bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
484Impact of AF type on the outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation: insights from the CABANA trial
Authors: Monahan K H , Bunch T J , Poole J E , Bahnson T D , Al-Khalidi H R , Silverstein A P , Mark D B , Lee K L , Packer D L
Published: October 2019

Background

Prior studies suggest that catheter ablation (ABL) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a treatment option for patients (pts) with paroxysmal AF (PAF). Pts with persistent (Per) or long-standing persistent (LSP) were routinely excluded from most ABL based clinical trials. The effectiveness of ABL compared to drug therapy (MED) in relation to underlying AF type has not been evaluated in a large randomized clinical trial.

Objective

To assess the impact of AF type on clinical outcomes of ABL vs. MED in pts with AF.

Methods

The CABANA trial randomized 2204 pts with AF at 126 sites worldwide to ABL vs. MED with rate or rhythm control drugs. The primary endpoint was a composite of death, disabling stroke, severe bleeding, or cardiac arrest. Key secondary endpoints included mortality and recurrence of AF. Outcomes of ABL vs. MED were compared within subgroups defined by AF type using Intention-to-Treat (ITT) analyses.

Results

Of the 2204 pts, 946 had PAF, 1042 had Per and 215 presented with LSP. There were baseline differences among AF types in age, gender, HTN, LVH, CHF and NYHA Class. For the primary endpoint, there were no significant differences between ABL and MED in pts with PAF (hazard ratio (HR) 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51, 1.31), Per (HR 0.87; 95% CI 0.59, 1.28), or LSP (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.39, 2.61). Likewise, there were no significant treatment differences in mortality; PAF (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.46, 1.52), Per (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.56, 1.46) and LSP (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.23, 1.94). Post-blanking AF (time to first recurrence) was significantly reduced by ABL compared to MED across all AF types (PAF by 51%), (Per by 47%) and (LSP by 36%).

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Clinical Outcomes Comparing ABL vs. MED (HR and 95% CI) Interaction p-value Primary Endpoint 0.82 (0.51, 1.31) 0.87 (0.59, 1.28) 1.01 (0.39, 2.61) 0.925 Mortality 0.84 (0.46, 1.52) 0.90 (0.56, 1.46) 0.67 (0.23, 1.94) 0.881 Recurrent AF 0.49 (0.38, 0.62) 0.53 (0.43, 0.65) 0.64 (0.41, 1.01) 0.564

Conclusion

Pts with LSP have a lower proportion of women, and a higher proportion with manifestations of heart failure despite lower CHA2DS2VASc scores. By ITT analysis, there is no significant effect of ABL compared to MED in the primary endpoint or mortality in any AF group. However, ABL is more effective than MED for reducing recurrences of AF regardless of AF type, but with a greater effect in PAF vs Per vs LSP.

Acknowledgement/Funding

NIH, St Jude Medical Foundation and Corporation, Biosense Webster Inc., Medtronic Corporation, and Boston Scientific Corporation
486Are the results of the CASTLE-AF trial reproducible in the real life? Clinical outcomes after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation with heart failure in a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Bisson A , Mondout F , Herbert J , Clementy N , Pierre B , Gaborit C , Guillon Grammatico L , Babuty D , Fauchier L
Published: October 2019

Background

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a validated therapy for patients with symptomatic AF to prevent recurrences. The CASTLE AF trial indicated that ablation for AF in patients with heart failure (HF) was associated with a lower rate of death from any cause or hospitalization for worsening HF than was medical therapy. The purpose of our study was to compare the incidence of these events in AF patients with HF after AF catheter ablation versus those not treated with AF ablation at a nationwide level in centers possibly less well experienced.

Methods

This French longitudinal cohort study was based on the national hospitalization PMSI (Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information) database covering hospital care from the entire population. We included all patients, over 18 years old, with AF and HF from January 2010 to December 2015. Crude event rates were ascertained and hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards risk model. Propensity-matched Cox regression was also used to compare event rates according to AF ablation usage status.

Results

Among the 261,449 patients identified with AF and HF, 1,270 patients were treated with AF ablation (24% female, mean age 63±10 yo) and 260,179 did not have AF ablation (45% female, mean age 79±11 yo). During follow-up (417±502 days), there were 56,981 hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of HF and 81,393 deaths were recorded. Incidence of hospitalization for HF was significantly lower in patients with AF ablation than in those with no ablation (13.74% vs 51.11% person per year respectively, p<0.0001). Incidence of death was also significantly lower in patients with AF ablation than in those with no ablation (6.07% vs 27.42% person per year respectively, p<0.0001). These associations were confirmed in a multivariable analysis after adjustment on age and other comorbidities (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.28–0.39, p<0.0001 for HF and HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.31–0.48, p<0.0001 for all-cause death). After 1:1 propensity score matching, AF ablation was also associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for HF (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.31–0.47, p<0.0001) and a lower risk of death (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.42–0.70, p<0.0001).

Conclusion

In the nationwide analysis of unselected AF patients with HF seen in hospitals, AF ablation was independently associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for HF and death. This provides “real world” data consistent with those observed in recent trials with lower numbers of highly selected patients
P302Prediction of long-term success with global longitudinal strain in patients treated with transcatheter mitral repair
Authors: Fukui M , Bae R , Niikura H , Garcia S , Gossl M , Sorajja P , Cavalcante J L
Published: October 2019

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip is effective for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and high or prohibitive surgical risk. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) allows evaluation of subclinical myocardial dysfunction, but its incremental clinical utility is unknown in patients treated with MitraClip.

Purpose

To evaluate the relation of baseline GLS and 1-year combined endpoint of all-cause death and heart failure hospitalization in patients treated with MitraClip.

