bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Coronary CT angiography in combination with CAD-RADS on the management of coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Andre F , Seitz S , Fortner P , Sokiranski R , Gueckel F , Brado M , Sommer A , Goerich J , Buss SJ
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Siemens Healthineers

Introduction

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) plays an increasing role in the detection and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The Coronary Artery Disease – Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) allows for standardized classification of CCTA results and, thus, may improve patient management.

Purpose

Aim of this study was to assess the impact of CCTA in combination with CAD-RADS on patient management and to identify the impact of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) on CAD severity.

Methods

CCTA was performed on a third-generation dual-source CT scanner in patients, who were referred to a radiology centre by their attending physicians. In a total of 4801 patients, CVRF were derived from medical reports and anamnesis.

Results

The study population consisted of 4770 patients (62.0 (54.0-69.0) years, 2841 males) with CAD (CAD-RADS 1-5), while 31 patients showed no CAD and were excluded from further analyses. Age, male gender and the number of CVRF were associated with more severe CAD stages (all p < 0.001). 3040 patients (63.7 %) showed minimal or mild CAD requiring optimization of CVRF i.e. medical therapy but no further assessment at his time. A group of 266 patients (5.6 %) had a severe CAD defined as CAD-RADS 4B/5. In the multivariate regression analysis, age, male gender, history of smoking, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia were significant predictors for severe CAD, whereas arterial hypertension and family history of CAD did not reach significance. Of note, a subgroup of 28 patients (10.5 %) with a severe CAD (68.5 (65.5-70.0) years, 26 males, both p = n.s.) had no CVRF.

Conclusions

CCTA in combination with the CAD-RADS allowed for effective risk stratification of CAD patients. The majority of the patients showed non-obstructive CAD and, thus, could be treated conservatively without the need for further CAD assessment. CVRF out of arterial hypertension and family history had an impact on CAD severity reflected in higher CAD-RADs gradings. Of note, a relevant fraction of patients with CAD did not have any CVRF and, thus, may not be covered by risk stratification models.

CAD-RADS n Age (years) Males (%) 1 1453 56.0 (50.0-62.0) 623 (42.9 %) 2 1587 62.0 (55.0-69.0) 918 (57.8 %) 3 1067 66.0 (59.0-71.0) 749 (70.2 %) 4A 397 66.0 (59.0-72.0) 317 (79.8 %) 4B 162 67.0 (61.0-74.0) 139 (85.8 %) 5 104 66.0 (58.5.0-77.0) 95 (91.3 %)
Coronary computed tomography angiography vs functional testing for stable coronary artery disease: long-term outcomes meta-analysis
Authors: De Campos D , Saleiro C , Puga L , Lopes J , M Gomes AR , Sousa JP , Goncalves L , Teixeira R
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND  The emerging role of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has been acknowledged in the 2019 Guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology recommending it’s as the initial diagnostic strategy for most patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD). However, it is unclear how CCTA performs compared with the standard approach of functional testing (FT). We performed an updated meta-analysis to clarify the question, analyzing outcomes beyond one year of follow-up.

METHODS We searched PubMed for studies comparing clinical outcomes with ≥1 year of  follow-up between initial CCTA vs FT strategy in patients with suspected stable CAD. Occurrence of all-cause mortality and non-fatal acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was the combined primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), the use of longer-term investigations, revascularization procedures and new medication use.

RESULTS A total of 29,579 patients underwent either CCTA (n = 14,457) or FT (n = 15,122) and were followed for a mean of 1.75 years. CCTA was associated with a comparable all-cause mortality and non-fatal ACS to FT (2.64% vs 2.65%; risk ratio [RR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.76-1.22). However, a 41% reduction in non-fatal MI was evident after CCTA testing (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.83; P = 0.003). Compared with FT, patients undergoing CCTA were less likely to downstream additional testing (28.85% vs 33.86%; odds ratio [OR], 0.47, 95%CI 0.21-1.01; P = 0.05) and more prone to pursue coronary revascularization (OR 1.72; 95%CI 1.11-2.66; P = 0.01). Significant heterogeneity for invasive coronary angiography and revascularization was noted. CCTA patients had a non significant increase in new medication use, namely aspirin or statin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS In patients with suspected stable CAD, initial evaluation with CCTA was associated with a long-term 41% decrease in non-fatal MI and 53% reduction in downstream testing. Despite these differences, CCTA strategy was associated with a similar risk of long-term all-cause mortality and non-fatal ACS.

