bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
619 Left ventricle remodelling in severe aortic stenosis: analysis of a large cohort of patients
Authors: Ramos Jimenez J , Hernandez S , Plaza Martin M , Zamorano Gomez J L
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent valve disease. It involves increased left ventricle (LV) postcharge leading to LV hypertrophy. The aim of the study was to assess the burden of LV hypertrophy and its different patterns among a large cohort of patients with severe AS.

Methods

Observational, multicentre and prospective study of consecutive cases. Patients with severe AS defined as aortic valve area (AVA) <1.0 cm2, and preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF≥50%) were included. LV hypertrophy was diagnosed in case of LV indexed mass >95 g/m2 in females or >115 g/m2 in males. LV geometry was assessed by relative wall thickness ratio, considering a cut-off value of 0.42. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 805 patients with severe AS were included, 49.7% (n = 400) of them females and 50.3% (n = 405) males. LV indexed mass was available in 665 subjects, most of them (74.9%, n = 498) presenting LV hypertrophy. Females showed higher prevalence of LV hypertrophy than males (82.7% vs. 60.5%; p < 0.01). Concentric hypertrophy was the most frequently encountered phenotype (63.9%; n = 420), being significantly more prevalent among women (74.3% vs 53.4%; p < 0.01). Despite that increased hypertrophy, females showed less severe AS when comparing mean transaortic gradient (39 mmHg vs 42 mmHg; p = 0.04) and indexed AVA (0.42 cm/m2 vs 0.40 cm/m2; p = 0.02). LV hypertrophy was associated with enlarged atria and higher pulmonary systolic pressure.

Conclusions

LV hypertrophy affects most of patients with severe AS. LV remodelling is different between gender, with women developing higher grade of hypertrophy despite lesser AS severity. LV hypertrophy is associated with poor prognosis echocardiographic signs (increased PSAP and indexed LAV).

Differences related to LV mass Normal LV mass LV hypertrophy P value Indexed AVA (cm/m2) 0.42 ± 0.01 0.41 ± 0.01 0.52 Mean gradient (mmHg) 42 ± 0.7 36 ± 1.1 <0.01 Indexed stroke volumen (mL/m2) 41 ± 1 37 ± 1 <0.01 Indexed LAV (mL/m2) 46 ± 1 38 ± 1 <0.01 PSAP (mmHg) 30 ± 2 41 ± 1 0.01 LAV left atrial volume PSAP: pulmonary systolic arterial pressure

Abstract 619 Figure. Sex related LV geometry patterns
P627 Step by step valve destruction in infective endocarditis with no apparent vegetations
Authors: Skafar M , Ovsenik A , Toplisek J , Berlot B , Bervar M
Published: January 2020

Background

Infective endocarditis can present without evident vegetation, diagnosis is challenging and prognosis very poor. We present an illustrative case where natural evolution of the mitral valve destruction with no evident vegetations was followed with frequent consecutive transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TOE).

Case presentation

71-year old male with known dilated cardiomyopathy presented with dyspnoea, ankle swelling and severe kidney failure with hyperkalemia. During short hospitalization he was recompensated with haemodialysis, parenteral diuretics and inotropes. TTE showed dilated left ventricle with severe systolic dysfunction and no evidence of valvular disease. Few days after discharge he was readmitted with malaise and febrile state with no obvious site of infection. Blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic therapy was initiated immediately. Weekly TTEs and TOEs were performed (Figure 1, column A-D):

Week 1: TTE was performed due to congestive heart failure. There was no suspicion on disease and TTE showed no obvious mitral valve pathology.

Week 3: Second TTE showed only light thickening of posterior mitral leaflet with mild mitral regurgitation.

Week 4: Follow-up TOE was performed showing posterior leaflet discontinuity with small eccentric regurgitation jet and no vegetation.

Week 6: Symptoms of congestive heart failure persisted despite antibiotic treatment. A progressive destruction of posterior leaflet with evident perforation of P1 scallop and consequent severe mitral regurgitation. Patient was referred for urgent mitral valve replacement.

Conclusions

Staphylococcus aureus is a destructive pathogen and can cause severe destruction of native valve even without obvious vegetations. This case presents echocardiographic features of natural course of infective endocarditis on mitral valve. Despite antibiotic therapy progressive valve destruction is possible.

Abstract P627 Figure.
P634 Right atrial mechanics determined by speckle tracking strain as a more physiologic correlation in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ramirez P , Orihuela C , Alvarez M , Ayala M
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Right atrial dilation has also been established as a marker of adverse outcomes in pulmonary hypertension (PH), while right atrial mechanics remain relatively understudied.

Purpose

Transthoracic echocardiography is a practical and widely used tool for risk stratification in PH. We hypothesized that right atrial (RA) strain components [RA reservoir function (ƐR), peak RA contraction (ƐCT) and RA conduit function (ƐCD)] correlates better with strong prognostic parameters as 3D right ventricle ejection fraction (3D RV EF), 6 minutes walking test, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP).

Methods

19 patients with diagnostic PH, type 2 patients were excluded. RA strain was analyzed and determined a correlation with right ventricle function and pulmonary variables.