Methods

We analyzed all patients who underwent MitraClip in our hospital between 2012 and 2018. Baseline LV GLS was obtained by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography, averaging the 18-segments from 3 apical views. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to assess GLS cut-point associated with mortality. Multivariate models with Cox regression tested its relationship after adjustment of baseline characteristics.

Results

We examined 155 patients (mean age 83±7 years, 52% men; mean LVEF 56±10%, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS-PROM) for repair 6.62±5.22%). At one-year, there were 30 deaths and 9 of heart failure hospitalizations, totalizing a composite outcome rate of 25.2%. Baseline GLS (per 1% increase) was associated with 1-year combined endpoint before (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.19, p=0.02) and after (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.20, p=0.04, respectively) adjustment for baseline characteristics. The optimal value of GLS for discriminating mortality at 1-year was −14.5% (AUC, 0.60; sensitivity 40%, specificity 76%). After accounting for baseline characteristics, patients with reduced GLS (>−14.5%) had worse 1-year combined endpoint than those with preserved GLS (≤−14.5%) (p<0.001; Figure).

Conclusions

Baseline GLS is independently associated with 1-year combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and/or heart failure hospitalization in patients who received transcatheter mitral valve repair. Detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction by GLS may improve risk stratification and long-term success in these patients.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Valve Science Center, Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation
P304Prognostic significance of transvalvular flow rate during exercise in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Hirasawa K , Izumo M , Umemoto T , Suzuki K , Harada T , Akashi Y J
Published: October 2019

Background

The optimal management of asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) in asymptomatic patients with AS.

Purpose

To investigate the additive value of ESE in asymptomatic patients with AS.

Methods and results

We retrospectively enrolled 109 consecutive patients (mean age 73±13 years, 55 men) with AS (aortic valve area ≤1.5cm2) who underwent ESE. Of these, 10 patients referred for aortic valve replacement without symptoms were excluded; finally, 99 conservatively managed patients were enrolled. During the mean follow-up period of 14±11 months, 23 patients (23%) suffered from AS related events. Although no differences in mean pressure gradient at rest and during exercise were found between the patients with and without adverse events, transvalvular flow rate during exercise (Ex-FR) was lower in patients with adverse events than those without adverse events (236±55 ml/sec vs 274±64 ml/sec, P=0.01). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, low Ex-FR (<270 ml/sec) was an independent predictor for adverse events in patients with asymptomatic AS (hazard ratio: 3.53, P<0.01). The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that Ex-FR was clearly stratified the event-free survival (Figure, log-rank P<0.01).

K-M curve according to Ex-FR

Conclusion

These results suggested that Ex-FR measured by ESE should play crucial roles in risk stratification in asymptomatic patients with AS.
P310Differentiation between arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and athlete's heart using cardiac magnetic resonance based derived parameters and strain analysis
Authors: Czimbalmos C , Csecs I , Dohy Z , Toth A , Suhai F I , Szabo L , Kiss O , Sydo N , Kovacs A , Lakatos B , Merkely B , Vago H
Published: October 2019

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a major cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. However diagnosing ARVC in highly trained athletes may be complicated because of overlapping features such as elevated right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume index or T-wave inversion in precordial leads. The revised Task Force criteria contain no specific cut-off value for professional athletes. Additional CMR parameters and CMR deformation imaging may have an added diagnostic value in this special patient population.

Our goal was to determine novel CMR parameters which can help to distinguish between ARVC and athlete's heart. CMR examination of ARVC patients with definite diagnosis based on the revised Task Force criteria (n=34; 41±13 y, 22 male) and healthy professional athletes (members of the Hungarian national water polo, canoing or rowing team performing minimum of 15 hours of training per week, n=34, 32±6 y, 22 male) was performed. We evaluated left and right ventricular end-systolic, end-diastolic (EDVi) and stroke volume index, ejection fraction (EF) and mass. We established derived parameters such as ejection fraction ratio (LVEF/RVEF) and end-diastolic volume ratio (LVEDV/RVEDV). Global and regional strain analysis for the right ventricle was performed using feature tracking technique. Area under the ROC curves (AUC) of conventional and derived CMR parameters and CMR based strain values were analysed.

There was no significant difference between RVEDVi of ARVC patients and athletes (124±17 vs 142±47), RVEF was lower in ARVC patients compared to athletes (56±5 vs 41±14%; p<0.001). Significant differences were found between athletes and ARVC patients in LVEDV/RVEDV (0.96±0.08 vs 0.82±0.23), LVEF/RVEF (1.04±0.06 vs 1.41±0.56), global circumferential strain (−34.8±5.9 vs −25.2±12.2) and regional strain values such as midventricular RV strain (−31.5±10.2 vs −20.0±13.4) or midventricular RV strain rate (−1.37±0.56 vs −1.04±0.68), respectively.

RVEF and LVEF/RVEF showed excellent (AUC of 0.9–1.0), RV global strain and RV midventricular strain values showed good diagnostic accuracy (AUC of 0.8–0.9), while RVEDVi showed poor diagnostic accuracy (AUC of 0.59).

Consequently, in highly trained healthy athletes RVEDVi is in the range of major Task Force criteria, while CMR based derived parameters such as LVEDV/RVEDV or LVEF/RVEF and both global and regional RV strain parameters can be useful parameters in the differential diagnosis.

