arterial duplex scan ultrasound; and (4) transesophageal echocardiography. Ultimately, TAVI was performed for those deemed good candidates, and contrast was allowed during the intervention; however, operators were strongly advised to utilize the least volume possible of iodinated agents. This pilot survey included ten patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis and renal dysfunction who underwent zero-contrast multi-modality imaging.Results All the patients ultimately underwent TAVI. The intervention was successful in all cases, without ≥ moderate residual aortic regurgitation, prosthesis embolization, annulus rupture, major vascular complications, stroke, or death during index hospitalization. The creatinine clearance remained stable throughout the observation period (baseline: 26.85 ± 12.55 mL/min; after multi-modality imaging: 26.76 ± 11.51 mL/min; post-TAVI at discharge: 29.84 ± 13.98 mL/min; p = 0.3 all).Conclusion The proposed contrast-free imaging protocol appears to be a promising clinical tool for pre-TAVI evaluation in patients with severe renal dysfunction.

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