bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac surgery and practice. Did we hit the mark: strategy or casuality?
Authors: Di Gaetano M , Minotti A S , Usai F , Morini E , Contristano M L
Published: October 2021

Background

COVID-19 pandemic is having a collateral health effect on delivery of surgical therapies and reports from management and maintaining surgical care are little.

Purpose

Investigate the impact of COVID-19 in our cardiac surgical ward and practice by scoping review of the last two years of activity, between 1st March 2019 and 28th February 2021.

Methods

Our Hospital is a private institution accredited with the National Health Service with a global volume load of 750 cardiac cases per year.

We analized the pre-pandemic and the ongoing pandemic period on volume activity, the capacity of satisfying the needs of cardiosurgical patient and the mortality rate.

Results

We observed a minimal cardiac surgery caseload decline of 14.8%, probably due to environmental factor, the absence of E.D. in our institute, the rapid re-organization pathways, the hospital surveillance, the supply of personal protective equipment, the informative measures to improve patient and personnel welfare.

In order to enhance the pshycological impact of this devastating event, we invited all the health workers to fill a questionnaire regarding concerns and worries about the risk of transmitting the infection to their families or to aquire it themselves.

Conclusion

During this devastating pandemic the rapid response in re-organization pathways and hospital surveillance allowed us to preserve the cardiac surgery volume of life-saving and non deferrable cases.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Diagnostic value of post-return of spontaneous circulation electrocardiogram for selection of candidates for primary percutaneous coronary intervention after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Severo A , Rivero B , Catanzaro G , Juarez V , Arbas E , Poveda D , Tebar D , Garcia-Arribas D , Caro J , Rosillo S , Armada E , Lopez De Sa E
Published: October 2021

Background

Once return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is achieved in cardiac arrest (CA) patients (pts), guidelines recommend immediate acquisition of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in order to try to identify those with underlying ischemic heart disease that would benefit from an emergent coronary angiography. Nevertheless, post-ROSC ECG findings may be influenced by factors such as drugs used during CPR (e.g., adrenaline) or metabolic state of pts (e.g., lactic acidosis) and therefore its diagnostic value for identification acute coronary lesions has not yet been established.

Objectives

To describe the correlation between post-ROSC ECG findings and acute coronary angiography lesions in out-of-hospital CA (OHCA) pts.

Methods

Retrospective analysis from a prospective database of pts admitted consecutively to the acute cardiac care unit of a tertiary care hospital from September 2006 to April 2019. Post-ROSC ECG of OHCA pts who underwent emergent coronary angiography were blindly and separately classified by 2 cardiologists as follows 1) ST-s elevation, 2) ST-s depression, 3) LBBB, 4) T wave changes/unespecific and 5) normal ECG. If discordant diagnosis, a senior cardiologist made a third and separate analysis. Additionally, coronary lesions were considered to be acute in presence of thrombi or unstable plaque (with or without complete occlusion).

Results

From 412 pts, 211 had an available and interpretable post-ROSC ECG and underwent emergent coronary angiography. Mean age 60±13 years, male sex 183 (86.7%). Correlation between ECG findings and acute coronary lesions are shown in table 1. Pts with ST-s elevation had an underlying acute coronary lesion in 55.2%. Moreover ST-s elevation had a positive predictive value of 84% and sensitivity of 58.8% for identifying acute coronary lesions. Other post-ROSC ECG findings did not significantly associate acute coronary lesions, in fact LBBB had a high negative predictive value for acute lesions.

Conclusion

Among post-ROSC ECG findings, ST-s elevation is significantly associated with acute coronary lesions and when identified, an invasive strategy should be considered as established by current practice guidelines. On the contrary, LBBB rarely associates acute coronary lesions at least in OHCA scenario and when its “new onset” is not specified.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): University Hospital La Paz (Madrid) ECG findings and acute coronary lesions
Therapeutic hypothermia after resuscitated cardiac arrest: benefits in survival and neurological outcome
Authors: Olivares Martinez B , Rivadeneira Ruiz M , Seoane Garcia T , Fernandez Valenzuela M I , Barea Gonzalez C , Garcia Rubira J C
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The benefits of therapeutic hypothermia in patients remaining in coma after resuscitated cardiac arrest are still controversial, specially for nonshockable rhythm. This study aims to assess the effects of this technique in survival and neurological outcome in comatous patients after resuscitated cardiac arrest.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a Coronary Care Unit from 2006 to 2020 who remained in coma (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤10) after resuscitated cardiac arrest. We compared intrahospital mortality and neurological outcome at discharge between patients who were treated with therapeutic hypothermia and those who weren't. We used intravascular cooling catheter with a target core temperature of 33°C, which was maintained for 24 hours. We performed a subgroup analysis to compare shockable and nonshockable rhythm. Neurological outcome was evaluated with the Cerebral Performance Categories Scale (CPC), which considers survival without limiting disability (CPC 1–2) as favourable neurological outcome.