Acknowledgement/Funding

National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH) of Hungary (K 120277), ÚNKP-18-3-IV New National Excellence Program of Human Capacities.
P326Characteristic of sympathetic nerve activity in two subgroups of patients with heart failure (HFrEF and HFmrEF)
Authors: Urbancsek R , Barta J , Forgacs I , Boczan J , Edes I , Csanadi Z , Rudas L
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Sympathetic overactivity is a well documented in severe heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The European Society of Cardiology has recently introduced a new HF category, i.e. HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF), characterized by left ventricular EF of 40–49%. The sympathetic regulation in this new category has not been thoroughly described.

Aims

Characterization of the sympathetic regulation in patients with HFmrEF compared with data obtained from HFrEF patients and healthy volunteers.

Method

14 HFrEF patients, 22 HFmrEF patients and 10 control subjects were enrolled (Table 1). Muscle sympathetic nerve activity, (MSNA) was recorded in the superficial peroneal nerve by microneurography, and processed by the Nerve Traffic Analyzer System (Model 662C-3, Iowa). Continuous ECG and non-invasive blood pressure (Finapres 2300) were digitized online (500 Hz/channel). Sympathetic burst frequency (bursts/minute) and burst incidence (bursts/100 heartbeats) were determined. The 6 min walking distances (6MWD) and NT proBNP levels in the HF subgroups were also assessed.

Results

Both burst frequency and incidence were significantly elevated in the HF subgroups compared to controls, and significant differences were also seen between the HFrEF and HFmrEF groups. The sympathetic burst activity in the HF populations significantly correlated with the NT proBNP level (R=0.53, p=0.003) and inversely correlated with the ejection fraction (R=−0.38, p=0.03).

Table 1. Results EF <40% EF: 40–49% Healthy control group (HC) p p p (n=14) (n=22) (n=10) EF <40% vs. EF: 40–49% EF <40% vs. HC EF: 40–49% vs. HC NYHA   I–II 8 21 − − − −   III–IV 6 1 − − − − Age 58.36±12.31 62.23±9.74 52.44±10.41 0.302 0.247 0.019 BMI 29.65±3.77 29.84±4.19 − 0.895 − − NT proBNP [ng/L] 1574.75±1415.06 300.20±247.35 − 0.002 − − 6MWT [m] 476.88±63.53 496.53±76.59 − 0.503 − − EF [%] 44.47±3.34 26.78±8.58 − − − − Baseline   burst/min 59.29±14.18 39.55±9.48 25.78±8.47 <0.001 <0.001 0.001   burst/100 84.64±12.63 65.68±15.48 35.78±11.27 0.001 <0.001 <0.001

Conclusion

Sympathetic activity is elevated in heart failure as compared to healthy controls. In patients with HFrEF both parameters of sympathetic activity were significantly higher as compared to patients with HFmrEF.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The work is supported by the GINOP-2.3.2-15-2016-00043 project. The project is co-financed by the EU and the European Regional Development Fund
P333Late mortality after pharmaco-invasive PCI for STEMI
Authors: Idris H , Yang W , Burgess S , Faour A , McLean A , Sidney Lo S , Mussap C J , Juergens C P , French J K
Published: October 2019

Background

Worldwide, and in Australia, a large proportion of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are unable to undergo timely primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and so are transferred for PCI after receiving fibrinolytic therapy (so-called pharmaco-invasive PCI).

Methods

Our Hospital, the primary PCI centre for Southwest Sydney, Australia receives patients for both primary PCI and transferred post- fibrinolytic therapy for rescue or prognostic PCI. Associations were determined between late outcomes (bleeding according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria and mortality) and reperfusion strategy, either primary PCI, or pharmaco-invasive PCI, in patients undergoing PCI for STEMI during hospitalization.

Results

Among 2083 consecutive patients (80% male) with STEMI who underwent PCI (1076 [52%] primary PCI and 1007 [48%] pharmaco-invasive PCI), mortality at 3 years was 8.7%,11.1% after primary PCI and 6.2% after pharmaco-invasive PCI (9.4% after rescue PCI and 4.6% after prognostic PCI); p<0.001 (Figure). Rates of type 2–5 BARC bleeding post-PCI were 35% after primary PCI and 24% after pharmaco-invasive PCI (42% after rescue PCI and 15% after prognostic PCI); p<0.001. while the rate of major bleeding type 3b-5 were 5% after primary PCI and 3% after pharmaco-invasive PCI (8% after rescue PCI and 1% after prognostic PCI); p=0.112.The independent predictors of 3 year mortality were, pre-PCI cardiogenic shock HR=0.25 [95% CI: 0.16–0.39], p<0.001), age (HR=1.05 [95% CI: 1.03–1.06], p<0.001), TIMI 3 flow post-PCI (HR=5.25 [95% CI: 2.51–11.00], p≤0.001), eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m2 (HR=2.90 [95% CI: 1.93–4.34], p≤0.001), post PCI bleeding (HR=2.17 [95% CI: 1.53–3.08], p≤0.001), anterior infarction (HR=1.76 [95% CI: 1.23–2.51], p=0.002), and female gender (HR=1.56 [95% CI: 1.07–2.27], p=0.022); and primary PCI (HR=1.6 [95% CI: 1.18–2.19; p=0.003]. On multi-variable analysis, age, cardiogenic shock presentation, rescue PCI, intra-aortic balloon pump, Pre-procedural anaemia, (all p<0.001) and eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m2 (p=0.006) were associated with bleeding.

Figure 1. Late survival after primary & PI PCI

Conclusion

Among patients with STEMI who underwent pharmaco-invasive PCI had lower mortality rates than to those who had primary PCI, though procedural selection criteria may have been different; bleeding rates were similar. Among suitable patients pharmaco-invasive PCI should be evaluated in large clinical trials.
P338Combined assessment using clinical and imaging parameters to predict response to pharmacotherapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ikeda Y , Inomata T , Maemura K , Yazaki M , Oki T , Fujita T , Nabeta T , Maekawa E , Koitabashi T , Ako J
Published: October 2019

Background

Normalization of left ventricular (LV) contraction is a strong surrogate marker of favorable prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Although several studies have reported the individual predictive significance of clinical and imaging parameters for LV recovery in patients with DCM, there have been no reports on the scoring systems that combine these multifactorial parameters.