Results

Morphology correlation was poor with all the variables as SPAP, 6 Minutes walking test, BNP, only RA/LA index has a good correlation with BNP (R = 0.76, P = 0.0004). Right atrial mechanics with strain has good correlation: ƐR correlates with BNP (R= -0.70, P = 0.001) and with SPAP (R= -0.68, P = 0.001). ƐCD correlates with BNP (R=-0.75;P = 0,0002) and with SPAP (R=-0.68, P = 0.001). ƐCT has no correlation with E/e, 3D RV EF, SPAP, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), 6 minutes walking test neither BNP. Right atrial deformation sum correlations with 3D RV EF (R= -0.70, P = 0.001), with SPAP (R= -0.72, P = 0.0005), with PVR (R= -0.68, P = 0.001) and with BNP (R=-0.71, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Right atrium morphological characteristics have poor correlation with variables that evaluate right ventricle function and with variables that predicts outcomes, as BNP, in this patients population. Only RA/LA index as morphology parameter has good correlation with BNP level. Meanwhile right atrial mechanics analyzed by strain has strong correlation with other variables of severity at PH. Right atrial deformation sum has better correlation than other strain parameters in our study.

Abstract P634 Figure. RIGHT ATRIAL DEFORMATION SUM CORRELATION
P640 Multimodality imaging of an asymptomatic aortic fibroelastoma successfully treated with a surgical valve-sparing technique
Authors: Cocco D , Gonzalez Vargas T , Cossu L , Matta G , Cossa S , Manieli C , Locci G , Cirio E M
Published: January 2020

Papillary fibroelastoma is an uncommon cardiac tumour. It is usually attached to the chordae tendineae or to the papillary muscles, while the involvement of the valves or the LVOT is rarely seen. The diagnosis is often due to incidental finding because the tumor is often asymptomatic, even though structural cardiac damages or dramatic embolization may occur. We present the case of a 66 year old woman affected by arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia. During a routine cardiologic visit a transthoracic echocardiogram unexpectedly revealed the presence of a extremely mobile peduncolate mass (11x5mm) with a homogenous speckle pattern, apparently settled on the aortic side of the right cusp of the aortic valve. No further pathological elements were detected. A diagnosis of suspected fibroelastoma was made and the patient was transferred to the cardiac surgery department. On admission clinical examination and vital signs were unremarkable. No symptoms suggestive of TIA or amaurosis were reported by the patient, hence the tumor was considered as an asymptomatic incidental finding. Since the mass did not seem to be firmly attached, based on the high risk of embolization and the possibility of coronary ostia impingement with the manipulation of the catheters, the Heart Team decided to omit a pre-interventional coronary angiography. A coronary CT scan excluded significant coronary artery disease and the patient was offered a surgical resection of the mass. After anterior mini-sternotomy, during extracorporeal circulation, the ascending aorta was opened with a transversal incision and the aortic valve was exposed. A pedunculated tumour of 1.5x2 cm implanted in the edge of the right cusp was observed and completely excised with a valve-sparing resection. Macroscopically, the tumour looked whitish and filamentous, suggestive of fibroelastoma. At the end of the procedure transesophageal echocardiography guaranteed the competence of the aortic valve was preserved. The patient recovered successfully and was discharged one week after the intervention. The control transthoracic echocardiography excluded tumoral residual and the histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of fibroelastoma. The patient was discharged after an uneventful course. This report singularly shows a rare case of aortic location of an asymptomatic fibroelastoma treated with an early surgical approach in order to avoid embolic complications. Multimodality imaging provides clear and exemplary information about this rare entity. Nowadays, the optimal management of challenging cases requires a multidisciplinary team with a discrete familiarity with the common imaging techniques, which play a pivotal role in the diagnostic, pre-procedural and interventional setting.

Abstract P640 Figure. Multimodality imaging: fibroelastoma
P642 Coronary arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Ciuca C , Balducci A , Lovato L , Niro F , Angeli E , Cesaretti S , Bonfiglioli R , Gargiulo G , Donti A
Published: January 2020

Clinical case

A 53 years woman in good health and un uneventful clinical history except for a mild hypercholesteremia was evaluated for palpitations. At the clinical examination she had a systolic murmur 3/6 Levine, with no signs of heart failure.

The ECG showed normal sinus rhythm with a normal heart rate (62bpm), normal atrio-ventricular and intraventricular conduction and normal repolarisation, one supraventricular premature beat. The echocardiography showed normal biventricular dimension and function, no valvular heart diseases, no septal defects, regular aortic dimensions. A giant right coronary was evidenced (Figure, panel a) with an arteriovenous fistula originating from the right coronary artery and draining through the coronary sinus into the right atrium (Figure, panel b). The CT coronary angiogram evidenced an dilated right coronary artery communicating with the coronary sinus (arteriovenous fistula) draining into the right atrium. A smaller arteriovenous fistula was evidenced between the circumflex artery (slightly dilated) and the great cardiac vein. (Figure, panel c-e)