Results

A total of 272 patients were admitted at our Coronary Care Unit after resuscitated cardiac arrest. 182 patients remained in coma after cardiac arrest. The median age was 65.83±0.98 years and 29.1% were women. 70 patients (38.46%) were treated with therapeutic hypothermia – 44 (62.85%) of them had shockable rhythm at presentation and 26 (37.14%), nonshockable rhythm. When we analysed all patients with shockable rhythm, mortality was significantly lower in those treated with therapeutic hypothermia (25% vs 53.8%, p=0.004). In nonshockable rhythm, there was a tendency for lower mortality in the hypothermia group (73.1% vs. 85%, p=0.19). Regarding neurological outcomes, we observed that therapeutic hypothermia also improved neurological outcome at discharge in patients with initial shockable rhythm (CPC 1–2 in 68.2% vs. 26.9%, p<0.001). On the other hand, more patients with nonshockable rhythm had a CPC 1–2 with this technique, although these results didn't reach statistical significance (19.2% vs. 10%, p=0.24).

Conclusions

According to our experience, therapeutic hypothermia in patients who remained in coma after resuscitated cardiac arrest showed favourable results in survival and neurological outcome both in shockable and nonshockable rhythm.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Intrahospital MortalityGood neurological outcome at discharge
Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF1A) is associated with increased right ventricular fibrosis by T1 mapping cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Vaikom House A , Chetan D , Grosse Wortmann L , Mital S
Published: October 2021

Background

Right ventricular fibrotic remodeling has been identified pre- and postoperatively in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and linked to adverse outcomes. Polymorphisms of hypoxia inducible factor-1-alpha (HIF1α) have been associated with fibrotic burden by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement imaging. Their association with diffuse fibrotic myocardial remodeling is unknown.

Purpose

We sought to determine whether polymorphisms in hypoxia inducible factor (HIF1α) are related to CMR markers of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in pediatric patients with repaired ToF.

Methods

Patients with repaired ToF who had undergone CMR with T1 mapping as well as whole genome sequencing were included. Myocardial native T1 was quantified using a modified Look-Locker inversion recovery sequence and measured in the left ventricular free wall, the interventricular septum, and the right ventricular free wall. Patients who had at least one functioning allele of HIF1α were compared to those who did not using Mann Whitney U test for continuous variables and chi-square or Fischer test for discrete variables. Data are displayed in Table 1 as median (IQR) for continuous variables and frequency (percentage) for discrete variables.

Results

46 patients had both CMR and whole genome sequencing. Only one HIF1α variant was identified in the cohort and present in 13 patients. There were no significant differences in demographics, surgical variables, right or left ventricular volumes or function between the groups (Table 1). Despite a trend towards a lower age at the time of CMR (11.3 vs 13.7 years; p=0.07), patients with HIF1α had higher native T1 values (1094 vs. 1050; p=0.027; Table 1) in the right ventricular outflow tract myocardium, reflecting increased diffuse interstitial ventricular fibrosis in patients with the HIF1α variant.

Conclusion

Hypoxia-inducible factor is associated with imaging markers of increased diffuse right ventricular fibrosis late after repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1
Lipoprotein(a) is associated with incidence but not progression of aortic valve calcium
Authors: Kaiser Y , Van Der Toorn J E , Zheng K H , Kavousi M , Vernooij M W , Sijbrands E J G , Boekholdt S M , Stroes E S G , De Rijke Y B , Bos D
Published: October 2021

Background

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has been implicated in the etiology of aortic valve stenosis. Although Lp(a) is strongly associated with the presence of aortic valve calcium (AVC), there are no data evaluating the relationship of Lp(a) with AVC incidence and AVC progression.

Purpose

To assess whether high Lp(a) levels are associated with AVC incidence and progression.

Methods

In 922 individuals from the population-based Rotterdam Study (mean age 66.0±4.2 years, 47.7% men) for whom Lp(a) measurements were available, non-enhanced cardiac CT imaging was performed at baseline and after a median follow-up of 14.0 [13.9–14.2] years. AVC incidence was defined as an AVC score >0 on the second scan, in absence of AVC on the first scan. We performed logistic regression analyses to evaluate the relationship of Lp(a) with AVC incidence and linear regression analyses to assess the relationship between Lp(a) and AVC progression. All analyses were corrected for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, use of lipid-lowering medication, and hypertension. Additionally, we analyzed the progression conditional on the baseline AVC-score.

Results

Of the 702 (76.1%) individuals without AVC at baseline, 415 (59.1%) showed incident AVC at follow-up. The 220 (23.9%) individuals with AVC on baseline had a median AVC score of 52 [15–131], with a median yearly progression of 13 [5–38]. Lp(a) concentration was independently associated with AVC incidence (OR 1.32 for each 105 nmol/L Lp(a) increase; 95% CI: 1.03–1.68), but not with AVC progression (β −4.3 AU/year for each 105 nmol/L Lp(a) increase; 95% CI: −12.3–3.7).

