bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P3614Impact of renal dysfunction in patients with acute myocardial infarction on early management and outcome: a first observational French study
Authors: Bernard V , El Khoury C , Fraticelli L
Published: October 2019

Background

Kidney dysfunction (KD) is largely associated to cardiovascular mortality.

Purpose

Analyse early management and outcome in real life of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with KD compared to STEMI patients with normal renal function.

Methods

Using 10 years' data from OSCAR regional registry, we investigated the early management and outcome of all patients with STEMI. Kidney dysfunction (KD) has been defined by creatinine clearance (CrCl) <90mL/min and was assessed using Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation. Among them, two groups were identified: patients with normal kidney function (NKF) (CrCl ≥90mL/min) and patients with KD (CrCl <90mL/min). KD patients were stratified into 3 groups: patients with mild KD (CrCl 60–90mL/min), patients with moderate KD (CrCl 30–60mL/min) and patients with severe KD (CrCl <30mL/min). The comparison of the groups concerned patient characteristics, therapeutic strategy and follow-up at 1, 6 and 12 months.

Results

Our study included 8 003 STEMI patients from 2009 to 2018, 4 234 (52.9%) of them with KD. Among these, 2441 (57.6%) patients had mild KD, 1494 (35.3%) moderate KD and 299 (7.1%) severe KD. NKF patients were younger than KD group (54 [48–61] vs 72 [63–81]). KD patients had more cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and personal history of coronary disease (p<0.001), but were less smokers (p<0,001). KD patients presented less often chest pain, and more dyspnea or cardiac arrest (p<0,001). There was no difference in symptom-first medical contact delay (p=0.30). More than 14% of patients with KD presented with Killip≥2. In the KD group location of infarction was more often anterior and lateral. In-hospital treatment differed among the groups: KD patients received less prasugrel (11% vs 20%), ticagrelor (44% vs 49%), enoxaparin (70% vs 80%), morphine (29% vs 39%) or other analgesic (30% vs 35%), but more clopidogrel (33% vs 23%), diuretics (3% vs 0,7%) and catecholamines (5% vs 2%) (p<0.001). In-hospital mortality was higher in the KD group (9% vs 1%, p<0.001). One-year mortality was 14% in the KD group compared to 2% for patients with NKF (p<0.001). Also, in-hospital mortality was increasing exponentially with KD severity (2%, 8% and 24% for mild, moderate and severe KD) (p<0,001) as well as 1-year mortality (respectively 1%, 6% and 12% after 1 year) (p<0,001).

Conclusion

Kidney insufficiency is an independent risk factor for death in patients after myocardial infarction and was associated with poor prognosis at short- and long-term. We observed that mortality increased with KD severity. Despite a high cardiovascular risk, KD patients presenting STEMI are less likely to receive therapy, while having more co-morbidities and extended infarction. To achieve an optimal medical care of KD patients with STEMI, we should introduce evidence-based therapies in the acute phase.
P3615The number of coronary risk factors and mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction from Japanese nation-wide real-world database
Authors: Mori H , Nishihara K , Honda S , Kojima S , Takegami M , Takahashi J , Itoh T , Watanabe T , Takenaka T , Ito M , Takayama M , Kario K , Sumiyoshi T , Kimura K , Yasuda S
Published: October 2019

Background

Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking are so-called coronary risk factors for coronary heart disease, which were established by extensive epidemiological research. However, in Japanese patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the impact of number of coronary risk factors on in-hospital morality has not been elucidated.

Methods

The Japan Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (JAMIR) is a nationwide real-world database integrated form 10 regional registries. We examined the association between number of coronary risk factors and in-hospital mortality from this JAMIR registry.

Results

The data were obtained from total of 20462 AMI patients (mean age, 68.8±13.3 years old; 15281 men, 5181 women). Figure 1 shows the prevalence of each coronary risk factors stratified by sex and decade. The prevalence of hypertension became higher with the advanced age while the prevalence of smoking became lower with the advanced age. Prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia were highest in middle age. Majority (76.9%) of the patients with AMI had at least 1 of these coronary risk factors and, 23.1% had none of them. Overall, except women under 50, number of coronary risk factor was relatively less in older age (Figure 2). In-hospital mortality by sex and decades was shown in figure 3. In-hospital mortality rates were 10.7%, 10.5%, 7.2%, 5.0% and 4.5% with 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 risk factors, respectively (Figure 4A). After adjusting age and sex, there was an inverse association between the number of coronary risk factors and in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [1.68; 95% CI, 1.20–2.35] among individuals with 0 vs. 4 risk factors, Figure 4B).

Conclusion

In the present study of Japanese patients with AMI, who received modern medical treatment, in-hospital mortality was inversely related to the number of coronary risk factors.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research
P3617Systolic blood pressure, glycemic control and clinical outcome in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Park Y J , Lee J H , Park B E , Kim H N , Jang S Y , Bae M H , Yang D H , Park H S , Cho Y , Chae S C
Published: October 2019

Background

Recent blood pressure guidelines recommend intensive blood pressure control in diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease.

Purpose

We sought to investigate combined impact of intensive blood glucose lowering and blood pressure control on clinical outcome in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been fully investigated yet.