Abstract Figure.
Comparison of imaging vs. plasma biomarkers of vascular inflammation for cardiovascular prognostication: a meta-analysis
Authors: Antonopoulos A , Angelopoulos A , Papanikolaou P , Simantiris S , Oikonomou EK , Vamvakaris K , Koumpoura A , Farmaki M , Trivella M , Vlachopoulos C , Antoniades C , Tousoulis D
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Measurement of inflammatory biomarkers is advocated for cardiovascular risk stratification, but to date there is no systematic evaluation of the incremental value of such approaches and their comparative performance for cardiovascular risk prediction.

Methods

We systematically explored published literature in MEDLINE before Apr 14, 2020 for prospective cohort studies assessing the prognostic value of common biomarkers of vascular inflammation in stable patients with or without cardiovascular disease. The primary outcome was the difference in the reported c-index (Δ[c-index]) of the best clinical model with the use of inflammatory biomarkers for the prediction of the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and mortality. The secondary outcome was the Δ[c-index] for MACEs only. We calculated I² to test heterogeneity. We used random-effects modelling for the meta-analyses to assess the primary and secondary outcome.

Results

We identified 94,821 studies in MEDLINE, of which 90,882 (96%) studies were excluded after screening the titles and abstracts, and 1,507 (93%) of the 1,625 remaining studies were excluded after assessment of the full texts. We included 93 (6%) studies in our quantitative evaluation, which comprised 351,628 individuals. The median c-index and Δ[c-index] for the composite endpoint per biomarker type are shown in panels A & B. In meta-analysis, plasma or imaging biomarkers of vascular inflammation offered incremental prognostic value for the primary outcome (pooled estimate for Δ[c-index]% 2.9, 95%CI 2.1-3.6, I2 = 72%) and for MACEs only (pooled estimate for Δ[c-index]% 2.9, 95%CI 2.1-3.8, I2 = 74%, panel C). The prognostic value of imaging biomarkers significantly outperformed that of plasma biomarkers for the primary outcome (panel D, Δ[c-index]% 11.3, 95%CI 8.3-14.3 vs. 1.4, 95%CI 0.9-1.8 respectively, p = 1.7x10-10). In other subgroup analyses (panel E), biomarkers of vascular inflammation performed better in studies with a shorter duration of follow-up (i.e. <5 years), in primary CHD prevention setting and lower cardiovascular risk populations i.e. (studies with <5% cumulative event incidence).

Conclusions

The use of plasma, but mainly imaging, biomarkers to detect vascular inflammation provides incremental prognostic value over clinical models for cardiovascular events. Implementation of such approaches in clinical practice could improve cardiovascular risk prognostication and reduce cardiovascular disease burden.

Abstract Figure.
Pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation leads to improved prognostication beyond atherosclerotic burden and high-risk plaques in patients with suspected coronary artery disease
Authors: Van Diemen PA , Bom MJ , Driessen RS , Everaars H , De Winter RW , Van De Ven PM , Freiman M , Goshen L , Langzam E , Min JK , Leipsic JA , Raijmakers PG , Van Rossum AC , Danad I , Knaapen P
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Inflammation is a key component in the atherosclerotic process, initiating and sustaining plaques and serving as a trigger for plaque rupture leading to myocardial infarction. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) derived pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATa) has been proposed as surrogate marker for coronary inflammation and might improve risk assessment on top of CCTA derived cardiovascular risk-factors: atherosclerotic burden and plaque vulnerability.

Purpose

To assess the prognostic value of PCATa beyond atherosclerotic burden and high-risk plaques (HRPs).

Methods

A total of 543 patients who underwent CCTA because of suspected CAD were included. CCTA assessment comprised coronary artery calcium score (CACS), presence of obstructive CAD (≥50% stenosis) and HRPs, total plaque volume (TPV), non-calcified plaque volume (NCPV), and PCATa. The endpoint was a composite of death and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI). Prognostic thresholds were determined for quantitative CCTA variables.