Conclusions

Lp(a) is associated with AVC incidence but not AVC progression, suggesting that Lp(a)-lowering interventions may be futile after AVC has been established. Future studies should focus on whether Lp(a) lowering interventions can prevent the development of AVC in high-risk individuals.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Rotterdam Study is supported by Erasmus MC and Erasmus University Rotterdam and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research
Prognostic value of serum biomarkers in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Hinojar Baydes R , Gonzalez-Gomez A , Garcia-Martin A , Monteagudo J M , Sanroman M A , Rajjoub Al-Mahdi E A , Sanchez-Recalde A , Fernandez-Golfin C , Zamorano J L
Published: October 2021

Background

Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is related to significant morbimortality. Given the lack of strong evidence, optimal timing for intervention remains controversial. Surgery is often performed late mainly because symptoms might go unnoticed until advance stages of the disease. The clinical impact of serum biomarkers evaluation in the serial evaluation of patients with significant TR is unknown.

Purpose

This study was aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and serum hepatic enzymes assessment in stable patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation

Methods

Consecutive patients in stable clinical status with significant TR (severe, massive or torrential TR) evaluated in the Heart Valve Clinic were included. Patients with previous episodes of heart failure were excluded. BNP levels and liver function enzymes were measured in all patients in their first visit. A combined endpoint of hospital admission due to right heart failure and cardiovascular (CV) mortality was defined.

Results

A total of 163 patients were included (mean age was 75±17 years, 69% females, 93% in NYHA I/II). According to etiology, 14% were primary TR and 86% were functional (49% due to corrected left valve disease and 37% due to tricuspid annulus dilatation). During a median follow up of 28 months (IQR: 15–49 months), n=59 patients (36%) reached the combined endpoint (n=12 patients died). Differences in BNP and liver function enzymes values in patients with or without events are shown in figure 1. BNP values and both cholestasis enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase) were independent predictors of the combined endpoints (Figure 2). In a multivariable Cox analysis (forward selection) in a model including BNP, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase remained as the sole independent predictor of outcome (HR: 1.01, [1.004–1.014], p<0.001).

Conclusion

Serum biomarkers held prognostic value in patients with significant TR. BNP values and colestasis enzymes are predictive of heart failure and CV death in stable patients with TR. Given the low clinical expression of the disease, these serum biomarkers should be considered in the serial evaluation of these patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Comparison of serum biomarkersCox regression analysis
Effect of thrombocytopenia in patients with infective endocarditis: an insight from the National Inpatient Sample database
Authors: Patel N , Amgai B , Chakraborty S , Hajra A , Ashish K , Patel Z , Aryal B , Aronow W , Singh A
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Infective endocarditis (IE) is one of the feared diseases in septic patients, and incidences are rising due to the intravenous drug abuse epidemic. Sepsis causes an escalation of the platelet destructions leading to thrombocytopenia (1). Few independent hospital-based studies have proposed increase mortality with thrombocytopenia in patients with IE (2–5). We aim to evaluate the significance of thrombocytopenia in IE subjects from the national inpatient sample (NIS) database.

Method

We analyzed the NIS database from Jan-2016 to Dec-2018 using Stata 16.0. NIS is the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient care database in the United States, containing data on more than seven million hospital stays per year. We identified patients with IE with or without thrombocytopenia using ICD-10 codes. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality comparison. We adjusted potential confounders (age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, etc.) with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Further analysis was done after balancing the population co-morbidity using a Greedy propensity match for accuracy.

Results

A total of 174,495 subjects were included in this study with a diagnosis of IE. Among these individuals, 33,285 patients had a concurrent diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. The mean ages were 53±19.5 years for the thrombocytopenia group and 55±19.8 years for others. Females were equally represented in both cohorts. There were 4,945 (14.86%) vs 2,835 (2.01%) mortalities reported in with and without thrombocytopenia group respectively. After propensity matching, there was a pronounced increase in mortality [Odds ratio (OR): 1.93 (1.72 – 2.15), p-value: <0.001] in the group with thrombocytopenia comparing to others. Complications such as Major bleeding requiring blood transfusion [OR: 1.45 (1.35–1.57)], acute myocardial infarction [OR: 1.56 (1.35–1.70)], complete heart block [OR: 1.44 (1.16–1.53)], cardiac arrest [OR: 1.44 (1.25–1.72)], acute respiratory failure [OR: 1.51 (1.39–1.73)] and pressor support requirement [(OR: 1.73 (1.57–2.01)] were notably higher in the cohort of thrombocytopenia with statistically significant p-value (<0.001). The difference in length of stay between both cohorts after propensity match wasn't statistically significant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IE patients with thrombocytopenia have higher incidences of in-patient mortality and poor outcomes than cohort without thrombocytopenia. Some of the adverse consequences could be temporally explained by complications related to underlying thrombocytopenia. Further investigations are needed to delineate the outcome in this group of subjects.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Acute coronary syndrome with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ACS-NOCA in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Trongtorsak A , Wanlapakorn C , Songsirisuk N , Ariyachaipanich A , Boonyaratavej S , Puwanant S
Published: October 2021

Background

Previous case reports have described myocardial ischemia and/or infarction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); however, prevalence and prognosis are little known. Thus, our study aimed to determine the prevalence and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome with non-obstructive coronary artery (ACS-NOCA) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 200 consecutive HCM patients (mean age 66±16 years, 42% males) from 2002 to 2013 attending a tertiary referral center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand. The median follow-up time was 13 years. ACS-NOCA was diagnosed by a clinical syndrome of acute myocardial ischemia or MI with <50% angiographically luminal stenosis in the major epicardial coronary branch by coronary angiogram.