Method

Korean Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR) – National Institute of Health (NIH) database included 12,179 patients (9,046 men; mean age = 63.6±12.6 year-old) who were discharged alive. Among them, 3,430 (28.2%) had a diabetes mellitus (DM). MACCEs were defined as a composition of all cause death, non-fatal MI, repeat revascularizations including repeated percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary bypass grafting, cerebrovascular accident and rehospitalizations at 1 year. This research was supported by a fund by Research of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Result

We determined cut-off value of discharge systolic blood pressure (SBP) to predict 1-year MACCE in DM and non-DM patients. Discharge SBP of less than 130mmHg was associated with a lower MACCE at 1 year compared to SBP level of 130mmHg or greater (10.8% versus 15.4%; log-rank p=0.001) in DM patients, whereas discharge SBP cut-off level was 140mmHg to discriminate 1-year MACCE in non-DM patients (6.4% versus 8.5%, log-rank p=0.045). In DM patients, there were no significant difference in 1-year MACCEs between patients with HbA1c less than 7% versus 7% or greater (12.0% versus 10.7%; log-rank p=0.325). DM patients were categorized into 4 groups; discharge SBP <130mmHg and HbA1c <7% (Group 1); discharge SBP <130mmHg and HbA1c ≥7% (Group 2); discharge SBP ≥130mmHg and HbA1c <7% (Group 3); discharge SBP ≥130mmHg and HbA1c ≥7% (Group 4). Intensive BP control was associated lower 1-year MACCEs in patients with good glycemic control (Group 1 & 3; 10.7% versus 16.7%; log-rank p=0.009). However, in patients with poor glycemic control, intensive BP control did not improve 1-year MACCEs (Group 2 & 4; 10.6% versus 11.1%; log-rank p=0.761).

Conclusion

Strict BP control is more important than glycemic control to improve short-term clinical outcome in DM patients with AMI. However, in patients with poor glycemic control, strict BP control did not improve clinical outcome.
P3625Cocaine consumption and acute coronary syndrome: an analysis from the Swiss registry AMIS Plus
Authors: Garzoli G , Biasco L , Radovanovic D , Pedrazzini G
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The aim of this study is to evaluate the cardiovascular impact of cocaine in a population of patients enrolled in the Swiss nationwide AMIS Plus registry with a focus on in-hospital outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data of patients enrolled in the Swiss AMIS Plus registry from 2007 to 2018. Baseline and in-hospital data of patients with ACS and cocaine use were compared with the remaining AMIS population as well as to a sex and aged matched ACS patients (1:5 ratio, 540 patients) without history of cocaine consumption. Primary endpoints were death and major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events (MACCE).

Results

A total of 20'981 patients had been included in the AMIS Plus registry for ACS in the study period, of them 110 (0.5%) were cocaine user.

As compared to the remaining AMIS population, cocaine abusers were significantly younger (46.4±10.8 vs 66.4±13.2 years; p<0.001), presented more frequently with out of hospital cardiac arrest (11.8% vs 4.7%, p<0.001) and STEMI (68,2% vs 54.7%, p=0.007). Apart from active smoke and family history, had a lower burden of CV risk factors. In hospital mortality (3.6% vs 4.4%; p=1) and MACCE (5.4% vs 5.5%; p=0.83) were comparable.

When compared to the age matched ACS population without history of cocaine consumption, cocaine abusers were more frequently smokers (87.6% vs 63.6%, p<0.001) but less frequently obese (10.4% vs 25.6%, p=0,001). Clinical presentation was comparable among the two groups, nonetheless cocaine abuse was associated with a higher incidence of death (3.7% vs 0.7%, p<0.05) and MACCE (5.6% vs 1.3%, p<0.05).

Conclusion

This analysis presents the largest series of cocaine associated ACS available in literature. Cocaine abuse increases by 5 the risk of mortality and by 4 the risk of MACCE as compared to an age matched ACS population. No differences where observed in outcomes when compared to a 20 years older population.
P3628Contemporary coronary artery disease prevalence in a valvular heart disease population undergoing surgery
Authors: Carvalho Mendonca T J , Strong C , Roque D , Morais L , Reis J P , Daniel P M , Abreu P , Almeida M , Cacela D , Morais C , Mendes M , Ferreira R C , Baptista S B , Raposo L , Ramos R
Published: October 2019

Background

Patients undergoing heart valve surgery are routinely evaluated for the presence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), with the standard practice of combining valve intervention with a revascularization procedure, notably Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). Older studies suggest rates as high as 50% prevalence of CAD in this population. However, CAD prevalence, its treatment and prognostic implication has been questioned recently.

Objectives

The goal of this study is to evaluate the baseline characteristics, prevalence of CAD and treatment strategies in a contemporary population with valvular heart disease (VHD) referred for valve surgery.

Methods

In a national multicentre registry, consecutive patients, from Jan 2015 to Dec 2016, with a formal indication for heart valve surgery referred for a pre-op routine coronary angiogram were systematically analysed. Baseline characteristics, valve pathology and CAD prevalence and patterns were determined. Obstructive CAD was defined as luminal angiographic stenosis ≥70% (≥50% for left main artery). The prognostic impact of the different valve disease and CAD treatment strategies were assessed.