The Treadmill test didn’t evidence an induced ischemia; however the patient didn’t perform a maximal exercise (double product 20400mmHb*bpm). Moreover, during the first steps of recovery frequent supraventricular premature beats were registered with phases of bigeminies followed by a junctional rhythm phase. Thus, a Gated myocardial Perfusion SPECT was performed evidenced a mild stress induced ischemia of the inferolateral and apical left ventricle wall with normal rest perfusion and normal left ventricle volumes (125ml during exercise and 134ml at rest) with a normal ejection fraction ( > 65%). (Figure, panel f)An elective coronarography was planned. The patient is on therapy with beta-blockers and aspirin. The patient is asymptomatic for angina. Antibiotic prophylaxis was recommended for dental, gastrointestinal, or urologic procedures. Discussion: Coronary arteriovenous ﬁstula (CAVF), first described in 1865 by Krausein (1), are a rare congenital heart disease representing less than 0.5% of all congenital heart diseases with an extremely rare prevalence 0.002% in the general population (2). Moreover, therapy of CAVF is still controversial with previous data showing a relatively high rate of myocardial infarction after surgical repair (3). The recent AHA/ACC guideline for the management of adults with Congenital heart disease recommend a review by a knowledgeable team that may include congenital or noncongenital cardiologists and surgeons to determine the role of medical therapy and/or percutaneous or surgical closure (4) Conclusion: CAVF is a very rare congenital heart defect and might be asymptomatic and evidenced by hazard in adults patients. Therapy strategy demands a multidisciplinary team evaluation and should be be individualized according to the clinic presentation, the presence or absence of myocardial ischemia or ventricular dysfunction.

Abstract P642 Figure.
P645 Familial restrictive cardiomyopathy and Noonan"s syndrome: a rare association
Authors: Surkova E , Barradas-Pires A , Li W
Published: January 2020

Background

Noonan syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. Typical cardiac involvement include pulmonary stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We present the association of Noonan syndrome with familial non-hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with haemodynamic features of restrictive physiology.

Case description. A 30-year old male patient presented to the outpatient clinic with clinical symptoms of heart failure which was slowly progressive since age 20. He was found to have features of restrictive cardiomyopathy aged 12 years at the time when his mother was diagnosed with Noonan syndrome and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

On examination, his 1st and 2nd heart sounds were normal, however 3rd heart sound was present. Pulse was regular, 75 per minute, BP 110/70 mmHg. Chest was clear and saturation 98%.

Echocardiography showed small left ventricle (LV) with preserved ejection fraction (EF), borderline LV wall thickness (10-11 mm), restrictive filling pattern with mitral valve E/A ratio 4.2 and deceleration time 68 ms; dilated both atria; and pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 37 mmHg (Figure, panels A-C; F). Prominent late diastolic reversal flow was noted in hepatic veins (Panel D). LV longitudinal strain was borderline in absolute value (-18%) however demonstrated ‘apical sparing’ pattern (Panel E). The right ventricle was small in size with mild hypertrophy and dynamic function, but normal flow through pulmonary valve. Prominent diastolic reversal flow was also noted in superior vena cava.

Cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed echocardiographic findings and additionally demonstrated prominent trabeculations and myocardial crypts in the LV, small pericardial effusion; no signs of amyloidosis, myocardial infarction, infiltration or fibrosis.

Right heart catheterisation showed borderline pulmonary hypertension with a mean pressure of 25 mmHg, raised pulmonary artery wedge pressure 18 mmHg, normal pulmonary vascular resistance 1.9 WU, and a ‘square root sign’ (Panel G).

Patient underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, he stopped after 9 mins of Bruce protocol due to fatigue, reaching the Peak VO2 of 21.1ml/kg/min (49% of predicted value). No ST changes or arrhythmic events were noted.

Patient was diagnosed with primary (non-infiltrative) familial restrictive cardiomyopathy and discussed at multidisciplinary team meeting with recommendation of close follow-up for timing for heart transplantation. Meanwhile he was encouraged to continue treatment with ramipril and start regular physical activity.

Discussion

There are only few reports describing familial non-hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in patients with Noonan syndrome and none in their family members. We review typical clinical and diagnostic features of restrictive cardiomyopathy involving both ventricles and raise awareness of clinicians of primary familial restrictive cardiomyopathy as a possible cardiac manifestation in patients with Noonan syndrome and their immediate family members.

Abstract P645 Figure.
P647 Constrictive pericarditis - a rare entitiy, often missed
Authors: Banthia NILESH , Banthia D R
Published: January 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

No funding

OnBehalf

no group

Case of a 14 yrs old girl, presenting with abdominal distension, odema feet and occasional dyspnoea.

Evaluated with USG abdomen s/o hepatomegaly, ascitis, and GB wall thickening, blood reports all normal, including LFT, CBC, creatinine, and TSH. Pt had no h/o fever, or cough, dyspnoea, loose motions, jaundice.

ECG and CXR were also normal.

Started on diuretic with some response but odema and abdominal distension persisted, so admitted to our hospital after 4-5 months of illness for complete work up of her disease.

We did echocardiography which showed dilated RA and LA, with septal bounce, and variation in Mitral Valve Doppler velocities with respiration, also annulus reverses, with Lateral MV tissue Doppler velocity being less than the medial Mitral Valve annulus , also there was Inferior Vena Cava plethora, with dilated hepatic veins, with flow reversal in it with expiration. Also the pericardium was thickened and measured 5mm in a small girl. All these findings went in favour of constrictive pericarditis.

We went ahead and did cardiac MRI, which confirmed our findings and showed pericardium being thickened, 5mm, and septal bounce. Also there were e/o mediastinal nodes.

All these went in favour of constrictive pericarditis, with Kochs as the cause.

This has been diagnosed recently on 13 th December only and now we have started the pt on steroids with Anti Tuberculosis Treatment and waiting for her response.