Results

Of 200 HCM patients, 28 patients (14% of overall patients, 51% of patients with ACS) had ACS-NOCA, and 18 patients (9% of overall patients, 86% of patients with acute MI) had myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery (MINOCA) as initial clinical presentations. Of the 28 patients, 4 (14%) were STEMI, 14 (50%) were NSTEMI and 10 (36%) were UA. ACS-NOCA group had more frequent ventricular tachycardia and lower resting left ventricular (LV) outflow tract gradients than no ACS-NOCA group (p<0.05). The ACS-NOCA group tended to have a lower rate of HCM-related death compared with the no ACS-NOCA group and the significant coronary artery disease (CAD) group (p-log-rank = 0.0018). As shown in Figure 1.

Conclusions

ACS-NOCA is not an uncommon initial presentation (prevalence rate 9–14%) in patients with HCM. More than half of HCM patients presenting with ACS were found to have NOCA. ACS-NOCA was not associated with an increased mortality, but had a more favorable prognosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1
Additive prognostic value of coronary flow and heart rate reserve during vasodilator stress echocardiography in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tesic M , Nemes A , Ciampi Q , Rigo F , Cortigiani L , Beleslin B , Djordjevic-Dikic A , Picano E ,   Stress Echo 2020 study group of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI)
Published: October 2021

Background

Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) and heart rate reserve (HRR) during vasodilator stress echocardiography (SE) assess coronary microvascular function and cardiac sympathetic reserve respectively. Both CFVR and HRR can be impaired in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Objectives

To evaluate the prognostic value of CFVR and HRR during vasodilator SE in HCM.

Methods

We enrolled 244 HCM patients (age=51±15 years, 116 men) studied with vasodilator SE from 1999 to 2019 in 5 certified centers. Stress modality was either adenosine (Ado, 0.14 mg/kg/min in 2', n=171) or dipyridamole (Dip, 0.84 mg/kg in 6', n=73). Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was present at rest in 80 patients (33%). We assessed CFVR in left anterior descending coronary artery (by TTE in 225, and TEE in 19 patients) and HRR (peak/rest heart rate). Abnormal values of HRR were based on receiver operating characteristics for Ado and Dip separately calculated. All patients completed the follow-up.

Results

CFVR was 2.17±0.46 for Dip and 2.13±0.43 for Ado (p=ns); HRR was 1.36±0.19 for Dip and 1.10±0.16 for Ado (p<0.001). An abnormal CFVR (<2.0 for both Ado and Dip) was present in 28 patients for Dip and 73 for Ado (38% vs 43%, p=ns). An abnormal HRR (≤1.34 for Dip and ≤1.03 for Ado) was present in 39 patients for Dip and in 70 patients for Ado (53% vs 41%, p=ns). During a median follow-up of 67 months (interquartile range: 29–103 months), 97 spontaneous events occurred in 71 patients: 29 all-cause deaths, 32 new hospital admission for acute heart failure, 3 sustained ventricular tachycardias, 32 atrial fibrillations and 1 heart transplantation. Event rate was 2.5%/year in patients with normal CFVR and HRR, 4.7%/year in patients with only one abnormal criterion and 10.9%/year in patients with abnormal responses of both criteria (see figure). At multivariate analysis, abnormality of both CFVR and HRR (Hazard ratio 4.033, 95% CI 1.863–8.729, p<0.001) was independent predictor of events.

Conclusions

A reduced CFVR and blunted HRR during vasodilator SE identify distinct phenotypes and show independent value in predicting outcome in HCM patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier spontaneous event-free survival curves based on HRR and CFVR. Kaplan-Meier survival curves (considering spontaneous events) in patients stratified with the abnormal HRR and/or CFVR. Number of patients at risk per year is shown.
Prognostic implications of left heart diastolic dysfunction in adults with coarctation of aorta
Authors: Katta R , Goda A , Devara J , Iftikhar M , Shaik L , Egbe A , Connolly H
Published: October 2021

Background

Left atrial dysfunction (LAD) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) has been described in patients with coarctation of aorta (COA). However, it is unknown whether LA function and LV diastolic function indices can be used for prognostication in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether LAD and LVDD were associated with mortality in adults with COA. We hypothesized that LA and LV diastolic function indices will predict transplant-free survival in COA patients.

Methods

Retrospective study of COA patients (age ≥18) at Mayo Clinic (2000–2018). LVDD was determined using the 2016 guidelines for LVDD assessment, and LAD was assessed using LA reservoir strain.

Results

Of 721 patients, LV diastolic function could be determined in 635 (88%), while 86 (12%) were classified as indeterminate diastolic function. Of 635 patients, 414 (65%) had no LVDD, while 146 (23%), 53 (8%), and 22 (4%) had grade I/II/III LVDD respectively. The mean LA reservoir strain was −39±11%, and patients were divided into quartiles: top quartile (reference group), mild LAD, moderate LAD, and severe LAD.