Results

1175 patients (mean age 72.5±10.1; male 49.2%) fulfilled the clinical or echocardiographic indication for valve surgery by European guidelines. Valvular disease prevalence was: aortic stenosis (66.7%), aortic regurgitation (6.6%), mitral stenosis (6%), mitral regurgitation (19.2%), tricuspid regurgitation (7.5%). Mean follow-up time was 29.06±18.46 months. Prevalence of comorbidities was: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) 26%, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 5.7% and chronic kidney disease (CKD) 23.4%. Mean Euroscore II was 2.6%. Obstructive CAD was present in 27.3% patients. Mean Syntax score was 10.2 (<22 in 88%, 23–32 in 10.2% and >33 in 1.8%). Left main artery and 3-vessel disease were found in 13.1% and 11.8% of patients with CAD, respectively. Valvular surgery was ultimately performed in 80.3%. In patients with CAD, 57.3% were revascularized. All-cause mortality rate during follow-up was 12.9%, with 7.8% from cardiovascular causes. In univariate analysis DM, COPD, CKD, NYHA class, obstructive CAD and no surgery (p<0.05) were associate with mortality on follow up. In multivariate analysis obstructive CAD (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.53–3.65, p<0.01) and no surgery (OR 6.05, 95% CI 3.95–9.30, p<0.01) persisted as independent all-cause mortality predictors.

Conclusion

In a contemporary cohort of patients with VHD and surgical indication, CAD prevalence is lower (27.3%) than described in literature. Mortality rates were higher in patients with obstructive CAD, worse NYHA functional class and in those who never underwent surgery.
P3630Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention post implantation of a transcatheter aortic valve
Authors: Perrin N , Frei A , Fassa A , Juan J F , Rigamonti F , Roffi M , Frangos C , Mock S , Noble S
Published: October 2019

When treating younger patients with longer life expectancy, the likelihood of having to perform a subsequent coronary angiogram and PCI during follow-up post transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is increased. The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility and characteristics of the post TAVI coronary angiogram.

We interrogated our prospective single center TAVI database to analyze data from patients who underwent a coronary angiogram or PCI post TAVI. Between August 2008 and January 2019, 405 consecutive TAVI were performed in our institution with a 30-day, 6-month and yearly follow-up.

Among 405 procedures, 18 coronary angiograms with 9 PCI (RCA 2; LM 3; LAD 3, LCX 1) were performed in 17 patients post TAVI. The mean age of patients was 78.1±7.5 years (3 women), with a mean STS score of 5.6±3.4%. Five patients had a history of prior CABG. The transcatheter heart valves implanted were 6 CoreValve, 8 Evolut R, 1 Evolut Pro and 2 Edwards Sapien. The valve sizes were 31mm (n=3), 29mm (n=6), 26mm (n=3) and 23mm (n=5). The indication for the coronary angiogram was acute coronary syndrome for 8 procedures (1 STEMI, 7 NSTEMI) and stable angina for the remaining 10 procedures. The mean time between TAVI and coronary angiogram was 519±332 days (189–1093 days). Femoral and radial approach was used in, respectively, 11 and 7 (right: 5, left: 2) procedures with one cross-over needed from right transradial to transfemoral. Out of 33 attempted ostia cannulations, there were 2 failures (both involving the RCA), and 31 successes classified as selective (RCA: 7, LM: 9), borderline selective (RCA: 3, LM: 2) and non-selective but sufficient for diagnosis (RCA: 3, LM: 7), using standard catheters (average number of catheter used to cannulate RCA: 1.2±0.8 and LM: 1.7±1.1 [min. 1 and max. 4]). All planned PCI were successful with the treatment of 11 stenosis including 2 multivessel lesions. In 44% of the treated arteries, the use of a GuideLiner catheter (Vascular Solutions Inc) was required to cannulate the ostium.

In conclusion, coronary angiogram post TAVI was needed in 4.2% of our cohort during follow-up. Overall, LM ostia cannulation was successful in 100% of the cases and we failed to cannulate 13.3% of RCA ostia. All PCI were successful with the need of a guiding cathteter extension in 44% of the procedures.
P3633Should we continue to routinely revascularize patients during valve surgery in optimal medical therapy era?
Authors: Dias Ferreira Reis J P , Strong C , Roque D , Morais L , Mendonca T , Modas P D , Farto E Abreu P , Almeida M , Cacela D , Morais C , Mendes M , Cruz Ferreira R , Bravo Baptista S , Raposo L , Ramos R
Published: October 2019

Background

Optimal management of stable obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients (pts) undergoing heart valve surgery remains controversial. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effective prognostic role of CABG in pts undergoing valve surgery who had concomitant CAD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicenter survival analysis using multivariable Cox models and Kaplan-Meier curves of consecutive pts undergoing valve surgery with or without concomitant CABG between January 2015 and February 2017.

Results

From 1196 consecutive pts undergoing valvular surgery in 3 portuguese centers, 257 (21.5%) were found to have obstructive CAD (55.6% male, mean age 74±8 y.o., mean follow-up time 16±8 months, aortic valve disease 78.8%). No coronary revascularization (R) was attempted in 177 pts, complete R was achieved in 40 and R was anatomically incomplete in the remaining 40 pts. Age (75 vs 77.3 y.o.; p=0.202), multivessel disease (46.3% vs 53.8%, p=0.270), aortic valve disease (91.0% vs 92.5%, p=0.683), left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (11.8% vs 19.4%, p=0.272) were comparable between nonrevascularized and revascularized pts; SYNTAX score was low and also similar in both groups (7±12 vs 7±5, p=0.856). Left main disease (8.5% vs 17.5%, p=0.034) and EUROSCORE IIrisk score (2.3±2 vs 3.2±2, p=0.011) was higher for those with any revascularization. Non-revascularized pts had significantly lower all-cause mortality at follow up than those with any R (10.2% vs 21.2%, p=0.016). However, both in-hospital (4% vs 7.5%, p=0.230) and cardiovascular mortality (6.9% vs 7.1%, p=1.00) were similar. In a multivariate analysis, independent predictors for all-cause mortality were: any surgical R (HR 4.52, CI95% 2.09–9.78), baseline atrial fibrillation (HR 2.51, CI95% 1.07–5.90), left main disease (HR 3.153, CI95% 1.26–7.90) and peripheral artery disease (HR 2.95, CI95% 1.036–8.421). All-cause mortality for pts with obstructive CAD was higher than in pts with no CAD (13.6% vs 6.2, p<0.001). Interestingly, however, after multivariable adjustment, complete R was not found to be protective as compared to no R (HR 0.79, IC 0.31–2.06, p=0.633)