Results

During a median follow-up of 6.6 [interquartile range: 4.7-7.8] years, the endpoint was observed in 42 (20 MI/22 death) patients. CACS >83, obstructive CAD, HRPs, TPV >269mm3, and NCPV >83mm3 were associated with shorter time to the endpoint with unadujsted hazard ratio’s (HR) of 5.37 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.56-11.29), 5.70 (95% CI: 2.40-13.55), 3.31 (95% CI: 1.80-6.07), 7.76 (95% CI: 3.59-16.81), and 6.77 (95% CI: 3.24-14.16), respectively (p < 0.001 for all). PCATa of the RCA >-74.4 Hounsfield units was associated with worse prognosis (unadjusted HR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.04-3.79, p = 0.037), whereas PCATa of the LAD and Cx were not associated with prognosis. PCATa of the RCA remained a significant predictor of death and non-fatal MI corrected for CCTA variables and clincal chacteristics associated with the endpoint (adjusted HR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.11-4.04, p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Coronary inflammation determined by PCATa of the RCA provides incremental prognostic value beyond clinical characteristics and comprehensive CCTA assessment.

Abstract Figure. Take-home figure
CMR feature tracking remote myocardial strain analyses for optimized risk prediction following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Lange T , Stiermaier T , Backhaus SJ , Boom P , Kowallick JT , De Waha-Thiele S , Lotz J , Kutty S , Bigalke B , Gutberlet M , Desch S , Hasenfuss G , Thiele H , Eitel I , Schuster A
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial feature tracking (CMR-FT) derived global strain assessments provide incremental prognostic information in patients following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Functional analyses of the remote myocardium (RM) are scarce and whether they provide an additional prognostic value in these patients is unknown.

Methods

1052 patients following acute myocardial infarction were included. CMR imaging and strain analyses as well as scar size quantification were performed after reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 12 months after the index event was defined as primary clinical endpoint.

Results

Patients with MACE had significantly lower RM circumferential strain (CS) compared to those without MACE. A cut-off value for RM CS of -25.8% best identified high-risk patients (p < 0.001 on log-rank testing) and impaired RM CS was a strong predictor of MACE (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.07-1.14, p = 0.003). RM CS provided further risk stratification amongst patients considered at risk according to established CMR parameters for 1.) patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35 % (p = 0.002 on log-rank testing), 2.) patients with reduced global circumferential strain (GCS) > -18,3 % (p = 0.015 on log-rank testing), and 3.) patients with large microvascular obstruction ≥ 1.46 % (p = 0.038 on log-rank testing).

Conclusion

CMR-FT derived RM CS is a useful parameter to characterize the response of RM and allows improved stratification following AMI beyond commonly used parameters, especially of high-risk patients.
Incremental value of feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in detecting myocardial dysfunction in patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Nikolaidou C , Kotanidis C , Leal-Pelado J , Kouskouras K , Vassilikos VP , Karvounis H , Karamitsos TD
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can identify the underlying substrate in patients with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and normal echocardiography. Myocardial strain has emerged as a superior index of systolic performance compared to ejection fraction (EF), with an incremental prognostic value in many cardiac diseases.

Purpose

To assess myocardial deformation using 2-D feature-tracking CMR strain imaging (CMR-FT) in patients with frequent VAs (≥500 ventricular premature contractions (VPC)/24 hours; and/or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia), and structurally normal hearts on echocardiography without evidence of coronary artery disease.

Methods

Sixty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 46 ± 16 years; 54% female) and 72 healthy controls matched for age and body surface area were included in the study. CMR imaging was performed on a 1.5T Magnetom Avanto (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) scanner using a standard cardiac protocol.

Results

CMR showed normal findings in 30 patients (44%), while 16 (24%) had previous myocarditis, 6 (9%) had a diagnosis of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), 15 (22%) were diagnosed with VPC-related cardiomyopathy, and 1 patient had subendocardial infarction [excluded from strain analysis]. Mean left ventricular EF (LVEF) in patients was 62% ± 6% and right ventricular EF 64% ± 6% (vs. 65% ± 3% and 66% ± 4% in controls, respectively). Compared to control subjects, patients with VAs had impaired peak LV global radial strain (GRS) (28.88% [IQR: 25.87% to 33.97%] vs. 36.65% [IQR:33.19% to 40.2%], p < 0.001) and global circumferential strain (GCS) (-17.73% [IQR: -19.8% to -16.33%] vs. -20.66% [IQR: -21.72% to -19.6%], p < 0.001, Panel A). Peak LV GRS could differentiate patients with previous myocarditis from patients with NICM and those with VPC-related cardiomyopathy (Panel B). Peak LV GCS could differentiate patients with previous myocarditis from patients with NICM (Panel C). Peak LV GRS showed excellent diagnostic accuracy in detecting patients from control subjects (Panel D). In a multivariable regression model, subjects with a low GRS (<29.91%-determined by the Youden’s index) had 5-fold higher odds of having VAs (OR:4.99 [95%CI: 1.2-21.95]), after adjusting for LVEF, LV end-diastolic volume index, age, sex, BMI, smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. Peak LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV strain indices were not statistically different between patients and controls.