This is being presented for the rarity of the disease, and how we need to keep on doing investigations and keep our eyes open of a rare disorder, to be diagnosed and relieve the patient of its symptoms.
P649 Before and after: sinus venosus atrial septal defect
Authors: Marco Clement I , Eiros R , Dalmau R , Lopez T , Guzman G , Sanchez-Recalde A , Dominguez P , Valbuena S , Caro J , Rosillo S , Ruiz J , Gonzalez A , Merino C , Martin L , Lopez Sendon J L
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The diagnosis of sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SVASD) is complex and requires special imaging. Surgery is the conventional treatment; however, transcatheter repair may become an attractive option.

Case report

A 60 year-old woman was admitted to the cardiology department with several episodes of paroxysmal atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. She reported a 10-year history of occasional palpitations which had not been studied. A transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe right ventricle dilatation and moderate dysfunction. Right volume overload appeared to be secondary to a superior SVASD with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. A transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis revealing a large SVASD of 16x12 mm (Figure A) with left-right shunt (Qp/Qs 2,2) and two right pulmonary veins draining into the right superior vena cava. Additionally, it demonstrated coronary sinus dilatation secondary to persistent left superior vena cava. CMR and cardiac CT showed right superior and middle pulmonary veins draining into the right superior vena cava 18 mm above the septal defect (Figures B and C).

After discussion in clinical session, a percutaneous approach was planned to correct the septal defect and anomalous pulmonary drainage. For this purpose, anatomical data obtained from CMR and CT was needed to plan the procedure. During the intervention two stents graft were deployed in the right superior vena cava. The distal stent was flared at the septal defect level so as to occlude it while redirecting the anomalous pulmonary venous flow to the left atrium (Figure D). Control CT confirmed the complete occlusion of the SVASD without residual communication from pulmonary veins to the right superior vena cava or the right atrium (Figure E). Anomalous right superior and middle pulmonary veins drained into the left atrium below the stents. Transthoracic echocardiographies showed progressive reduction of right atrium and ventricle dilatation. The patient also underwent successful ablation of atrial flutter and intranodal tachycardia. She is currently asymptomatic, without dyspnea or arrhythmic recurrences.

Conclusions

In this case, multimodality imaging played a key role in every stage of the clinical process. First, it provided the diagnosis and enabled an accurate understanding of the patient’s anatomy, particularly of the anomalous pulmonary venous connections. Secondly, it allowed a transcatheter approach by supplying essential information to guide the procedure. Finally, it assessed the effectiveness of the intervention and the improvement in cardiac hemodynamics during follow-up.

Abstract P649 Figure.
P651 Left intraventricular mass. An exceptional finding
Authors: Alvarez Roy L , Ruiz Zamora I , Pinillos Francia G , Gutierrez Fernandez A , Leal Fernandez O , Sanchez Valenzuela D , Portero Perez P , Azcarate Aguero P , Alonso Perez L
Published: January 2020

74-year-old woman without cardiovascular risk factors. Se came to the out-paint clinic due to chest pain.

Normal ECG. Spherical, pedunculated, mobile, slightly hyper-echogenic mass at the level of the posterior papillary muscle by transthoracic echocardiography. Cardiac MR (CMR) was performed for further evaluation: mobile mass of 4 x 5mm, located in the mitral subvalvular apparatus was confirmed, with similar intensity to the myocardium in the SSFP sequences. In T2 TSE sequences, the mass was hyperintense and in the perfusion sequences marked hypoperfusion was found. In early late gad enhancement the mass was hypointense and in the late phase, hyper-intense. According to these findings papillary fibroelastoma was our first diagnostic choice.

The coronary angio showed a significant RCA stenosis. The tumor was surgically removed and aorto-coronary bypass was perfomed. Pathological anatomy confirmed the suspected diagnosis.

Papillary fibroelastoma is the second most frequent benign primary cardiac tumor, originated mainly in the valvular endocardium. The most frequent localization of these tumors is in the aortic valve. The vast majority are asymptomatic and their diagnosis is usually incidental (as in the case described), although severe symptoms may appear secondary to embolic phenomena such as cerebrovascular event, acute myocardial infarction or even sudden death by coronary embolization. The initial diagnosis is usually made by echocardiography. CMR is a reference diagnostic technique in the study of cardiac tumors: provides a better location and tissue characterization. Regarding the treatment, it is recommended the exeresis, in symptomatic patients with embolic phenomenon or in asymptomatic patients with a high risk of embolization (tumors> 1cm or very mobile).

This case is of special interest since the location of a fibroelastoma in the mitral subvalvular apparatus is exceptional (there are very few cases described in the literature). In addition, although in the study of cardiac tumors pathological anatomy remains the reference diagnostic method, this case shows how cardio-MRI can correctly guide diagnosis even in small and mobile tumors.

Abstract P651 Figure. A.3D TOE B.Surgical image C.CMR D. PA
P656 Cardiac dysfunction in breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines: a single-center experience
Authors: Cardoso Torres S , Sousa C , Simoes J , Maia Araujo P , Nunes A , Tavares Silva M , Pinto R , Paiva M , Macedo F , Maciel M J
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Cardiac dysfunction is a well-documented side effect of cancer treatment, with significant morbidity and mortality. Cardio-oncology units play a vital role in the early identification and management of cancer therapy related cardiovascular side effects and provide a multidisciplinary care for cancer patients.