Kaplan-Meier Plots

Conclusion

Significant CAD is associated with worse outcomes in pts undergoing valve surgery. In this study, standard angiographically-guided R was not associated with improved results. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess risk stratification and the role of coronary R of stable CAD in this setting.
P3649Analysis of clinical and angiographic parameters as predictors of recurrent vasospastic angina
Authors: Park J.-H , Yoon G.-S , Choi S.-H , Beak Y S , Kwan S W , Woo S I , Kim D.-H , Kwan J , Park S D
Published: October 2019

Background

Patients with vasospastic angina (VA) may have recurrent chest symptoms and life-threatening arrhythmias. Despite regular medications, many VA patients experience recurrent episodes of VA. In this study, we evaluate clinical and angiographic predictors of recurrent VA.

Patients and methods

From January 2010 to May 2018, a total of 858 patients who underwent ergonovine provocation test were retrospectively reviewed. We excluded the patients who had negative results of provocation test, follow up duration less than 1 month and poor medication compliance. The recurrent-VA group consisted of patients who were re-hospitalized, visited the emergency room, or had repeated coronary angiographies because of chest pain.

Results

A total of 858 patients who underwent ergonovine provocation tests between January 2010 to May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Of them, 162 (mean follow-up duration, 3.0 years) were eligible for our study. The patients were divided into two groups: recurrent-VA (n=33, 20.4%) and stable-VA groups (n=129, 79.6%). Compared with the stable-VA group, the recurrent-VA group consisted mostly of men (93.9% vs. 75.2%, P=0.01), and had low LDL-cholesterol levels (93±27 mg/dl vs. 108±31 mg/dl, P=0.01). In the angiographic findings, a degree of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the site and number of spasm-positive vessels showed no difference between the two groups. Nicorandil was more frequently prescribed at discharge in the stable-VA group (15.2% vs. 35.7%, P=0.02). In the multivariate analysis, the male sex (odds ratio [OR], 5.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–26.22; P=0.02) and non-use of nicorandil (OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.25–9.84; P=0.01) were the independent predictive factors in the recurrent-VA group. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, men who did not use nicorandil (n=85, 52.5%) had higher incidences of recurrent angina compared to the other group (n=77, 47.5%). (30.6% vs. 6.6%; p<0.001).

Univariate and multivariate analysis Refractory VA (n=33) Stable VA (n=129) Odds ratio [95% CI] P value univariate Odds ratio [95% CI] P value multivariate Age <56 years, n (%) 20 (66) 58 (44) 1.88 [0.86–4.10] 0.11 NA NS Male sex, n (%) 31 (93.9) 97 (75.2) 5.11 [1.15–22.56] 0.03 5.87 [1.31–26.22] 0.02 Smoking, n (%) 17 (51.5) 46 (35.7) 1.91 [0.88–4.14] 0.09 NA NS No AMI presentation, n (%) 11 (33.3) 25 (19.4) 2.08 [0.89–4.84] 0.08 NA NS Troponin-I >0.86 ng/ml, n (%) 2 (7.1) 3 (2.7) 2.74 [0.43–17.27] 0.08 NA NS LDL-C <105 mg/dl, n (%) 21 (63) 58 (49) 1.81 [0.81–4.01] 0.14 NA NS No use of nicorandil, n (%) 5 (15.2) 46 (35.7) 3.10 [1.12–8.58] 0.02 3.51 [1.25–9.84] 0.01

Kaplan-Meier curves

Conclusions

Male sex and non-use of nicorandil were independent predictors of recurrent VA.
P3680Baseline hemodynamics and its effect on survival in patients with idiopathic versus CTD-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: data from the Swedish Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Register
Authors: Hjalmarsson C , Radegran G , Kjellstrom B , Kylhammar D , Soderberg S , Bartfay S E , Hesselstrand R
Published: October 2019

Background

Patients with CTD-APAH have a worse prognosis than those with IPAH, despite having lower pulmonary vascular resistance at diagnosis.

Purpose

To compare the effect of baseline hemodynamics on one-year survival in incident CTD-APAH patients and IPAH patients.

Methods

Patients with IPAH and CTD-APAH reported to the SPAHR between January 2008 and December 2018 were analyzed. Clinical data, hemodynamic parameters, lung transplantation, and survival were extracted from SPAHR. The relation between baseline hemodynamics and one-year survival was assessed by Cox proportional regression.

Results

There was no difference in age, WHO-FC, and 6MWD. IPAH patients had more often hypertension and diabetes; CTD-APAH patients had worse DLCO. No difference was found regarding kidney function, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and thyroid dysfunction. For details regarding hemodynamics, see Table 1.