Methods and results

In 406 idiopathic patients with DCM, there were 185 (46%) with LV recovery at 1-year follow-up after pharmacotherapy, which was defined as improvements in LV ejection fraction of ≥+10% together with absolute values of ≥50%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that eight baseline clinical factors and the absence of late gadolinium enhancement (negative LGE) on magnetic resonance imaging were independently associated with LV recovery. The highest odds ratio for the prediction of LV recovery was negative LGE (odds ratio: 5.62, 95% confidence interval: 2.97–10.6; p<0.0001). Response score for the prediction of LV recovery that included these nine parameters had a predictive accuracy of 0.76 for LV recovery (Figure).

Conclusion

Combined assessment using clinical and imaging parameters has a high prognostic value for predicting response to pharmacotherapy in patients with DCM.
P341Which patients with atrial fibrillation undergo an ablation procedure today in Europe? A report from the ESC-EHRA-EURObservational Research Programme
Authors: Tilz R , Dagres N , Arbelo E , Blomstroem Lundqvist C H , Pokushalov E , Crijns H J , Kirchhof P , Kautzner J , Temporelli P L , Laroche C H , Pisapia A , Pehrson S , Lip G Y H , Brugada J , Tavazzi L
Published: October 2019

Aims

Great heterogeneity in rhythm control management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been described. The aim of this study was to investigate how selective the patient cohort referred for AF ablation is, as compared to the general AF population in Europe, and to describe the governing mechanisms for such selection.

Methods

Descriptive comparative statistical analyses of the baseline characteristics were performed between the cohorts of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Long-Term (ESC-EORP EHRA AFA-LT) Registry, designed to provide a picture of contemporary real-world AF ablation, and the AF population from the AF-General (ESC-EORP EHRA AF-Gen) PilotRegistry. Data collection was performed using a web-based system.

Results

In the AFA and in the AFG pilot registries 3593 and 3049 patients were enrolled, respectively. Patients who underwent AF ablation were younger,more commonly male, and had significantly less co-morbidities. Lone AF was predominant in AFA patients who were at lower risk of stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc >5: 2.9% vs. 24.5%, all P<0.001) and bleeding (HAS-BLED ≥2: 8.5% vs. 40.5%, P<0.001) but with EHRA scores >1 and more prevalentAF-related symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue and weakness (all p<0.001)as compared to the general AF patients. AFA patients were significantly more often male, had higher LV ejection fraction (59.5% vs. 52.4%) and smaller left atrial size on echocardiogram (P<0.001 each).

Conclusions

The comparison of the patient chorts in the AFA and AFG registries showed that AF ablation in European clinical practice is mostly performed in relatively young, symptomatic and otherwise relatively healthy patients.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Abbott Vascular Int.; Amgen Cardiovascular, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Boston Scientific, Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance
P591Insights from Exercise Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ExMR) With Cardiopulmonary Testing in HIV Patients
Authors: Patterson A , Sarode A , Shaver L , Al-Kindi S , Alaiti A , Zullo M Z , Longenecker C , Jenkins T , Rajagopalan S
Published: October 2019

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with exercise (exMR) and cardiopulmonary testing (CPET) to evaluate cardiopulmonary function has the potential of uncovering poorly understood mechanisms of dyspnea in patients that cannot be otherwise discerned with a single imaging modality.

Purpose

We prospectively evaluated the value of this technique in dyspneic patients with HIV without obvious cardiopulmonary etiologies to comprehensively assess mechanisms of dyspnea.

Methods

Thirty-six HIV patients with dyspnea without obvious cardiopulmonary causes [normal chest x-ray, normal resting LVEF and resting pulmonary artery (PA) pressures <40 mm Hg on echo] and exercise limitation [Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scale >2] underwent testing using a novel combined exMR/CPET platform (Figure 1). Resting and exercise magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including flow velocities across the pulmonary artery together with CPET was evaluated at pre and post peak stress. We analyzed the correlation between CPET and MRI pre and peak exercise variables.

Results

The mean age was 51 years; 60% were male; and mean absolute CD4 count was 718. Ventilator efficiency at peak exercise (Peak VO2) did not correlate with exMR parameters. Peak VE/VCO2 was negatively associated with peak LV and RV stroke volume (p values 0.002 & 0.005 respectively). There was a positive relationship between peak petCO2and LV cardiac output (p=0.02), peak exercise RV stroke volume (p=0.003), peak exercise LV stroke volume (p=0.02). Absolute CD4 count was positively correlated with post exercise pulmonary artery velocity (p=0.045). We found no correlation between absolute CD8 count and CMR and CPET exercise parameters.

Figure 1. MRI-CPET setting

Conclusion

HIV patients appear to have an impairment of ventilatory efficiency, exemplified by the association of VE/VCO2and PetCO2 with exMR parameters in the context of normal RV/LV contractile reserve and no evidence of Pulmonary arterial hypertension. A combined CPET/exMRI platform may provide new insight into cardiopulmonary function and the factors influencing exercise tolerance in symptomatic HIV patients.