Purpose

To describe the incidence of cancer treatment related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) in a population of breast cancer patients (pts) under chemotherapy in a single center cardio-oncology unit, and to assess its predictors.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 83 women on anthracycline therapy for breast cancer, with or without anti-HER2 therapy, followed-up between January 2017 and July 2018.

CTRCD was defined as more than 10% absolute reduction of LV ejection function (LVEF) to below 50%. Pts with >15% relative percentage reduction from baseline Global longitudinal strain (GLS) or with elevation of high-sensitivity Troponin I (hsTI) levels were considered to be at high risk for developing CTRCD and started cardioprotective treatment with an ACE inhibitor/ARB and a beta-blocker, as did pts with confirmed CRTCD. Also, in pts under antihypertensive drug therapy, switching drugs to cardioprotective ones was performed in the index consultation.

Follow-up was organized in our cardio-oncology consultation at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months (or more frequently in selected high-risk cases). Interruption of chemotherapy was a joint decision of the oncology and cardiology teams.

Results

A total of 83 women with a mean age of 49 years (26-76) were included. 4 pts (4.8%) developed CTRCD. 28 pts (33.7%) were considered to be at high risk due to GLS reduction during follow-up and 17 pts (20.5%) were at high risk due to hsTI elevation.

From all the baseline characteristics, only basal BNP correlated with CTRCD (p = 0.033). Other characteristics such as age, presence of cardiovascular risk factors and the previously proposed Cardiotoxicity Risk Score (CRS) did not.

There was a high percentage of pts (51.8%; n = 43) under cardioprotective drugs. 37% of the pts initiated cardioprotective drugs following cardio-oncology consultation. Chemotherapy was discontinued in only 2 pts (2.4%).

Conclusion

CTRCD is difficult to predict by baseline clinical characteristics. Monitoring and management of CTRCD by a multidisciplinary cardio-oncology team resulted in a high rate of cardioprotective drugs use and low rate of permanent discontinuation of chemotherapy. Further studies are needed to further analyze the relationship between these two variables.
P661 Relationship between streptococcal infective endocarditis and preneoplastic colorectal lesions
Authors: Vilardell P , Moral S , Bosch D , Frigola J M , Morales M , Albert X , Robles R , Ramos R , Graterol F , Brugada R
Published: January 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer is associated with infective endocarditis (IE), due to specific gut pathogens like streptococcus Gallolyticus that use the tumor presence as a point of blood entry. However, the association between streptococcal IE and pre-cancerous lesions such as dysplastic adenomas is unknown.

Objectives

To determine the association with pre-neoplastic colorectal lesions and streptococcal IE.

Methods

Two hundred eighty consecutive patients with IE were included in a protocol of clinical, microbiological and imaging follow-up, between January 2008 and December 2018. Precancerous lesions were divided as high and low-grade dysplasia based on World Health Organization criteria. Colorectal cancer was defined as the presence of malignant cell beyond the muscularis mucosa.

Results

A colonoscopy was performed in 81 patients (29%) and 26 of them (32%) presented colorectal lesions: 10 (38%) colorectal cancer and 16 (62%) precancerous lesions (12% high degree (n = 2); 88% low degree (n = 14)). Both, colorectal cancer (20% vs 11%; p = 0.02) and preneoplastic lesions (44% vs 8%; p < 0.001) were associated with higher incidence of streptococcus Gallolyticus IE (Figure 1). Additionally, the subgroup of precancerous lesions with low degree also showed this association (43% vs 9%; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Precancerous colorectal lesions are also associated with streptococcus Gallolyticus IE, even low-grade lesions. Hence, it is necessary to rule out occult neoplastic and preneoplastic colorectal lesions with colonoscopy in these patients.

Figure 1: Relationship between S. Gallolyticus IE and colorectal lesions.

a Statistical significance between colorectal cancer and S. Gallolyticus IE.

b Statistical significance between preneoplastic colorectal lesions and S. Gallolyticus IE.

Abstract P661 Figure.
P662 Synchrony between the right and left heart systems is recovered after TAVI in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Ota T , Murakami Y , Kozuka Y , Ohshiro C , Kihara N , Takagi Y
Published: January 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

Young Investigator Grant of Japanese Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesia

Background / Introduction

Evidences have shown that cardiac function decline and systolic phase change are caused by massive afterload of the stenosed aortic valve in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. As a result of the reduction of the left ventricular afterload by valve replacement, the cardiac function recovers. However, it has not been clarified yet how the changes in cardiac function affect the relationship between the right and left heart systems, as well as the systole phase.

TAPSE and MAPSE are known as indices of simple cardiac function evaluation by measuring the movement distance of the atrioventricular annulus. We obtained these indices (i.e. TAPSE, MAPSE) within the same heartbeat using speckle tracking analysis of the atrioventricular annulus and evaluated the changes in cardiac function and phase between the right and left heart systems.