Of 635 patients, 49 died and 4 underwent heart transplant. On multivariate analysis, Grade III diastolic dysfunction (but not Grade I and II) was associated with mortality as compared to normal diastolic function. On the other hand, there was an incremental risk of mortality across LA strain quartiles: mild LAD (HR 1.16, 1.04–2.06), moderate LAD (HR 1.75, 1.27–3.58), and severe LAD (HR 3.49, 1.88–7.16). Of the 86 patients with indeterminate diastolic function, LAD was associated with a lower 5-year transplant-free survival as compared to normal LA function (83% vs 91%, p=0.06).

Conclusions

LAD (but not LVDD) was associated with incremental risk of mortality, and thus can be used for prognostication in all patients including those with indeterminate diastolic function. Although the current study did not identify a consistent relationship between LVDD severity classifications and mortality among COA patients, it does not imply that LVDD is benign. Rather it suggests that the conventional criteria for LVDD severity classifications may not be generalizable to every disease subgroup

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Effects of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a systemic right ventricle: early evidence of exercise tolerance and systolic function improvement
Authors: Fusco F , Merola A , Scognamiglio G , Palma M , Correra A , Barracano R , Borrelli N , Grimaldi N , Spinelli Barrile C , Puzone N , Ciriello G D , Colonna D , Romeo E , Sarubbi B
Published: October 2021

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity inpatients with heart failure and reduced systolic function. However, the effects of this novel association in patients with congenital heart disease and a systemic right ventricle (sRV) have not been investigated yet.

Purpose

We aimed to assess tolerability and efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a sRV

Methods

From September 2020 to March 2021, 38 patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries or transposition of the great arteries after Senning or Mustard repair were prospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥18 years, optimal medical therapy including ACEi/ARB for at least 6 months and EF of the sRV ≤40%. Patients with univentricular physiology, systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90mmHg, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <30ml/min or K >5.5mEq/L were excluded. RV systolic function was assessed on echocardiography using a multiparametric evaluation. The study protocol contemplates serial assessments at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment initiation.

Results

Up to March 31th, 23 patients completed 1-month and 15 completed 3-month assessment after treatment initiation. Baseline patients' characteristics are summarized in table 1. The medication dose was up-titrated to the highest tolerated dose during follow-up. During early follow-up, no major adverse events were reported. Treatment did not impact significantly on the values of serum potassium (basal K+ 4.4 [4.2–4.6] mEq/L, K+ at 3 months 4.4 [4.3–4.6] mEq/L, p=0.7) and GFR (basal GFR 113.9±35ml/min, GFR at 3 months 107.8±21 ml/min, p=0.7). Although SBP did not change significantly (114±12 vs 113.9±19 mmHg at 1-month and 117.3±12 mmHg at 3 months; p=0.9 for both), 2 (5%) patients ceased the treatment due to symptomatic hypotension during the first month of treatment. There was no significant change in the NYHA class. However, the 6-minute walking distance increased significantly after 3 months (365±120 vs 498.3±71 min; p=0.01). Furthermore, while traditional echocardiographic parameters of RV systolic function (TAPSE, s wave and FAC) did not change significantly, RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV free wall GLS demonstrated subclinical improvement in right ventricular systolic function (table 2).

Conclusions

Our short-term results from an ongoing prospective study showed that sacubitril/valsartan is well tolerated in patients with a sRV with early evidence of improvement in exercise tolerance and sRV systolic function. Longer follow-up is warranted to confirm these data.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Table 2
The right ventricular-pulmonary circulation coupling in ischaemic heart disease; a stress echocardiography study
Authors: Vrettos A , Varma R , Jimeno M , Rahman Haley S , Baltabaeva A
Published: October 2021

Objectives

This study sought to assess the right ventricular (RV) - pulmonary circulation coupling in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), preserved echocardiographic indices of right ventricular systolic function and normal pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP).

Background

Patients with CAD are at increased risk for developing left, and ultimately right heart failure. The analysis of underlying mechanisms of worsening RV function has been limited to the hemodynamic sequelae of increased left ventricular (LV) filing pressure leading to pulmonary hypertension. It has been reported that evaluation of RV functional state by using the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/PASP ratio as a surrogate for the RV length-force is of clinical prognostic relevance in patients with known pulmonary hypertension; its role has not been extensively explored in other cardiac conditions including myocardial ischaemia. We hypothesized that the TAPSE/PASP ratio may be able to identify early and subtle changes in RV function in patients with CAD, normal estimated resting PASP, and preserved TAPSE.

Methods

Data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database, and 223 consecutive patients with preserved right ventricular systolic function (TAPSE≥16mm), and normal resting PASP (≤35mmHg), undergoing stress echocardiography (SE) for suspected coronary artery disease were included. Exclusion criteria: non-ischaemia study, severe valvular disease, poor image quality, resting pulmonary hypertension, reduced right ventricular systolic function. Transthoracic 2-D Doppler echocardiogram was performed by an accredited sonographer at rest and during stress phase and reviewed by two cardiologists unaware of clinical data.