One-year survival was similar in IPAH (84%) and CTD-APAH (82%, n.s.). After adjustment for age and gender, the only hemodynamic parameters that independently predicted survival were mRAP (CTD-APAH 1.06; 1.01–1.13, p=0.046 vs. IPAH 1.08; 1.01–1.15, p=0.048) and trans-pulmonary gradient, TPG (CTD-APAH 1.04; 1.01–1.07, p=0.008 vs. IPAH 1.02; 1.01–1.04, p=0.026).

Patient characteristics at diagnosis IPAH (n=311) CTD-APAH (n=204) p-value Age (years) 63±16 65±13 NS Female gender (%) 57 79 <0.001 WHO-FC III (%) 73 67 NS Hypertension (%) 50 38 0.014 Diabetes (%) 27 11 <0.001 6MWD (m) 288 (180–382) 260 (180–393) 0.474 DLCO (%) 45 (31–62) 38 (31–49) 0.002 Hemoglobin (g/L) 147 (134–158) 131 (121–144) <0.001 NTproBNP (ng/L) 1750 (758–4124) 1250 (351–3449) 0.003 mPAP (mmHg) 48 (41–55) 38 (31–45) <0.001 mRAP (mmHg) 8 (5–11) 6 (3–10) <0.001 PVR (WU) 9.4 (7.0–12.3) 6.8 (4.5–10.3) <0.001 CI (L/min/m2) 2.2 (1.8–2.6) 2.5 (2.0–3.0) <0.001 SvO2 (%) 60 (54–66) 64 (57–71) <0.001

Conclusion

Despite having better hemodynamic profile at baseline, CTD-APAH patients had similar one-year survival to IPAH patients; mRAP and TPG were independent predictors of survival in both groups.
P3681Apparent sex differences in risk of life-threatening events in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy are related to exercise habits
Authors: Rootwelt C , Lie Ø.H , Dejgaard L A , Edvardsen T , Haugaa K H
Published: October 2019

Background

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inheritable heart disease characterized by high risk of ventricular arrhythmias and exercise intolerance. Male sex is associated with higher risk of life-threatening events. However, this may be challenged by the fact that men exercise more than women.

Purpose

To assess whether the sex differences in arrhythmic outcome in AC-patients are driven by sex differences in exercise exposure.

Methods

We included AC-patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2017 in a longitudinal cohort study. We assessed exercise habits during the preceding 3 years before inclusion, and exercise dose was expressed as metabolic equivalent hours per week (MET-hours/week). Life-threatening events were defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia, aborted cardiac arrest or appropriate therapy from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator at the time of diagnosis and prospectively during follow-up.

Results

We included 170 AC-patients (52% probands, 44% female, age 41±16 years). Males had higher exercise doses than female patients (36 [IQR, 14 to 54] vs. 12 [IQR, 8 to 22] MET-hours/week; P<0.001). Fifty-seven patients (34%) had previous life-threatening events, and 45 (26%) had life-threatening events during 5.7 (IQR, 2.8 to 9.4) years of follow-up. Male sex seemed to be a marker of previous life-threatening events (OR 2.0 [95% CI, 1.0 to 3.8]; P<0.05), but not when adjusted for exercise dose (Adjusted OR 1.3 [95% CI, 0.6 to 2.7]; P=0.44). Male sex also seemed to be a predictor of life-threatening events during follow-up (HR 2.0 [95% CI 1.0 to 3.9]; P=0.04) (Figure, left panel), but not when adjusted for exercise dose (Adjusted HR 1.5 [95% CI 0.8 to 3.0]; P=0.26) (Figure, right panel).

Conclusions

Sex differences in arrhythmic risk in AC were attributable to higher exercise doses in male AC-patients. This highlights the importance of exercise assessment in these patients, and challenges the current opinion of male sex as a risk factor in itself. Risk stratification based on sex may underestimate the risk of physically active female AC-patients.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study was supported by Center for Cardiological Innovation funded by the Norwegian Research Council
P3686A novel desmin gene variant as an important cause of biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Protonotarios A , Quinn E , Dalageorgou C , Futema M , Akhtar M M , Asimaki A , Ashworth M , Savvatis K , Syrris P , Elliott P M , Lopes L R
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (AC) is typically caused by mutations in the desmosomal genes, however non-desmosomal genes have been increasingly implicated. Desmin gene (DES) mutations have been previously reported in AC, but in many cases there are insufficient data to support their pathogenicity.

Purpose

We assessed our AC cohort for DES gene mutations and describe the clinical phenotype associated with a recurring variant present in 3 unrelated families.

Methods

Genetic testing was performed using next-generation sequencing for 41 genes in a total of 138 AC probands with a definite diagnosis of AC based on the revised 2010 Task Force diagnostic criteria. All candidate variants were confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Clinical and genetic cascade screening were expanded to the first-degree relatives of the probands. Retained tissue from deceased individuals was used for genetic testing. All living mutation carriers underwent clinical assessment including physical examination, 12-lead ECG, signal-averaged ECG, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 24h Holter-monitoring.

Results

Two DES gene variants, p.Ser298Leu (n=1) and p.Leu115Ile (n=3), were identified in 4 out of the 138 probands (3%). The former coexisted with a pathogenic DSP gene mutation and has not been further evaluated. The latter is a novel variant, absent in control databases (gnomAD) and was the only variant present in 3 unrelated families (see figure). One carrier required heart transplant (A-II-1), two died suddenly (A-III-1, B-II-1) and one died of non-cardiac causes (B-I-2). Detailed clinical information was present in 8 mutation carriers (2 male, age 45±19 years). Seven (88%) had a definite diagnosis and one had a borderline diagnosis of AC. All cases (100%) had right ventricular (RV) wall motion abnormalities, 6 (75%) had a dilated RV, 6 (75%) a dilated LV and 6 (75%) had LV dysfunction (mild in 5 and severe in 1). LV late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was present in all 6 carriers that had a cardiac MRI with a circumferential sub-epicardial distribution (see figure, case A-III-2). Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) was present in 7 (88%) and sustained VT in 2 cases (25%). The ventricular ectopic burden per 24h ranged from 426 to 10583 with a median value of 820.