Acknowledgement/Funding

7R01HL125060-03
P593Oxygen sensitive cardiac magnetic resonance in demonstrating myocardial ischaemia of the right ventricle in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension
Authors: Sree Raman K , Stokes M , Shah R J , Walls A D , Steele P M , Burdeniuk C , De Pasquale C G , Celermajer D S , Selvanayagam J B
Published: October 2019

Background

Progressive right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a natural progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) which is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The main contributor to progressive RV dysfunction is RV ischemia. Oxygen-sensitive (OS) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been used to determine the in-vivo myocardial oxygenation of the left ventricle (LV).

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to (1) Determine the feasibility of RV targeted rest/stress OS-CMR imaging in PAH patients and normal volunteers; (2) To define the presence and extent of RV myocardial ischaemia in patients with known PAH.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 20 patients with right heart catheter proven PAH and 9 normal (NC), age matched controls with no heart disease. The CMR examination involved standard functional imaging and OS-CMR imaging. OS-CMR images were acquired using a T2* sequence at rest and adenosine-induced stress vasodilatation. The RV was divided into 3 segments - RV anterior, RV free-wall and RV inferior. An OS-CMR signal intensity (SI) index (stress/rest signal intensity) was acquired at RV anterior, RV free-wall and RV inferior segments.

Results

All the PAH patients tolerated and completed the adenosine induced stress OS-CMR without any complications or adverse effects. In NC, reliable OS signal intensity changes was only obtained from the RV inferior segment. As RV dysfunction in PAH is a global process, hence this segment was used in both patients and NC for further comparison. RV OS-CMR signal intensity change between rest and stress in the normal volunteers was 17±4% (mean ± SD). 9 out of twenty (45%) of the PAH patients had a mean BOLD signal intensity change of less than 9% (or 2SD different from the mean values in normal volunteers). Overall, RV OS SI index between the PAH patients and controls was 11±9% vs 17±5% (p-value = 0.045) in RV inferior segment.

Conclusion

Pharmacological induced OS-CMR is a feasible and safe technique to identify and study myocardial oxygenation in the RV of PAH patients.
P600CMR Fast-SENC segmental intramyocardial LV strain detects heart disease progression based on ACC/AHA Heart Failure stage before global longitudinal strain or ejection fraction
Authors: Montenbruck M , Kelle S , Esch S , Andre F , Korosoglou G , Steen H
Published: October 2019

Background

Global longitudinal strain has become an alternative to ejection fraction in identifying reduced cardiac function in the left (LV) or right (RV) ventricles. However, these global metrics are not able to characterize patients in which the heart compensates for regional dysfunction. More sensitive metrics are needed to detect subclinical regional dysfunction before cardiac remodeling results in changes in ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Fast-SENC intramyocardial strain (fSENC) is a unique cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) modality that measures intramyocardial contraction in 1 heartbeat per image plane. This prospective registry compares segmental fSENC to global metrics GLS and LVEF based on modified ACC/AHA Heart Failure Stage that categorized differing levels of structural heart disease for Stage B and C.

Methods

A single center, prospective registry of MRI scans acquired with a 1.5T scanner were evaluated for conventional CMR diagnostics including biventricular EF, volumes and mass. In addition, fSENC scans were acquired and processed with the MyoStrain software to quantify intramyocardial LV & RV strain. Three short axis scans (basal, midventricular, & apical) were used to calculate strain in 16 LV & 6 RV longitudinal segments while three long axis scans (2-, 3- & 4-chamber) were used to calculate 21 LV & 5 RV circumferential segments. All metrics were compared based on ACC/AHA Heart Failure Stage determined by full CMR exam.

Results

A total of 977 scans in 779 patients were included in the study; this population included 210 myocarditis, 46 dilated cardiomyopathy, and 30 ischemic cardiomyopathy cases. Patients had an average (± stdev) age of 55 (17) yrs and BMI of 26 (5) kg/m2; 48% had arterial hypertension, 12% diabetes mellitus, 33% valve disease, 24% cancer, 7% atrial fibrillation, 13% pulmonary disease, 5% left bundle branch block, 35% hypercholesterolemia, and 24% coronary artery disease. Figure 1 shows the relationship between segmental strain, calculated as the percent of normal LV segments (longitudinal & circumferential) based on intramyocardial fSENC <−17%, versus LVEF based on ACC/AHA Heart Failure stage.

Figure 1

Conclusion

Segmental fSENC detects subclinical LV dysfunction well before changes in EF or GLS. Incorporating both longitudinal and circumferential components into segmental fSENC metrics provides an alternative metric that shows consistent changes in heart failure progression irrespective of risk factors or underlying cardiac disease.
P621Variation of global longitudinal strain (2D STE) with passive leg lifting maneuver: a marker of myocardial functional reserve?
Authors: Nobre De Matos Pereira Vieira M J , Campos D , Carrington M , Goncalves L , Teixeira R
Published: October 2019

Introduction

In a normal heart, the passive leg lifting maneuver (LLM) will result in an increase in myocardial contractility, according to the mechanistic concept of the Frank-Starling law. With the progression of myocardial disease this ability is impaired and the myocardial functional reserve (mFR) is reduced (Figure1 – Panel A). The variation of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (as an index of contractile function) with LLM may thus represent a marker of left ventricular mFR.

Purpose

To assess the variation of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) with LLM as a marker of mFR in a healthy population and in patients with myocardial disease (hypertrophic myocardiopathy - HCM and systolic dysfunction patients – SystDysf.

Methods and results

We evaluated the variation of LV GLS by 2-dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (2D-STE), in response to passive LLM, in a population of 103 individuals (54 healthy individuals, 28 HCM patients and 21 left ventricular SystDysf patients). Clinical, demographic and echocardiographic parameters (including LV longitudinal mechanics obtained with 2D-STE before and after LLM) were described. The population had a mean age of 46±18 years and 55% were women. Increased venous return to the heart during LLM was confirmed by an increase in the maximal diameter of the inferior vena cava (15,1±3,6 vs 20,6±3,8 mm, p<0.001).