Conclusion

Peak LV GRS and GCS are impaired in patients with frequent idiopathic VAs and can detect myocardial contractile dysfunction in patients with different underlying substrates. Our findings suggest that LV strain indices on CMR-FT constitute independent markers of myocardial dysfunction on top and independently of EF.

Abstract Figure.
Misalignment of hemodynamic forces in the left ventricle is associated with adverse remodeling following STEMI
Authors: Filomena D , Cimino S , Monosilio S , Birtolo LI , Galea N , Francone M , Mancuso G , Riccio F , Pierucci N , Pedrizzetti G , Tonti G , Fedele F , Maestrini V , Agati L
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Infarct size (IS), area at risk (AAR) and microvascular obstruction (MVO) are well known predictors of adverse remodeling (aLVr) following acute myocardial infarction, while the pathogenic role of left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic forces (HDFs) is still unknown. Recent evidence suggests the role of HDFs in negative remodeling after pathogenic events. 

Purpose

To identify LV HDFs patterns associated with aLVr in reperfused ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) patients.

Methods

Forty-nine acute STEMI patients underwent CMR at 1 week (baseline) and 4 months (follow-up) after MI.  The following parameters were measured: left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume index for body surface area (LVEDVi and LVESVi), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV mass index, AAR and IS. LV HDFs were computed at baseline from cine CMR long axis datasets using a novel method based on LV endocardial boundary tracking. LV HDFs were calculated both in apex-base (A-B) and latero-septal (L-S) directions. The distribution of LV HDFs were evaluated by L-S over A-B HDFs ratio (L-S/A-B HDFs ratio %). All HDFs parameters are computed over the entire heartbeat, in systole and diastole. aLVr was defined as an absolute increase in LVESV of at least 15% (ΔLV-ESV ≥15%).

Results

Patients with aLVr (n = 18; 37%) had significant greater value of AAR (32 ± 23 vs 22 ± 18; p = 0.03) and slightly larger IS (23 ± 16 vs 15 ± 11; p= 0.07) at baseline. In patients with aLVr at FU, baseline systolic L-S HDF were lower (2.7 ± 0.9 vs 3.6 ± 1; p = 0.027) while diastolic L-S/A-B HDF ratio was significantly higher (28 ± 14 vs 19 ± 6; p = 0.03), reflecting higher grade of diastolic HDFs misalignment. At univariate logistic regression analysis, higher IS [Odd ratio (OR) 1.05; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01-1.1; p= 0.04] L-S HDFs (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.2-0.9; p= 0.04] and higher diastolic L-S/A-B HDFs ratio (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.01-1.2; p= 0.05) were associated with aLVr at FU (Table).  At multivariate logistic regression analysis, L-S/A-B HDF ratio remained the only independent predictor of adverse LV remodeling after correction for other baseline determinants.

Conclusion

Misalignment of diastolic HDFs following STEMI is associated with aLVr observed after 4 months.

Predictors of adverse remodeling Univariate Multivariate Parameter OR (95% CI) P OR (95% CI) P IS (%) 1.05 (1.01-1.1) 0.042 - - Systolic L-S HDF 0.41 (0.2-0.9) 0.04 - - Diastolic L-S/A-B HDF Ratio 1.1 (1.01-1.2) 0.05 1.1 (1.01-1.2) 0.04 A-B:apex-base; L-S: latero-septal; HDFs: hemodynamic forces Abstract Figure. Diastolic HDFs distribution and aLVr
CMR 4D flow underestimates peak systolic flow measurements in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Halva R , Peltonen J , Kaasalainen T , Lommi J , Suihko S , Kylmala M , Kivisto S , Holmstrom M , Vaara SM , Syvaranta S
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Helsinki University Hospital, Finland

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent valvular disease in the developed countries. 4D flow is an emerging cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging technique, which has been suggested to improve the evaluation of AS severity. The accuracy of peak flow measurement by 4D flow CMR in patients with severe AS has, however, remained unvalidated.

