Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia Patients (Rendu Osler Syndrome) With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: Prevention of Cardioembolic Events While Avoiding the Long-Term Risks of Oral Anticoagulation.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) (Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome) is an inherited vascular disorder, associated with arteriovenous malformations and bleeding events. Despite potential benefits, data regarding the use of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in HHT patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is scarce. The aim of the present paper was to assess the outcomes of HHT patients undergoing LAAO.

METHODS/MATERIALS: This multicentre observational study included all consecutive patients with NVAF and a previous diagnosis of HHT who underwent LAAO between 2015 and December 2020. The follow-up protocol included a clinical control at 3 months after hospital discharge, and then yearly.

RESULTS

Overall, 822 subjects undergoing LAAO were initially screened for the study. Among them, 7 patients had previous diagnosis of HHT. Device implant success was achieved in all patients and non-procedural adverse event were observed. At the maximum follow-up (median follow up = 470.5 days), no ischemic strokes or device related thrombosis (DRT) were reported. Absence of antithrombotic treatment after LAAO was not associated with an increased risk of stroke or DRT.

CONCLUSIONS

LAAO might represent a promising non-pharmacological alternative to prevent thromboembolic events in patients with HHT and NVAF.