There was a significant variation of LV GLS in healthy individuals submitted to LLM (−20,58±3,0 vs −21,5±2,6%, p=0,02, Δ 0,6%, 95% CI 0,1–1,1%). Regarding the HCM and SystDysf groups, no significant change in LV GLS was observed with LLM (−13,2±2,8 vs −12,3±2,9%, p=0,12, Δ +0,6%, 95% CI −1,4 to 0,18% and −10,2±2,5 vs 10,2±2,7%, p=0,79, Δ 0,08%, 95% CI −0,7 to 0,5%, respectively). Figure 1 (Panel B)

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the use of LV GLS and LLM to assess mFR in this clinical setting. The absolute increase of LV GLS in the healthy population suggests that this may be a reliable method and a sensitive marker to assess the mFR. Conversely, patients with HCM and with SystDysf show poor or no response to the LLM, suggesting, as expected, a low myocardial functional reserve. Given the non-invasiveness and cost-effectiveness nature of this technique, we suggest that this maneuver could pose a feasible way to assess mFR. Further studies are needed to validate this technique and to assess the role of mFR by 2D-STE as a prognostic marker.
P623Regional Longitudinal Strain for Prediction of Left Ventricular Thrombus Formation following Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Olsen F J , Pedersen S , Galatius S , Fritz-Hansen T , Gislason G , Biering-Sorensen T
Published: October 2019

Background

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation is a dangerous complication to acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Purpose

We hypothesized that regional strain impairment was predictive of LVT formation.

Methods

We included 373 prospectively enrolled patients with ST-segment elevation MI treated with primary percutaneous intervention. All patients had an echocardiogram performed a median of 2 days post-MI. Using logistic regression, we investigated the predictive value of left ventricular (LV) speckle tracking, conventional echocardiographic measures and well-known echocardiographic features of LVT formation including LV smoke, aneurysm and valvular regurgitations.

Results

Overall, the mean age was 62 years, 75% were male, 5% had prior MI, and 48% had anterior infarcts. Mean LVEF was 46% and absolute global longitudinal strain (GLS) was 12%.

Of 373 patients, 31 (8%) developed LVT in follow-up echocardiograms. Patients with LVT more frequently had anterior infarcts, prior MI, lower LVEF, lower e', lower GLS and regional strain, and these were all univariable predictors of LVT formation.

In multivariable analysis (including anterior infarcts, prior MI, LVEF, e'), GLS and regional strain remained independent predictors of LVT formation (GLS: OR: 1.17 [1.00; 1.36], midventricular strain: OR: 1.19 [1.03; 1.38], apical strain: 1.12 [1.00; 1.25], p<0.05 for all) (figure)

In a combined diagnostic model, including anterior infarct, impaired LVEF (<42%) and apical strain (<8%), the sensitivity and negative predictive value was 100%, with a specificity and positive predictive value of 38 and 13%, respectively.

Regional strain and risk of LVT

Conclusion

In MI patients, anterior infarct, LVEF and apical strain were strong predictors of LVT formation. Reduced apical strain indicates a markedly increased LVT risk.
P639Benefits and safety of exercise training in patients with severe three coronary vessels disease
Authors: Rojano J , Ilarraza Lomeli H , Garcia Saldivia M , Rius Suarez M , Lopez Garcia A , Perez Gamez J C , Franco Ojeda E , Chavez Dominguez R
Published: October 2019

Background

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Nowadays, there are still patients with untreatable coronary obstructions and exercise therapy could be an option to improve their quality of life and probably diminish mortality. Cardiac rehabilitation programs are recommended worldwide due its effectiveness and safety. However very high risk patients are often not included.

Purpose

To evaluate the benefit and safety of exercise therapy as a part of a cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with untreatable severe coronary heart disease.

Methods

A cohort of patients with coronary heart disease included in a cardiac rehabilitation program were studied. Those with severe coronary heart disease (Syntax score ≥33, group A) were identified. Patients were stratified using clinical records and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. They trained for 30 minutes, five times a week of aerobic exercise (cycle ergometer) and this therapy was complemented with general strength, coordination, balance and flexibility maneuvers. After twenty exercise sessions, a second cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed. Symptom limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing was undertaken using a ramp Balke protocol and cardiopulmonary variables were recorded. These patients were compared with their counterparts without severe coronary heart disease (Control group, group B). Studied variables were presented as frequencies (%), mean (SD), median (range) as appropriate. Comparisons between groups were made using chi square or paired T test as needed. All p values <0.05 were considered stochastically significant.

Results

From a total of 546 patients, seventy-one had severe coronary heart disease (Syntax score ≥33). There were no significant differences between groups on change of METs value and number of sessions assisted. No major adverse cardiovascular outcome was observed. The percentage of exercise induced arrhythmias was 75% in very high risk group vs 76% in control group, (p>0.05). Results are shown in table 1.

Table 1. Characteristics between groups Patients Group A (n=75) Group B (n=471) p value Assisted training sessions 15±7 14±6 ns Increment in MET (ml/kg/min) 1.32±1.34 1.35±1.56 ns Arrhythmias, n (%) 56 (75) 370 (76) ns Angor/ST depression, n (%) 11 (15) 15 (3) <0.01 Differences in workload (Watts) 20±13 22±13 ns

Conclusion

Exercise training could be performed in an effective and safe manner in patients with very high risk untreated coronary heart disease.
P641Patient characteristics and treatment patterns in patients on lipid-lowering therapies following an acute coronary syndrome in France
Authors: Bruckert E , Desamericq G , Khachatryan A , Ngo P , Gusto G , Sorio Vilela F
Published: October 2019

Background introduction

Many patients, especially those at very high cardiovascular (CV) risk, do not reach low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets for at least 2 reasons: they may not receive a sufficiently intensive regimen, and/or they may not adhere to their medication.