Purpose

We investigated the reliability of the novel 4D flow CMR technique in measuring transvalvular peak systolic flow in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis.

Methods

The study included 63 patients clinically evaluated for valve replacement due to severe symptomatic AS. All the patients underwent echocardiography, 2D phase-contrast and 4D flow CMR. CMR was performed on consecutive patients according to international guidelines. Mean age of the patients was 73.8 ± 11.5 years, mean aortic valve area 0.7 ± 0.2 cm², and 40 of the valves were tricuspid and 23 bicuspid. QFlow and QFlow 4D software were used for flow analyses. Bland-Altman analyses and Wilcoxon signed rank sum tests were performed using SPSS software.

Results

CMR 4D flow analyses underestimated peak flow values when compared with echocardiography (bias -1.1 m/s, limits of agreement ± 1.5 m/s) and with 2D flow analyses (bias -1.2 m/s, limits of agreement ± 1.7 m/s). The difference between values obtained by 4D flow (median 3.1 m/s, range 1.5 – 4.9 m/s) and echocardiography (median 4.3 m/s, range 2.1 – 6.1 m/s) as well as by 2D flow (median 4.3 m/s, range 2.0 – 8.4 m/s) were statistically significant (p < 0,001). The difference between 2D flow analyses and echocardiography remained statistically insignificant (bias 0.05 m/s, limits of agreement ± 1.6 m/s).

Conclusions

We found that 4D flow analysis significantly underestimates systolic peak flow values in patients with severe AS. This may be due to intra-voxel averaging of the narrow jets. In contrast to previous assumptions, traditional 2D flow technique may therefore outperform 4D flow in measuring valvular peak flow by CMR in patients with severe AS. This should be taken into consideration when assessing disease severity by CMR.

Abstract Figure. Peak systolic flow in AS patients (n = 63)
Vasodilatation stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance: feasibility and safety in a monocentric prospective study
Authors: Pezel T , Garot P , Hovasse T , Toupin S , Unterseeh T , Morice MC , Champagne S , Louvard Y , Sanguineti F , Garot J
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has emerged as an accurate technique that can assess ventricular function, stress myocardial perfusion, and viability, without radiation. Recent studies have shown that stress CMR would be the best test to predict obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) with a good safety.

PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility and incidence of immediate complications of stress CMR in a tertiary Cardiovascular Center with CMR Laboratory dedicated.

METHODS

Prospective registry of vasodilator stress CMR in a French center with CMR expertise included all consecutive patients referred for vasodilator stress perfusion CMR to detect an obstructive CAD between 2008 and 2020. Stress CMR was performed at 1.5 T using dipyridamole. The clinical and demographic data, quality of test, CMR findings, haemodynamic data, and complications were prospectively recorded.

RESULTS

Stress CMR was performed in 35,157 patients (98.2% of requested). The study could not be performed due to claustrophobia in 0.3%. Quality was optimal in 93.1%, suboptimal in 6.4%, and poor in 0.5% of studies. Images were diagnostic in 97.9% of patients. No patient died or had acute myocardial infarction during the test. Moreover, 56 patients (0.16%) had severe immediate complications, and one anaphylactic shock post-gadolinium. The only factor significantly associated with higher incidence of serious complications was the detection of inducible ischaemia (p < 0.001). Incidence of non-severe complications was low (1.5%), severe controlled chest pain being the most frequent. Minor symptoms occurred frequently (35.5%).

CONCLUSION

Performance of stress CMR is safe with very high image rate of satisfactory quality to perform the diagnosis in a referral population. Inducible ischaemia was the only factor identified which was associated with serious complications.

Abstract Table. Final results after stress CMR
Hyperventilation-breath-hold maneuver to detect ischemia by strain-encoded CMR: a pilot study to evaluate a needle-free stress protocol
Authors: Kajzar I , Ochs MM , Salatzki J , Ochs AT , Riffel J , Osman N , Katus HA , Friedrich MG
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Safety concerns for gadolinium-containing contrast agents and pharmacological stressors, together with tremendous costs and inconsistent reimbursement modalities are still limiting a widespread application of CMR stress testing despite proven benefits. Like the effect of adenosine, hyperventilation-breath-hold-maneuver (HVBH) has demonstrated to induce myocardial vasodilation and might serve as a stressor to induce coronary steal with consecutive hypokinesia. 

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a needle-free, ultrafast stress test to detect myocardial ischemia by strain-encoded CMR (fSENC) after HVBH.

