Can Cognitive Function Improve After TAVR?

A small, careful study demonstrates stable or improved cognitive status in most patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Major stroke is an uncommon but well-described complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). In addition, subclinical new ischemic brain lesions have been demonstrated in the majority of patients after TAVR. The clinical effects of these lesions, particularly on cognitive function, are unknown.

In this study of 101 TAVR candidates, 51 completed serial cognitive assessments before TAVR and at 30 days and 1 year afterward. Testing included a battery of neuropsychological tests, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). For all patients, there was a slight improvement in MoCA score, from 22.7 to 23.9 at 30 days and to 23.7 at 1 year (overall, P=0.022). At baseline, 39% of patients were considered cognitively impaired,…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHeart Valve Collaboratory (Scientific Committee Member, Chair of the Publications Committee)