Abawi M, et al. - This study used different neurocognitive test batteries to assess the effect of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on mid-term cognitive outcome. During follow-up, an association of TAVR with an improved immediate recall memory test (IRMT) was observed. In addition, significant improvement was noted on both Mini Mental State Examination [MMSE] and IRMT among those with lower baseline scores.

Methods

• This study included patients with severe aortic valve stenosis scheduled for TAVR.
• At baseline and 4 months post-TAVR, cognitive assessment was performed using an eight-word verbal-learning test (“Immediate Recall Memory Test” [IRMT], “Delayed Recall Memory Test” [DRMT], “Recognition of Verbal Information Test” [RVIT]), global cognitive function (“Mini Mental State Examination” [MMSE]), and executive function (“Trail Making Test” [TMT], “Clock-Drawing Test” [CDT]).

Results

• Data showed that overall 30 patients (age: 81 ± 6 years, logistic EuroSCORE: 19 ± 10%) completed the follow-up cognitive assessments.
• Postoperatively, delirium was detected in 17% (n = 5), 13% (n = 4) received permanent pacemaker, and no cerebrovascular events were reported.
• Mean hospital duration time was 5 ± 2 days.
• Comparable baseline, procedural and hospital outcome was observed in patients (n = 22) who did not complete the follow-up cognitive assessments.
• Researchers noted that IRMT significantly improved at follow-up (27 ± 5 vs. 30 ± 4, p = 0.016), with a trend toward improved DRMT (4 ± 2 vs. 5 ± 2, p = 0.079).
• Moreover, they observed significant improvement in patients with lower baseline MMSE and IRMT during the follow-up.