Methods

Patients referred for CMR stress testing underwent an extended protocol in order to evaluate three different stress forms: (1) Adenosine first-pass perfusion (Ad-FPP), (2) Adenosine-fSENC (Ad-fSENC) and (3) HVBH-fSENC. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using quantitative coronary angiography as reference. 

Results

One-hundred-twenty-two predominantly male patients (age 66 ± 11years; 80% men) suspected for obstructive CAD were enrolled. Ad-fSENC and HVBH-fSENC provided significantly better diagnostic accuracy than Ad-FPP, both on a patient-level (Ad-fSENC: sensitivity 82%[65-93], specificity 83%[73-90], p < 0.05; HVBH-fSENC: sensitivity 81%[64-93], specificity 86%[77-93], p < 0.05) and territory-level (Ad-fSENC: sensitivity 67%[52-80], specificity 93%[90-96], p < 0.05; HVBH-fSENC: sensitivity 63%[47-76], specificity 95%[91-97], p < 0.05). The stress response of longitudinal strain differs significantly between ischemic and non-ischemic segments to Adenosine (LSischemic = 0.6 ± 5.4%, LSnon-ischemic = 0.9 ± 2.7%, p < 0.05) and HVBH (LSischemic = 1.3 ± 3.8%, LSnon-ischemic=-0.3 ± 1.8%, p = 0.002). Stress test duration of HVBH-fSENC (t = 64 ± 2s) was significantly shortened compared to Ad-fSENC (t = 184 ± 59s, p < 0.0001) or Ad-FPP (t = Ad-FPP: 172 ± 59s, p < 0.0001). 

Conclusions

Stress testing by HVBH-fSENC provides promising diagnostic accuracy to detect myocardial ischemia and is faster than established methods without the necessity to apply contrast agent or pharmacological stressors.
Long term outcomes in left ventricular noncompaction
Authors: Casas G , Limeres J , Oristrell G , Gutierrez L , Barriales R , Garcia-Pavia P , Zorio E , Gimeno JR , Villacorta E , Jimenez-Jaimez J , Ripoll T , Bayes A , Ferreira I , Rodriguez-Palomares JF
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a heterogeneous entity with a wide phenotypic expression. Risk factors have not been well established and prognostic stratification remains challenging.

Objectives

Describe long term outcomes of LVNC patients and determine predictors of cardiovascular events. 

Methods

 

Prospective multicentric study of consecutive patients fulfilling imaging diangostic criteria for LVNC (Jenni echo criteria and Petersen CMR criteria). Demographic, ECG, imaging and genetic variables were collected. End points were heart failure (HF), ventricular arrhythmias (VA), systemic embolisms (SE) and all-cause death. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was the combination of the four previous end points.

Results

585 patients from 12 referral centres were included from 2000 to 2018. Age at diagnosis was 45 ± 20 years, 334 (57%) were male, baseline LVEF was 48 ± 17% and 18% presented late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). During a median follow-up of 5.1 years (IQR 2.3-8.1), 110 (19%) patients presented HF, 87 (15%) VA, 18 (3%) SE and 34 (6%) died. MACE occurred in 223 (38%) patients.

LVEF was independently associated with HF, VA, SE and MACE: HR were 1.08, 1.02, 1.04 and 1.02 respectively (all p < 0.05). LGE was more frequent in patients with reduced LVEF (39 Vs 53%, p < 0.001) and was associated with higher HF and VA risk in patients with LVEF > 35% (HR 2.69 and 2.48 respectively, p < 0.05) (Figure 1). Patients with a normal ECG, LVEF≥50%, no LGE and no family aggregation presented no MACE (0%) at long term follow-up.

Among patients who underwent genetic testing (354, 61%), TTN variants and complex genotype (more than one variant) presented lower LVEF and higher HF risk. ACTC1 variants were associated with VA.

Conclusions

LVNC carries a high long term risk of heart faliure and ventricular arrhythmias. LVEF is the most important predictor and myocardial fibrosis is associated with increased risk in patients without severe systolic dysfunction. Genotype is a modifier of outcomes. These factors might be used to risk stratify LVNC patients.