Figure 1

Conclusion

Variants of the DES gene are rare causes of AC. The novel p.Leu115Ile variant seems to be prevalent in a large UK-based cohort and it causes a biventricular form of AC, with a characteristic scar pattern on MRI and severe outcomes.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Alexandros Protonotarios is supported by a BHF Clinical Research Training Fellowship no. FS/18/82/34024
P3689Association of echocardiographic progression and genetic profile in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Guastafierro F , Hosseini S , Heiniger P S , Anwer S , Kuzo N , Hess R , Santoro F , Brunetti N D , Brunckhorst C , Duru F , Saguner A M , Tanner F C
Published: October 2019

Background

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is frequently associated with mutations in genes coding for desmosomal proteins. In this study, we investigated the association of genetic status with ARVC progression as defined by echocardiographic parameters.

Methods

We tested 62 ARVC patients for their genetic profile. Accordingly, they were grouped in mutation positive (48 (77%) patients; median age 48.5 years; 33 (69%) males), and mutation negative (14 (23%) patients; median age 45 years; 10 (71%) males). Prevalent mutations were Desmoglein-2 (DSG2) in 16 (26%), Desmoplakin (DSP) in 14 (23%), and Plakophilin-2 (PKP2) in 9 (15%) patients.

Results

At baseline, there were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. Patients were followed-up for a median time period of 1420 days, and there was no significant difference in the duration of follow-up between the two groups (p=0.05).

In the mutation positive group, there was a significant increase in right ventricular end-diastolic area (p=0.002), right atrial short (p=0.008) and long (p=0.002) diameter, left atrial diameter (p=0.014), and a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.014) during follow up. Right ventricular functial parameters did not change significantly (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: p=0.24; fractional area change: p=0.088).

In the mutation negative group, none of the aforementioned echocardiographic findings exhibited any significant difference during follow-up: right ventricular end-diastolic area (p=0.1); right atrial short (p=0.7) and long (p=0.9) diameter, left atrial diameter (p=0.6), and left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.3). Similarly, right ventricular functional parameters did not change significantly (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: p=0.77; fractional area change: p=0.80. Results are summarized in the figure.

Change in echocardiographic findings.

Conclusions

There is a strong association between echocardiographic progression of ARVC phenotype and the presence of a pathogenic mutation. Such mutations should be searched in all patients with an ARVC phenotype, and mutation positive individuals should be followed-up in shorter intervals.
P3691Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in takotsubo syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock: short- and long-term results from a cohort of 2250 patients of the German-Italian-Spanish registry
Authors: Santoro F , Nunez-Gil I.-J , Stiermaier T , El-Battrawy I , Guerra F , Arcari L , Musumeci B , Novo G , Cannone M , Almendro M , Sionis A , Akin I , Thiele H , Eitel I , Brunetti N D
Published: October 2019

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is featured by an acute and reversible left ventricular dysfunction and can be complicated by cardiogenic shock. Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) use in this setting is controversial, and few data are available from large populations. Aim of this study was therefore to evaluate short- and long-term impact of IABP on mortality in TTS complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Methods

The GEIST registry is a multicenter, international registry on TTS involving 38 centers from Germany, Italy and Spain. Between 2006 and 2017, 2250 consecutive patients with TTS were enrolled.

Results

Of the 2250 patients, 211 (9%) experienced cardiogenic shock during hospitalization for TTS. Admission left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 30±15% and systolic blood pressure was 90±35 mmHg. Apical ballooning pattern was found in 77%, mid-ventricular/basal pattern in 11%, and 2% of the patients, respectively.

Forty-two patients out of 211 (19%) received IABP after coronary angiography. Patients receiving IABP compared to standard medical therapy did not differ in terms of age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors and admission LVEF.

No differences were found in term of in-hospital mortality (9.5% vs 17% p=0.35), length of hospitalization (19.3 vs 16.3 days p=0.34), need of invasive ventilation (35% vs 41% p=0.60), stroke (4.7% vs 11% p=0.17) and LV thrombus (0.5% vs 1.7%, p=0.98).

At long-term follow-up, with a median of 2 years, overall mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock and TTS was 34.1%. Mortality was not different between the IABP and the control group (33.7% vs 35.0%; p=0.85).

Conclusions

In this large multicenter observational registry, the use of IABP has no impact on mortality at short and long-term follow-up. Further studies are needed to evaluate the best therapeutic strategy in TTS complicated by cardiogenic shock.
P3698Long-term durability of transcatheter aortic valve prostheses: results of a center
Authors: Munoz-Garcia E , Munoz-Garcia M , Munoz Garcia A J , Carrasco-Chinchilla F , Dominguez-Franco A J , Alonso-Briales J H , Hernandez-Garcia J M , Gomez-Doblas J J , Jimenez-Navarro M F
Published: October 2019

The durability of transcatheter heart valves and long-term clinical outcomes are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and hemodynamic outcomes between 5 to 9 years after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI).