Results

Fifty-three (24%) SE studies were positive for ischaemia and 170 (76%) negative. Demographic characteristics of both groups are shown in Table 1. All patients had TAPSE≥16mm and a PASP≤35mmHg as per inclusion criteria. The mean TAPSE/PASP ratio was significantly lower in patients with a positive SE suggestive of CAD than controls (0.84±0.22 vs 0.93±0.24, P=0.024). The TAPSE/PASP ratio showed significant correlation with the maximum workload (Watts) achieved (r=0.17, P=0.015) and exercise time (min) (r=0.15, P=0.031), and an inverse correlation with age (r=−0.26, P<0.001) and the development of inducible exertional breathlessness (Exp(B) 0.11, 95% CI 0.028–0.457, P=0.002) on SE.

Conclusion

Resting TAPSE/PASP was reduced in patients with positive SE, compared to controls. Indexing RV function to RV load, with the use of the TAPSE/PASP ratio identified early changes in RV-pulmonary circulation coupling in CAD patients without resting pulmonary hypertension; this may denote the beginning of subclinical RV dysfunction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1
The midterm differential effects of heat-not-burn and conventional cigarettes on coronary flow, vascular function and oxidative stress are independent of nicotine levels
Authors: Ikonomidis I , Katogiannis K , Vlastos D , Kostelli G , Kourea K , Tsoumani M , Thymis J , Michalopoulou E , Koliou G , Andreadou I , Maratou E , Lambadiari V
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Heat-not-burn cigarette (HNBC) constitutes a non-combustible smoke product linked to reduced exposure to carbon monoxide (CO).

Methods

We compared the effects of HNBC to those of tobacco cigarette (TCig) on endothelial and coronary function as well as on nicotine levels, oxidative stress and platelet activation after 1 month of switching to HNBC.

We examined 75 smokers. Of those, 50 were switched to HNBC and 25 continued Tcig for 1 month.

At baseline and at 1 month, we assessed a) coronary flow reserve (CFR) by echocardiography b) flow-mediated dilation (FMD) c) Cotinine blood levels, a stable metabolite of nicotine d) malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress and thromboxane B2 (TXB2), a marker of platelet activation e) the exhaled CO and the number of cigarettes and/or heat stick of HNBC used. Fagerstrom score, a marker of dependence from smoking habit was also calculated.

Results

Compared to Tcig smoking, switching to HNBC for 1-month improved CO (difference in CO between groups: 10.42 ppm; 95% CI 3.07 to 17.76, p=0.007), FMD (difference in FMD=4.3%; 95% CI: 1.23 to 7.51, p=0.009; and CFR (difference in CFR =0.98; 95% CI: 0.23 to 1.80, p=0.02). MDA and TXB2 concentration significantly decreased in subjects switching to HNBC compared to tobacco smokers (difference MDA=0.38 nmol/L; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.66, p=0.009, 45pg/mL; 95% CI 5.28 to 86.31, p=0.03). None of the aforementioned parameters changed in the control group at 1 month compared to baseline (p>0.05).

Cotinine blood levels were similar between the TC cig and HNBC group both at baseline and after one month of use (p>0.05). However, cotinine blood levels at baseline and 1 month correlated with the number cigarettes used at baseline (r=0.45 p=0.04) or the number of heat sticks used at one month (r=0.50, p=0.03) respectively, Baseline Fagerstrom score was also associated with number of heat sticks used at 1 month (r=0.48, p=0.04) and cotinine levels at baseline and at 1 month (p=0.50, p=0.03 and r=0.57, p=0.01 respectively).

Conclusions

HNBCs exert a less detrimental effect on vascular function platelet activation and oxidative stress than tobacco smoking that is independent of nicotine levels and is linked with the parallel reduction the exhaled of CO.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation under oral anticoagulation therapy in patients with type B acute aortic dissection
Authors: Ishizue N , Fukaya H , Saito D , Matsuura G , Sato T , Kobayashi S , Shirakawa Y , Arakawa Y , Oikawa J , Kishihara J , Niwano S , Ako J
Published: October 2021

Background

Patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD) sometimes are complicated with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of AF and the use of oral anticoagulation (OAC) on the prognosis of AAD remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic impact of AF and OAC therapy in patients with type B AAD.

Methods

Consecutive patients diagnosed with type B AAD between January 2010 and December 2020 in our university hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into 2 groups based on the concomitance with or without AF. The primary endpoint was set as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including all-cause death, enlargement of aortic diameter, aortic ruptures, and cerebral infarction. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed, and Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of clinical events at 1 year.

Results

A total of 146 patients diagnosed with type B AAD were enrolled, with a mean age of 66±12 years, and 81% of male. Thirty-two patients (22%) experienced MACEs during 272±142 days-observation. Concomitant AF was observed in 27 patients (18%). In the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis, the patients with AF showed significantly higher events than those without AF (log-lank p<0.001). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, presence of AF (HR: 2.402, 95% CI: 1.099–4.978 p=0.029), maximum descending aorta diameter (HR: 1.0366, 95% CI: 1.005–1.064 p=0.023), and age>75 years (HR: 2.635, 95% CI: 1.268–5.388 p=0.011) were independent predictors of MACEs. Regarding OAC in patients with AF, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that usage of OAC was associated with a higher incidence of MACEs than those without (log-rank, p=0.036)

Conclusion

Presence of AF, enlargement of descending aorta diameter, and age were independent predictors of future MACEs in patients with type B AAD. Additionally, usage of OAC is associated with MACEs in patients with type B AAD complicated with AF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Utility of familial screening in non-syndromic thoracic aortic disease
Authors: Rodriguez Ortuno J , Pena Pena M L , Lopez Haldon J E , Adsuar Gomez A
Published: October 2021

Background

Non-syndromic heritable thoracic aortic disease (nsHTAD) is an autosomal dominant disorder with high mortality rate if undetected. Familial evaluation could be useful to identify high-risk patients early.