Purpose

To reveal the relationship of cardiac function and time phase between the right and left heart systems by evaluating the maximum movement distance and time of the atrioventricular annulus within the same heartbeat and the same view in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis before and after TAVI.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted. We recruited and analyzed 44 patients with severe aortic valve stenosis who received TAVI treatment, able to record baseline before treatment and follow-up 6 months and 12 months after treatment at our hospital from March 2017 to May 2019. Patients were excluded if more than 2 degree of atrioventricular valve regurgitation or incomplete data. The apical four-chamber view was used for speckle tracking analysis with the origin of the apical extension and region of interest (ROI) of the mitral annulus and tricuspid annulus. For each patient before treatment, at 6 months and 12 months after treatment, the maximum contraction distance (DM), maximum contraction time (TM) of the mitral valve annulus, maximum contraction distance (DT) and maximum contraction time (TT) of the tricuspid annulus were measured. Maximum contraction distance ratio (DM/ DT) and maximum contraction time ratio (TM/ TT) were calculated. For statistical analysis, t-test and ANOVA were used, and a significance threshold of p <0.05 was applied.

Results

TM/ TT decreased at 12 months after TAVI, and DM/ DT increased significantly at 6 months and 12 months after TAVI when compared to baseline before treatment.

Conclusions

In patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, the correction of cardiac function difference between the right and left heart systems occurs from 6 months after TAVI. Moreover, the correction of contraction phase difference between the right and left heart systems at 12 months after TAVI. Thus, the synchrony between the right and left heart system is recovered 12 months after TAVI.

Abstract P662 Figure.
P668 Echocardiographic description of mitral annular disjunction in mitral valve prolapse and implication in arrhythmic risk stratification
Authors: Venner C , Boddaert M , Selton-Suty C , Filippetti L , Sellal J M , Mandry D , Marie P Y , Huttin O
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is an anatomical variation of the mitral annulus, characterized by an atrial displacement of the leaflet’s hinge points. It is associated with severe ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in mitral valve prolapse (MVP).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess MAD in MVP by echocardiography, analyze the reproducibility of measurements and evaluate its importance for arrhythmic risk stratification along with strain analysis of myocardial deformation.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty patients with MVP were included. MAD was evaluated and measured by two observers in the parasternal long axis and in the apical views. Myocardial longitudinal strain was analyzed by speckle-tracking.

Results

Ninety four patients (36.2%) of MVP patients presented MAD. These patients were younger (53.7 ± 15.1 vs 58.4 ± 17.6, p = 0.033) with higher rate of atypical chest pain (21.3% vs 11.5%, p = 0,041) and bileaflet prolapse (50.5% vs 32.3%, p = 0.004). Para-sternal long-axis view was the incidence of choice to detect MAD with a moderate inter-observer concordance (Kappa of 0.55), good correlation (r = 0.69, p < 0.01) and inter-class correlation coefficient (0.82; 0.67 – 0.90). Twenty patients (7.7%) had a history of severe VA. Among them, no difference was noted in terms of presence (35% vs 36.3%, p = 0.911) or length of MAD (11.1 ± 2.5 vs 11.2 ± 3.1, p = 0.937). However, deformation analysis showed reduced global longitudinal strain (18.6 ± 3.1 vs 21.3 ± 3.3%, p = 0.001) and higher mechanical dispersion values (46 ± 13 vs 37.4 ± 12.9 ms, p = 0.002)in comparison to the rest of the MVP population.

Conclusion

No significant association was found between severe VA and the presence or severity of MAD in MVP patients. Increased mechanical dispersion and reduced global longitudinal strain may be helpful for arrhythmic risk stratification.

Abstract P668 Figure. Comparison of MD and GLS
P670 RV function in adult patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: assessment by three-dimensional echocardiography, comparison to CMR findings and relationship to pulmonary artery distensibility
Authors: Capotosto L , Galea N , Francone M , Marchitelli L , Tanzilli G , Viceconte N , Mangieri E , Gaudio C , Miraldi F , Vitarelli A
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine right ventricular (RV) function by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) in patients after correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TF), the accuracy of 3DSTE compared to cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) findings and assess pulmonary arterial (PA) distensibility in order to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the matching between RV performance and PA load.

Methods

Twenty-one patients (mean age 39 ± 16 years) with repaired TF and twenty-one age-matched healthy subjects selected as controls were studied. CMR findings were available in 14 patients. RV volumes, RV ejection fraction (RVEF) and RV longitudinal and circumferential strains were calculated by three-dimensional echocardiography and three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. The main pulmonary artery was interrogated by color, pulsed, and continuous-wave Doppler. Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) was assessed by color-flow mapping and graded as none, mild, or greater than mild using the measurement of the regurgitant jet width in relation to the outflow tract diameter. Right pulmonary artery (PA) was visualized from suprasternal view by two-dimensional echocardiography. Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) mode was activated in B-mode imaging to examine arterial motion, then mode was changed to color-mode with the beam line aligned perpendicular to the superior and inferior walls of the right PA. PA distensibility and strain were determined. Data analysis was performed offline.

Results

Overall, 3D RVEF and RV longitudinal strain were reduced in TF patients compared to the control group. Nine patients had moderate or moderate-to-severe PR. PA strain and distensibility were decreased (p = 0.003) compared with controls, both in the presence and absence of PR. PA strain had a positive correlation with RVEF (r = 0.79, p < 0.005) and RV strain (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes by 3DE correlated with the respective parameters by CMR (r = 0.88,p < 0.001 and r = 0.87,p < 0.005 respectively). Patients with moderate-to-severe PR had more prominent PA strain changes (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Three-dimensional right ventricular ejection fraction and RV strain are impaired in patients with repaired TF, in agreement with CMR data. Reduced PA strain is associated with reduced RV 3DSTE parameters and is more pronounced in the presence of pulmonary regurgitation.
P671 Can catestatin be used as an alternative or addition to cardiac remodeling ultrasound traditional criteria in patients with essential hypertension?
Authors: Gubareva E , Kryukov N , Gubareva I
Published: January 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

Samara Governor Grant in the field of science and technics 2018

Essential hypertension (EH) is one of the most important risk factor for major cardiovascular diseases and remains one of the most important medical and social problems in the world. Left ventricle hypertrophy, caused by chronic increased blood pressure, is an important independent risk factor for sudden death, myocardial infarction, stroke and other cardiovascular complications.