Purpose

Describe demographic, clinical characteristics and treatment intensity and adherence in patients on lipid lowering therapies (LLT) following an Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in France.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study on the PGRx (the Pharmacoepidemiologic General Research eXtension program)-ACS dataset in France, with data collected retrospective and prospectively via physicians, prescription records and patient interviews. Patients were accrued prospectively and/or retrospectively by centres from the PGRx Cardiology and General Practitioners networks. We included adult patients (≥18 years) suffering an ACS between 2013 and 2016 who received LLT at or within 92 days of their ACS hospital discharge. Follow-up was censored at time of new CV event, death, lost to follow-up or interview date (mean duration 12.4 months). Outcomes of interest included LLT intensity (high, moderate and low intensity statins with or without ezetimibe) and adherence measured as proportion of days covered (PDC).

Results

2695 eligible patients were included (77% men); mean age (SD) 63.1 (12.8), 18% had diabetes mellitus, mean (SD) LDL-C 112.1 (46.4) mg/dl. Treatment with LLT at discharge is summarised in table below. Age and baseline LDL-C were drivers of treatment intensity with higher proportion of patients on high intensity statins in younger patients and in those with higher baseline LDL-C. Overall 70% of patients were adherent (PDC≥80%). Patients on moderate intensity were more adherent (76%) than those on low (63%) or high intensity statins (67%).

Treatment patterns with LLT after an ACS LLT following ACS N (%) PDC at 1 year, Mean (SD) Adherent, N (%) Not Adherent, N (%) Ezetimibe 34 (1.3%) 82.8% (31.3%) 26 (76.5%) 8 (23.5%) Low intensity statins 64 (2.4%) 74.8% (33.8%) 40 (62.5%) 24 (37.5%) Moderate intensity statins 993 (37.1%) 82.0% (30.9%) 751 (75.6%) 242 (24.4%) High intensity statins 1515 (56.6%) 74.6% (36.2%) 1007 (66.5%) 508 (33.5%) Statin + ezetimibe 59 (2.2%) 75.9% (34.7%) 40 (67.8%) 19 (32.2%) Overall 2695 (100%) 77.6% (34.3%) 1871 (69.9%) 807 (30.1%)

Conclusion(s)

Our data show a substantial proportion of patients in France are not treated with high intensity statins after an ACS despite guidelines recommendation. Adherence to LLT is acceptable in patients after an ACS although it appears to worsen when high intense statins are used

Acknowledgement/Funding

Study has been funded by Amgen GmbH
P649Validation of clinical diagnostic criteria of familial hypercholesterolemia in Japan: evidence from a comprehensive genetic analysis
Authors: Tada H , Okada H , Nomura A , Nohara A , Kawashiri M , Takamura M
Published: October 2019

Background

Although awareness of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is increasing, this common, potentially fatal, treatable condition remains underdiagnosed. Japanese clinical diagnostic criteria of FH include LDL cholesterol level ≥180 mg/dl, Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) ≥9.0 mm, and family history of FH or premature coronary disease. Despite FH being a genetic disorder, genetic testing is rarely used, few data exist regarding the validation of those criteria, especially, by studies using comprehensive genetic analyses.

Methods

This study included 680 subjects (344 men, mean LDL cholesterol = 175 mg/dl) who underwent the full assessments for FH, including LDL cholesterol measurement, Achilles tendon X-ray, investigations for family history, and comprehensive genetic analyses on FH-associated genes (LDL receptor, PCSK9, APOB, and LDLRAP1) in our University Hospital since 2006 to 2018. The area under curve (AUCs) of receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses predicting FH-mutation positive were compared among those determined by each component.

Results

ROC analyses revealed the optimal cutoff LDL cholesterol value for predicting the presence of FH-mutation was 181 mg/dl, and that of ATT was ≥7.0 mm. AUCs of each component (ATT, LDL cholesterol, and family history) were 0.827, 0.889, and 0.906, respectively, and the combination of all components increased it to 0.975. When adopting ATT ≥7.0 mm as one of the clinical diagnostic criteria, 13 individuals (2%) were newly classified as true-FH, whereas, 27 (4%) individuals were newly misclassified as FH.

Conclusion

The current Japanese clinical diagnostic criteria of FH were pretty well validated in our independent cohort. However, the threshold of ATT could be lowered to 7.0 mm to raise the sensitivity of its criteria.
P654Effectiveness of evolocumab for patients with familial hypercholesteraemia (FH) in European clinical practice
Authors: Ray K K , Schoonen M , Annemans L , Van Hout B A , Sibartie M , Bridges I , Bruckert E
Published: October 2019

Background

FH is a genetic disorder which causes lifelong elevations in LDL-C from birth, resulting in a significantly increased risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In clinical trials among patients with heterozygous FH (HeFH) and homozygous FH (HoFH), evolocumab significantly reduced LDL-C by approximately 40–60% from baseline. Few data are available on evolocumab use among FH patients treated in a real-world setting.

Purpose

Describe the characteristics of FH patients receiving evolocumab in routine clinical practice and their response to therapy.