Purpose

To assess the yield of clinical and genetic screening in a cohort of patients with suspected nsHTAD.

Methods

We collected clinical and genetic data about patients with suspected nsHTAD treated in a specialized clinic. Bicuspid aortic valve cases were excluded. Genetic study was performed with next-generation-sequencing, including at least 30 related genes. All first degree relatives were offered evaluation according to current guidelines.

Results

Twenty-five index cases were analysed (mean age: 48.3 years, male: 64%). Sixteen patients (64%) presented with acute aortic dissection (postmortem diagnosis was performed in 6 cases with sudden cardiac death). Hypertension was reported in 13 cases (52%) and 8 patients (32%) had smoking history. Family history of aortic aneurysm or dissection was identified in 13 cases (52%).

Eighty-three first-degree relatives were evaluated. Clinically affected family members were detected in 10 families (40%). Genetic cause of the disease was identified in 6 families (24%). Table 1 describes main characteristics of index cases with pathogenic variants. Combined clinical and genetic screening was positive in 12 families (48%) and identified 24 relatives (29%) with aortic dilatation or carrier status for the disease.

Conclusions

The combination of clinical and genetic screening in suspected nsHTAD is a useful tool for early detection of the disease in family members at risk and for the prevention of future complications.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1
The type and dosage of exercise therapy to facilitate the recovery from stroke for balance, walking and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Amanzonwe R E , Kossi R O , Tedesco Triccas L , Codjo L H , Feys P , Hansen D ,   BIOMED-REVAL-Rehabilitation Research Centre, Hasselt University, Belgium
Published: October 2021

Background

Exercise therapy (aerobic or resistance therapy) could have a beneficial effect on balance, walking and quality of life (QoL).

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effects of different modes, dosages and setting of exercise therapy on balance, walking capacity and QoL in stroke survivors.

Methods

We searched PubMed, CINHAL and Hinari to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) that investigated the effects of aerobic (AT) and/or resistance therapy (RT) on balance, walking and QoL in stroke survivors. The treatment effect was computed by the standard mean differences (SMDs).

Results

We included 27 RCT comprising 1,549 chronic stroke survivors. Any modality was effective to improve balance. There was high-level evidence that AT interventions were most effective in improving walking capacity (SMD=0.36 [0.06, 0.66], p=0.02). Both AT, and AT combined with RT were effective to improve QoL (SMD=0.39 [0.09, 0.69], p=0.01). RT programs were not effective to improve walking and QoL. For walking capacity, a lower volume weekly (<60 minutes/session or <3 session/week) and higher intensity (>60% heart rate reserve; rate of perceived exertion (6–20) >14) of AT and RT exercises demonstrated significant higher effect. Hospital located rehabilitation settings trended to improve walking (SMD=0.23 [0.00, 0.45], p=0.05), when compared to home/community and laboratory settings.

Conclusions

In chronic stroke, in particular AT executed in hospital located settings, with a lower volume and high intensity seems more effective strategy to facilitate walking capacity and improve QoL and should thus be incorporated into rehabilitation programs for stroke.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral repair in the presence of mitral annulus calcification
Authors: Fernandez Peregrina E , Pascual I P , Freixa X F , Tirado-Conte G T C , Rodriguez-Estevez R R E , Carrasco-Chinchilla F C C , Benito-Gonzalez T B G , Asmarats L A , Sanchis L S , Avanzas P A , Caneiro-Queija B C Q , Fernandez-Vazquez F F V , Sans Rosello J S R , Nombela-Franco L N F , Arzamendi D A A ,   MITRAMAC
Published: October 2021

Background

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is commonly found in patients affected with mitral regurgitation (MR) and it's associated with high morbidity, mortality and worse cardiac surgical outcomes. Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system has been stablished as a valid alternative to surgery in high risk patients with severe MR. However, its efficacy in patients affected with MAC remains uncertain as this population has been excluded from trials.

Objectives

To analyze the safety, efficacy and mid-term durability of the treatment of MR with the MitraClip system in patients affected with moderate or severe MAC.

Methods

Data was obtained from a multicenter spanish registry that prospectively included consecutive patients with MR grade ≥3 undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system. Sixty-one patients with moderate or severe MAC were included in the “MAC” group and 791 with no-or-mild MAC were allocated in the “NoMAC” group.