Catestatin is a peptide, belonging to the buffer system "catecholamines-catestatin" and changes of its concentrations contribute to early EH pathogenesis.

The aim of the research was to evaluate correlations of catestatin concentrations with cardiac remodeling ultrasound traditional criteria in patients with EH of different cardiovascular risk.

Material and methods. The study included 180 male patients in age from 30 to 50 years with a diagnosis of EH, who signed an informed consent to participate in the study. Patients were divided into 4 groups – group 1 (n = 28) – EH of an average risk of cardiovascular complications (CVC), group 2 (n = 76) – EH of a high risk of CVC, group 3 (n = 31) – EH of very high risk of CVC and the group of contril – 45 almost healthy men with normal and optimal blood pressure. Transthoracic echocardiography and sonography of the brachiocephalic trunk arteries were performed.

The results. Intra-group analysis of the data revealed a statistically significant negative correlation of catestatin concentrations and carotid intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery on the left in group 2 (r=-0,246; p = 0,040). In patients with EH catestatin and left ventricle end-diastolic volume correlations were revealed (r = 0,827; p = 0,011). Intra-group correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation of catestatin concentrations and left ventricle posterior wall thickness (r=-0,523; p = 0,045), interventricular septum thickness (r=-0,523, p = 0,045) in diastole in group 2; with left ventricle posterior wall thickness (r = 0,258; p = 0,035) and interventricular septum thickness (r = 0,254; p = 0,038) in systole in group 3.

Correlation analysis of the data discovered a statistically significant negative relationship between catestatin concentrations and left ventricle remodeling (r=-0,171, p = 0,042). In patients with normal heart geometry, statistically significant (p = 0,04) higher concentrations of catestatin were obtained in comparison with patients with left ventricle remodeling (9,05 ± 5,12 vs. 7,49 ± 3,62 ng/ml, respectively).

The conclusion. The decrease of catestatin concentrations in patients with EH of a high and very high risk of CVC is associated with cardiovascular remodeling, mediated by hypertenstion. Catestatin can be used in addition to cardiac remodeling ultrasound traditional criteria in patients with essential hypertension.
P672 Predictors of ventricular arrythmias and mortality after implantation of primary prevention antitachycardia devices
Authors: Dias Ferreira Reis J P , Moura Branco L , Rio P , Galrinho A , Portugal G , Monteiro A , Lousinha A , Valente B , Silva Cunha P , Oliveira M , Ferreira R
Published: January 2020

Background

Patients (pts) with reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function have high risk of sudden cardiac death and benefit from implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs/CRT-Ds). However, the risk for arrhythmic events and device therapies is extremely heterogeneous in this population, so more accurate tools for risk stratification are required.

Purpose

To assess predictors of mortality and arrhythmic events in pts receiving primary prevention ICDs/ CRTs.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 150 pts submitted to primary prevention ICD/ CRT-D implantation with remote monitoring between 2014-2018. Demographic, clinical and echocardiographic data from implantation and follow-up period were retrieved. Arrhythmic events and device therapies were retrieved from remote monitoring and clinic visits. Univariate analysis was performed followed by a multivariate Cox analysis to evaluate predictors of events. p < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

150 pts, 80.7% male, with a mean age of 64.30 ± 12.9 years (Y) and a mean follow-up (FU) time of 38 ± 15 months. 66% of pts implanted an ICD. 52.0% of pts presented with an ischemic cardiomyopathy and 41.3% had atrial fibrillation. 35.3% had chronic kidney disease (GFR < 60mL/min) and 24.0% were diabetic. Mean BNP value of 449.6 ± 631.3pg/mL and mean peak VO2 of 15.3mL/kg/min. Mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) during FU of 35.9 ± 12.1% and a mean average global longitudinal strain (GLS) of -8.7 ± 5.5%. 63pts (42.0%) suffered a ventricular arrhythmia, mostly non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, of which 47.6% received appropriate therapies. Mortality rate of 13.3% during follow-up (20 pts). Baseline diabetes (p = 0.040) and post-procedural pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (p = 0.002) were independent predictors of overall mortality in the follow-up. Male gender (p = 0.041), baseline diabetes (p = 0.011) and atrial fibrillation (p = 0.038) were associated with ventricular events. In patients with CRT-D, a percentage of biventricular pacing superior to 95% was found to be protective against ventricular arrhythmias. Interestingly despite being associated with a higher overall mortality (p = 0.028), a reduced LVEF wasn’t related to the arrhythmic burden of our population, neither the GLS nor the LV mechanical dispersion were predictors of ventricular arrhythmias.