Methods

Between April 2008 and December 2012, 305 patients underwent TAVI for the treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis with the auto-expandable prosthesis.

Results

The mean age, logistic EuroSCORE and STS score were 79.3±6.5 years, 19.4±12% and 6.6±4% respectively. Mean aortic valve gradient decreased from 48.7±15 mm Hg to 8.9±4.3 mmHg after TAVI, to 11.1±9 mm Hg at 4 years, and 22.7±12 mmHg at 5 years (p for post-TAVI trend 0.03). Mean aortic valve area increased from 0.63±0.16 cm2 to 1.57±0.3cm2 after TAVI to 1.48±0.2 at 4 years and 0.97±0.3 cm2 at 5 years (p for post-TAVI trend 0.01). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 61.1±15% to 65.5±11% after TAVI, to 58.2±17% at 4 years and 60.7±8% at 5 years (p for post-TAVI trend 0.001).

Late mortality after a mean of 4.15±2.4 years 58% and in only 34.1% patients was cardiovascular mortality. Survival rates at 1 to 9 years were at 87.5%, 79%, 73.1%, 65.6%, 55.4%, 48.2%, 41.9%, 37.3% and 35.1% respectively. At 5 years, 3 patients had severe prosthetic valve dysfunction (severe stenosis and moderate transvalvular regurgitation). Median survival time after TAVI was 6 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.89 to 6.28), and the risk of death was significantly increased in patients with frailty (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.864; 95% CI: 1.204 to 2.886), p=0.001, Charlson index [HR= 1.243 (95% CI 1.148–1.346), p<0.001], and left ventricular ejection fraction [HR= 1.012; (95% CI 1.001–1.024)p=0.044].

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated favorable long-term outcomes after TAVI. Signs of prosthetic valve failure were observed in 0.97% of patients
P3707CHA2DS2 VASC score as predictor of the incidence of stroke in patients with stable coronary artery disease and sinus rhythm in the long-term follow-up
Authors: Sanchez J J , Ruiz-Ortiz M , Ogayar C , Mesa D
Published: October 2019

Background

Cerebral vascular disease and coronary artery disease (CAD) share risk factors. Our aim was to study CHA2DS2VASC score as predictor of stroke incidence in a sample of patients with sinus ryhtm and stable CAD (sCAD) during long term follow-up.

Methods

The CICCOR registry (“Chronic ischaemic heart disease in Cordoba”) is a prospective monocentric cohort study. Between February 2000 and January 2004 all patients with sCAD who attended two outpatient cardiology clinics in a city of the South of Spain were recruited. We analyzed the relationship between baseline CHA2DS2VASC score and the incidence of stroke in a sample of patients with sCAD without atrial fibrillation during long term follow-up. Patients without sinus rythm were excluded.

Results

1268 patients with sCAD were recruited (median age 68±10 years, 73% male). 69 patients showed atrial fibrillation and were excluded. The median follow-up was 11.2 years (maximum follow-up of 17 years). During this period, only 2 patients were lost, and 136 patients (11.5% of the sample) suffered stroke. Baseline mean CHA2DS2 VASC score was 3.21. Most patients showed CHA2DS2 VASC score lower than 4 (81.4% of the sample). Higher CHA2DS2 VASC score at baseline was associated with higher risk of suffering stroke during follow-up (Hazard Ratio = 1.31 (1.16–1.48); p<0.001). Mean results are shown in the table.

Table 1 No stroke (n=1063) Stroke (n=136) Hazard ratio (CI 95%) p Sex male (%) 777 (88.8) 98 (11.2) High blood pressure (%) 561 (86.6) 86 (13.3) Diabetes mellitus (%) 317 (86.4) 50 (13.6) 75 years and older (%) 205 (83.7) 40 (16.3) Mean CHADS VASC score 3.17 3.55 1.31 (1.16–1.48) <0.001 CHADS VASC score higher than 4 (%) 185 (84.1) 35 (15.9) 2.00 (1.33–3.01) 0.001

Stroke incidence according to CHADSVASC

Conclusion

Higher CHA2DS2 VASC score was significantly associated with higher stroke incidence during long term follow-up in this real-world sample of patients with sCAD in sinus rythm.
P3710Long term follow-up in a real-world study cohort after patent foramen ovale closure
Authors: Hamm C , Doerr O , Haas M , Schulz L , Koerschgen T , Nef H M , Keller T , Fischer-Rasokat U , Hamm C W , Liebetrau C
Published: October 2019

Background

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is the treatment of choice after cryptogenic stroke according recent evidence. The indication is based on results of several randomized controlled trials; however, the results of these trials may not be extrapolated to a real-world clinical setting. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate long-term outcome regarding recurrent stroke, migraine, and/or peripheral embolism in patients after PFO closure.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of consecutive patients undergoing PFO closure from 2011 to 2018 at two interventional sites with respect to periprocedural events occurring during hospitalization and long-term follow-up. Follow-up data were collected from outpatient visits or telephone interviews.