Results

Procedural success was similar in both groups (91.8% vs 95.06%, p=0.268, in MAC and NoMAC respectively) with a very low rate of complications beside a higher residual mean gradient in the MAC group (3.0 vs 3.6mmHg, p=0.001). At one-year follow-up, 79.5% of NoMAC and 90.6% of MAC patients had MR grade ≤2 (p=0.129). Only 9 patients (1,14%), all in NoMAC group, required reintervention during follow up. Eighty percent of patients in both groups remained in NYHA functional class ≤II and a significant reduction in readmissions for heart failure was also observed (65% vs 78% respectively, p=0.145). One-year mortality was slightly higher in MAC patients (19.67% vs 11.25%, p=0.050) with no difference in cardiovascular mortality (15.25% vs 9.21%, p=0.129).

Conclusions

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip system in selected patients with moderate or severe MAC is safe and feasible with a mid-term durability similar to those without MAC. These patients also benefit clinically from this treatment with a sustained mid-term subjective clinical improvement and no increase in cardiovascular mortality as compared to NoMAC patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Real world radiation exposure in left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation performed in a high volume center
Authors: Aslam S , O'Grady R , Casey A , Kennedy M , Hussein H
Published: October 2021

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an established and effective treatment to reduce the risk of thromboembolic stroke derived from the LAA in patient with non valvular atrial fibrillation. Per-cutaneous closure of the LAA is typically guided by fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance.

The purpose of our study is to ascertain real world radiation exposure during the LAAO performed in our institution and the interplay of different variables and patient characteristics.

Our study retrospectively analyzed all consecutive LAAO procedures performed at our Tertiary level Teaching Hospital. Data was collected using Hospital electronic records and cardiac catherization laboratory records.

A total of 261 patients who underwent LAAO were identified, 28% were female. Average age at the time of procedure was 77 years (range 54–93 years). Mean fluoroscopy time was 10.2 minutes (±7.0), average Radiation dose was 67 gy/cm2 (±73). Interestingly, gy/cm2 per minute of fluoroscopy averaged at 6.69 (±5.0).

Subgroup analysis focused on the effect of Body mass index (BMI) on radiation dose. Since the recent introduction of a partial electronic health record system, BMI data was only available on 161 patients. The cohort with BMI <30 had a mean radiation dose of 57±62 gy/cm2, whereas for BMI >30 mean dose was 96.8±68, p=0.0025 (95% CI (65 to 14)).

Analysis by the four different device types (Watchman, Watchman Flx, Wavecrest and ACP) were used for LAAO, with highest number been watchman (n=189). Upon comparing the radiation exposure in our study cohort watchman device had the least Dose adjusted Product (DAP) at 62gy/cm2 but the newer watchman flx (n=25) had slightly lower gy/cm2 per minute of fluoroscopy time 6.58±3.41 versus 6.83±5.56.

In addition, operator volume between our two implanters was assessed. Our highest volume operator implanted the majority of devices (n=235) whilst the Watchman Flx was predominantly implanted by our newer implanter (n=26). Despite the relatively modest numbers of the Watchman Flx, there was minimal difference in exposure time in favor of the more senior interventionist.

In conclusion, LAAO in our center has encouraging radiation safety data, which is comparable to previously published data in internationally recognized high volume centers. Normal BMI patients had the least radiation exposure, with the dose increasing with rising BMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Bar Graph, radiation dose vs BMIScatter Plot, radiation dose vs BMI
Two-year incidence of PPMI post SAVR, modified SAVR and TAVR
Authors: Kawkabani N , Boustros O , Darwish R , Abi Ghanem M , Farah R , Abou Khalil B
Published: October 2021

Background

Moderate and high risk patients presenting with aortic stenosis are offered surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as therapeutic options. However, both techniques are associated with postoperative conduction abnormalities necessitating permanent pace maker implantation (PPMI).

Many factors have been implicated in increasing the risk of atrioventricular (AV) block and subsequent PPMI. The stress on the conduction system seems to be a major cause of this complication.

Methods

We conducted a study to compare the incidence of PPMI between two groups of patients. In group A, 62 patients underwent the classic SAVR and in group B, 92 patients underwent a simple modified SAVR technique (3–4 pledgeted ethibond sutures were placed above the annulus, at the commissure between the right and non coronary sinuses) that aims to decrease the mechanical trauma to the conduction system.

Results

The results revealed a significant lower PPMI rate in group B as compared to group A,at thirty days (2.17% versus 14.5%) as well as at two years (2.17% versus 17.7%) postoperatively. The statistical analysis showed that the operative technique was a strong predictor of the need for PPMI. The odds of needing pace maker implantation was significantly lower in the group of patients who underwent the simple modified SAVR technique. Of note is that the reported incidence of PPMI in the literature, at thirty days and two- years post classic SAVR were 6.1% and 11%. In addition, the rate observed in group B, was lower than the post-TAVR incidence of PPMI (9.3% at thirty days and 13% at two years post procedure), as reported by numerous studies, whether self expandable or balloon expandable valves were used.

Conclusion

This reproducible and reliable simple technique should be recommended whenever SAVR is performed.On the other hand,the low incidence of PPMI (2.17%) observed after a modified SAVR technique should be adopted as a benchmark whenever TAVR is offered as a therapeutic option. Moreover, this less traumatic procedure may be taken into consideration whenever stent design modifications for TAVR are considered.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.