Methods

This observational study across 10 European countries follows subjects from the date of evolocumab initiation (baseline) for up to 2.5 years, with relevant clinical data abstracted from medical charts (for subjects on apheresis, LDL-C measures included those obtained directly following apheresis). We analysed a cohort of FH subjects from an interim analysis which included subjects initiating evolocumab from Aug 2015 through Jun 2018. FH was diagnosed by the treating physician using standard criteria.

Results

A total of 502 FH subjects were included, 477 had HeFH (95%) and 25 HoFH (5%). The main diagnostic methods used included: the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria (39% of HeFH, 28% of HoFH), genetic testing (27% of HeFH, 36% of HoFH), LDL-C values alone (23% HeFH, 16% HoFH). Mean (95% Confidence Interval [CI]) age was 58 (57–59) years for HeFH and 56 (50–61) for HoFH; 71% and 84% <65 years, respectively. 60% of HeFH subjects were male (HoFH: 40% male). In the overall FH cohort, additional CV risk factors were common (59% hypertension, 15% diabetes, 6% chronic kidney disease ≥ stage 2, 17% current smoker, 22% BMI≥30), with the majority having experienced a prior CV event (77% of HeFH, 80% of HoFH). Among HeFH subjects, 40% were receiving a high intensity statin at baseline, 11% medium intensity, 2% low intensity and 47% no statins. For HoFH, the corresponding values were 36%, 16%, 0 and 40%, respectively. Baseline ezetimibe use was 53% in HeFH and 48% in HoFH. Among HeFH patients, median (IQR) baseline LDL-C was 4.30 (3.41, 5.50) mmol/L; this dropped to 1.73 (1.03, 2.97) mmol/L within 3 months of evolocumab initiation, median LDL-C reduction 56% (Figure 1). Only 20 HoFH patients had a baseline LDL-C value; median (IQR), 4.07 (2.68, 6.17) mmol/L which dropped to 2.59 (1.63, 3.40) by month 3 [n=16]. No serious and no fatal adverse reactions were observed.

Figure 1

Conclusions

In this real-world study of evolocumab use in clinical practice, a large proportion of FH patients were not on statins and had LDL-C levels >4 mmol/L. After initiation of evolocumab median LDL-C fell by about one half in HeFH and by about one third in HoFH. Evolocumab was well-tolerated.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study was fully funded by Amgen Inc
P657Anticoagulation strategies based on warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants compared to major hemorrhagic events: the relevance of patients aged 75 years or older
Authors: Conti A , Bini G , Renzi N , Bogazzi I C , Mazzucchelli M , Covelli A , Catarzi S , Lencioni A M , Genovesi M , Pisani N , Cipriano A , Ghiadoni L
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate rates of major bleeding (mBleed) associated with anticoagulant treatments in patients (pts) with age ≥75 years (y), referred to hospital in northwest Tuscany.

Methods

We analysed 4-y survey; 302,687 visits; catchment area 197,722 inhabitants, of whom 15,267 on Warfarin (W) and 10,397 on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). DOACs were available in the catchment area since 4 y (dabigatran and rivaroxaban), 3 y (apixaban), and 2 y (edoxaban). Overall, 3,373 pts received dabigatran, 4,046 rivaroxaban, 2,141 apixaban, and 839 edoxaban. Pts with hemorrhage were submitted to propensity score matching for mBleed and stratified according to age ≥75 y, and W or DOACs. Primary endpoint was one-month death in pts with age ≥75 y.

Results

Out of 1,919 mBleed enrolled, those of pts aged ≥75 y were 1,127 (59%) versus (vs) 792 (41%) aged <75 y, with 77 (4.0%) one-month death vs 20 (1.0%), respectively; p<0.0001.

Patients on W showed higher rate of mBleed (n=175; 9.1%) compared to DOACs (n=53; 2.8%); p<0.0001. One-month death accounted for 14 (0.7%) vs 1 (0.1%), respectively; p=0.0019. Pts aged ≥75 years were more likely to show female gender and comorbidities including atrial fibrillation; p<0.01. Among DOACs, edoxaban presented the lowest absolute rate of hospital admission for mBleed and dabigatran the highest, although without statistical differences within DOACs (p=0.6454). Interestingly, in the subset of pts aged ≥75 y, within DOACs, we found no statistical difference in one-month mortality, although edoxaban showed one death due to brain mBleed; conversely, we found statistical significance in rate of mBleed. Indeed, edoxaban vs dabigatran showed p=0.0008, edoxaban vs apixaban p=0.0242, edoxaban vs rivaroxaban p=0.0058, apixaban vs rivaroxaban p=0.7093, apixaban vs dabigatran p=0.2279, rivaroxaban vs dabigatran p=0.5087.

Warfarin or DOACs and outcomes Major Bleeding (pts ≥75 y) p value versus pts <75 y p value within group One-month death (pts ≥75 y) p value versus pts <75 y p value within group n=1,127 n=77 Warfarin 175 (9.1%) 0.0001 <0.0001 14 (1.2%) 0.514 0.0019 DOACS 53 (2.8%) 0.0001 1 (0.1%) 0.256 Dabigatran 21 (1.1%) 0.026 0.0088 0 (0%) 0.391 0.8012 Rivaroxaban 16 (0.8%) 0.121 0 (0%) 0.619 Apixaban 13 (0.7%) 0.033 0 (0%) 1 Edoxaban 3 (0.2%) 0.647 1 (0.1%) 0.191 Patients: pts; direct oral anticoagulants: DOACs; p value Yates' correction: p value.

Patients with age >75 years and bleeding

Conclusion

In pts with age ≥75 y, rate of mBleed and short-term mortality were significantly higher than in pts aged <75 y In those pts, DOACs showed significantly lower rate of mBleed, and short-term death. Within DOACs, edoxaban was more likely to show lower rate of mBleed.