Results

The analysis included 214 consecutive patients (mean age 52 years; 58% male). The follow-up rate was 96% and the mean follow-up time was 38 (SD 22) months. The index vascular event leading to PFO closure was stroke (n=190; 89%), including patients with repetitive stroke (n=36), embolic myocardial infarction (n=21), and migraine (n=3). One quarter (24.6%) of the population studied had an atrial septal aneurysm (>15 mm). Procedural success was achieved in 98%. There were no procedure-related strokes or deaths. Periprocedural complications occurred in 16 patients (7%): two cases of pericardial tamponade, seven complications at the access site mainly caused by bleeding, two cases of transient atrial fibrillation, and five other complications. The Amplatz Septal Occluder™ was used in two thirds (64.5%) of the cases and the Gore Cardioform™ device in one third (28.6%). Four (2%) patients died during follow-up. None of these patients experienced a recurrent stroke. Ten (5%) other patients experienced a recurrent stroke. Patients with recurrent stroke events were older than patients without recurrent stroke (mean 62.6 [SD 8.8] years vs. mean 52.2 [SD 13.8] years; p=0.015) and had a higher rate of preexisting cerebrovascular occlusive disease (5 [50%] vs. 10 [6%]; p<0.0001). There was no difference in risk for recurrent stroke between patients with one prior stroke and more than one stroke before PFO closure (p=0.71). Atrial fibrillation occurred in 6.6% of the patients during follow-up, but only one of these patients had recurrent stroke. No other anatomic and vascular risk factors or antithrombotic treatments were identified as being predictive of embolic events after closure.

Conclusion

In this real-world PFO closure cohort the recurrent stroke rate is low, although it is higher than reported in the recent randomized controlled trials. Recurrent strokes after PFO closure may reflect additional comorbid risk factors such as age or cerebrovascular occlusive disease that are unrelated to the potential for paradoxical embolism.
P3712The omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is inversely associated with ischemic brain infarcts in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Reiner M F , Baumgartner P , Wiencierz A , Aeschbacher S , Rodondi N , Baretella O , Kuehne M , Moschovitis G , Bonati L H , Von Schacky C , Luescher T F , Camici G G , Osswald S , Conen D , Beer J H
Published: October 2019

Background

The association of individual omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs) with ischemic stroke remains unclear. Experimental data strongly suggest that n-3 FAs reduce ischemic stroke due to their anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Yet, recent clinical trials yielded mixed results. While marine n-3 FA supplementation (1g/day) did not reduce stroke, icosapent ethyl, a purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ethyl ester (4g/day), significantly reduced stroke incidence in patients at high cardiovascular risk. In the current study, we examined the association of fish-derived EPA, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the plant-derived alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) with the prevalence of ischemic brain infarcts in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods

In this cross-sectional analysis of the Swiss atrial fibrillation (swissAF) cohort study, we determined baseline whole blood n-3 FAs by gas chromatography according to the HS-Omega-3 Index methodology in 1665 patients aged ≥65 years with atrial fibrillation. Large non-cortical and cortical infarcts (LNCCI) were assessed by brain MRI. Total and individual n-3 FAs were correlated with the prevalence of LNCCI in a logit model with continuous factors. Analyses were adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, family history of cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, prior stroke, prior transient ischemic attack, aspirin, anticoagulation and type of atrial fibrillation.

Results

A total of 373 patients with LNCCI (22.4%) were identified. After adjustment, lower risk of LNCCI was associated with higher EPA (odds ratio [OR] 0.50 per increase of one percentage point EPA, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28–0.88) and a higher risk was detected with DPA (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.43–4.01). No statistically significant association was detected with DHA (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.94–1.35), ALA (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.23–2.95) or total n-3 FAs (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.92–1.16).

Conclusions

Higher levels of EPA are associated with a lower prevalence of ischemic infarcts in aged patients with atrial fibrillation. Unexpectedly, DPA shows a direct correlation with ischemic infarcts. This study demonstrates that individual n-3 FAs may differentially affect stroke risk and that supplementation of EPA may be an interesting strategy to prevent ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation patients.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Swiss National Science Foundation
P3731The improvement in left atrial strain among patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Ijuin S , Hamadanchi A , Haertel F , Baez L , Schulze C , Franz M , Moebius-Winkler S
Published: October 2019

Background

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is being established as an alternative option for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with high bleeding risk. Few studies reported the influence of percutaneous LAAC on left atrial (LA) performance, but most of the studies demonstrated no remarkable changes in their parameters after the procedure.

Method

The study included 95 patients (age: 75±6.7 years, 67% male) whom underwent percutaneous LAAC in a single center between September 2012 and November 2018. LA strain was evaluated at three different time intervals by transesophageal echocardiography (baseline, 45 days and 180 days after procedure). All data were analyzed using a dedicated. 70 patients had atrial fibrillation whereas 25 were in sinus rhythm. Analysis was performed for peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) from segment of lateral wall in mid-esophageal 4 chamber view. The validity of lateral wall left atrial analysis was recently shown by our group. PACS was obtained in patients with sinus rhythm during exams.

Results

Compared to baseline, PALS was significantly increased after 45 days (12.4±8.4% vs 16.0±10.7%, p=0.001) and remained stable after 180 days (13.8±9.0% vs 17.0±12.4%, p=0.098). Even in only patients with atrial fibrillation during exams, it was increased (10.8±7.7% vs 13.4±7.1%, p=0.012 and 8.5±5.1% vs 13.9±8.1%, p=0.014). Similarly, compared with the baseline, PACS was significantly increased after 45 days and 180 days (5.8±3.9% vs 10.6±7.6%, p=0.001 and 4.5±2.6% vs 7.9±3.1%, p=0.036).

The Changes in PALS and PACS

Conclusion

Our study has demonstrated for the first time the improvement in LA strain following LAAC within 45 days of implantation by transesophageal echocardiography and these values were maintained at least for 6 months. Further appraisal is warranted for confirmation of these preliminary findings.