Conclusion

Baseline diabetes and PASP were independent predictors of mortality in our population of ICD/CRT-D pts implanted in primary prevention setting. An increased percentage of biventricular pacing was associated to improved clinical outcomes in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy. Identification of predictors of events in this population can help individualize its management.
P674 Epicardial fat volume is associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence following pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Bordi L , Kovacs I , Korodi S Z , Hodas R , Benedek T , Benedek I
Published: January 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

Plaqueimage

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular rhythm disturbance and pulmonary vein (PV) isolation has an important role in rhythm control treatment strategies of this disease. Various anatomical and clinical characteristics have been well established as predictors of the risk of recurrence following ablation procedures, but the role of epicardial fat tissue (EFT) in the recurrence of AF has not been elucidated so far.

Purpose

To investigate the influence of left atrial size and EFT volume in the recurrence of AF after pulmonary vein ablation, during a 6-month follow-up.

Methods

A total of 40 patients, 52.5% with paroxysmal and 47.5% with chronic AF underwent PV isolation using radiofrequency and cryoablation techniques. EFT was determined using cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) associated with advanced image post-processing techniques.

Results

In patients who developed AF recurrence at 6 months after AF ablation, the volume of EFT and of left atrium were significantly larger than in the group who maintained sinus rhythm (202.5 ± 64.56 ml vs. 138 ± 55.74 ml, p = 0.01 for EFT, and 149.3 ± 4.66 ml vs. 90.63 ± 5.19 ml, p <0.0001 for left atrial volume, respectively). The left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients with AF recurrence (50.25 ± 6.54% vs. 54.22 ± 3.95%, p = 0,04). The analysis of AF recurrence between the two different ablation techniques did not show any difference in recurrence rates between radiofrequency and cryoablation methods (29% vs. 23%, respectively p = 0.73). At the same time, recurrence rates after AF ablation were not influenced by the main cardiovascular risk factors (age, hypertension, dyslipidemia and smoking) and was not associated with different risk scores (CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED).

Conclusion

Patients with AF recurrence after pulmonary vein ablation present significantly higher EFT or left atrial volumes compared to patients who maintained sinus rhythm. This indicates the inflammatory mediated response, usually accompanied by an increased amount of EFT, could be associated with the risk of AF recurrence following catheter ablation of the pulmonary veins.
P677 When to look for wtTTR amyloidosis in heart failure: increasing chances of positive gammagraphic study
Authors: Ibero J , Riesgo A , Rodriguez M , Morales M , Muniz J , Salterain N , De La Fuente A , Refoyo E , Hernandez A , Lecumberri R , Garcia Velloso M J , Diaz I , Gavira J J
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Wild type transtirretin (wtATTR) amyloidosis has become increasingly recognized as a major cause for heart failure (HF). Diagnosis requires complex work up such as DPD scintigraphy (DPDs). Availability of DPDs is limited urging to identify factors to increase its diagnostic rentability.

Methods

Retrospective study of HF patients between 2013 and 2019 with suspected wtATTR and DPDs was performed. Baseline characteristics, biomarkers, EKG findings, TTE parameters (LVEF, LV diastolic function, TAPSE, interventricular septum (IVS), LV mass (LVM), relative LV wall thickness (RWT), indexed LVTD volume and diameter, indexed LA diameter (iAPLAD)) and DPDs results were studied. Two groups were created according to DPDs (SP those with positive results for amyloidosis and SN those with negative results). For statistical SPSS v.21 was used.

Results

37 patients were studied. In our population 54% had positive DPDs for amyloidosis. Among SP patients 50% were classified as grade 2 of Perugini classification meanwhile 50% were grade 3; mean value of heart to contralateral ratio was 2,73 ± 0,8. There were no differences in NYHA classification. Differences among SP and SN patients are reflected in Table 1.

Conclusions

In our population SP was found to have higher biomarkers values and higher IVS, LVM, RWT and iAPLAD with poorer RV function. Further investigation is needed in order to confirm our result and identify prognostic factors.

Table 1: Results Total (37) PS (20) PN (17) p value Age (Y) 78 ± 7,9 80 ± 6,5 75,29 ± 8,7 0,05 Gender (male) (%) 30 (8) 19 (95) 11(64) 0,11 Carpal tunnel sdr (%) 3(8) 3 (15) 0 (0) 0,09 Systolic blood pressure (x ± sd) 127 ± 21 118 ± 18 138,5 ± 19 <0,01 ProBNP (x ± sd) 3596 ± 4002 4615 ± 4538 1761 ± 1927 <0,05 Troponin T (x ± sd) 132 ± 360 66,4 ± 35 43 ± 39 0,09 Pseudoinfarction pattern (%) 26 (70) 17 (85) 9 (52) <0,05 IVS (mm) (x ± sd) 14,6 ± 4,5 16,6 ± 5,3 13 ± 3 <0,01 LVM (g/m2) (x ± sd) 142,5 ± 68 180 ± 80 111 ± 32 <0,01 RWT (x ± sd) 0,68 ± 0,42 0,8 ± 0,24 0,56 ± 0,5 <0,01 LVEF (%) (x ± sd) 57,4 ± 11 54 ± 12 60 ± 10 0,12 iAPLAD (mm/m2) (x ± sd) 25,4 ± 6 28,7 ± 6 22,7 ± 4,3 <0,01 TAPSE (mm) (x ± sd) 18,6 ± 5 16,1 ± 4 20,6 ± 5 <0,05 IVS = interventricular septum; LVM = left ventricular mass; RWT = relative wall thickness; iAPLAD= indexed anteroposterior left atrium diameter.