Abstract Figure. Kaplan Meier survival curves
Myocardial extracellular space expansion is related to burden of premature ventricular contractions in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without non-sustained ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Chung H , Park CH , Kim YJ , Kim JY , Min PK , Yoon YW , Lee KA , Lee BK , Hong BK , Kim TH , Rim SJ , Kwon HM , Choi EY
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Current guidelines suggest the presence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) as a risk factor of sudden cardiac death in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, high burden of premature ventricular contraction (PVC) may reflect myocardial fibrosis although the absence of NSVT.

Purpose

We investigated the association between PVC burden and myocardial extracellular space expansion in HCM patients without NSVT.

Methods

Of the 212 patients prospectively enrolled to the HCM registry of genetics, 84 patients were evaluated with both cardiac magnetic resonance and 24hr holter. Among them, 71 patients (58 males, mean age: 71 ± 13 years) have not been diagnosed with NSVT.

Results

Patients with NSVT (n = 13) showed more impaired LA functional indices and higher myocardial fibrosis burden compared with patients without NSVT (n = 71). Among patients who have not been diagnosed with NSVT, patients with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE, n = 46) had a higher total beats (109 ± 332 vs. 7 ± 13 beats per a day, p = 0.003) and burden (0.114 ± 0.225 vs. 0.008 ± 0.014 %, p = 0.003) of PVC during 24-hour compared with patients without LGE (n = 25). %LGE was correlated with total beats of PVC (r = 0.358, p = 0.002) and PVC burden (r = 0.377, p = 0.001). ECV also correlated with total beats of PVC (r = 0.387, p = 0.001) and PVC burden (r = 0.401, p = 0.001). The optimal cutoff value for PVC number was 45 (37.0% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity) with 0.733 of the area under the ROC curve (p < 0.001). Pathogenic or likely pathogenic sarcomere mutation was higher in NSVT group than no NSVT group (p < 0.05), and had a higher tendency in higher PVC burden group (0.05 < p < 0.1) than lower PVC burden group.

Conclusions

Total beats and burden of PVC are significantly related to increase in myocardial fibrosis in HCM patients without NSVT.

Abstract Figure. Mechanism of ventricular arrhythmia
What if HCM Risk-SCD was assessed with CMR maximum LV wall thickness measurements?
Authors: Neto A , Oliveira I , Cruz I , Seabra D , Pontes Dos Santos R , Andrade A , Azevedo J , Pinto P
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

The HCM Risk-SCD estimates the risk of sudden cardiac death at 5 years in patients (pts) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). According to ESC Guidelines, in pts with a 5-year risk of SCD <4%, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is generally not indicated, in pts with a risk of 4 to less than 6%, an ICD may be considered and in pts with a 5-year risk ≥6%, an ICD should be considered. The association between the degree of LVH and sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been based on measurements of maximum LVWT by echocardiography which is part of HCM Risk-SCD score. However, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has shown a superior resolution in characterization of cardiac structures, with additional role in SCD risk stratification. Whether measurements of LVWT by echocardiography and CMR are interchangeable has been brought to question.

Purpose

  We sought to evaluate the incidence of discrepant measurements of maximal LVWT between echocardiography and CMR and determine its implication in HCM Risk-SCD score and ICD indication.

Methods

Unicentric, retrospective analysis of pts submitted to CMR who had HCM as definitive diagnosis, between 1/2013 and 9/2019. CMR and echocardiographic measures were compared, as well as HCM Risk-SCD score calculated with these values (maximum LVWT was the only variable that differed between measures). Subsequently, pts were divided in three groups according to HCM Risk-SCD score: pts with a 5-year risk of SCD <4% (G1), risk of 4 to less than 6% (G2) and risk ≥6% (G3).

Results

Out of the 781 CMR studies evaluated, 59 pts were found to have HCM (7.6%) with mean age of 62 ± 11 years and female predominance (50.8%). 12 pts had obstructive phenotype (20.3%). Mean LVWT was 20.0 ± 4.6mm when measured by CMR and 18.8 ± 4.6mm by echo; when comparing the measures by echo with CMR, there was a positive correlation between them (p < 0.001; r 0.719). Mean HCM Risk-SCD was 2.80 ± 1.51% when measured by CMR and 2.69 ± 1.53% by echo; there was a positive correlation between these measures too (p < 0.001; r 0.963). Maximum LV thickness evaluated by CMR showed a positive correlation (p = 0.006, r 0.384) with the HCM risk-score assessed by CMR. Only 1 pt changed risk group with CMR measurement of maximum LVWT (from G1 to G2). Conclusion: In this cohort, there was a positive, linear relationship between maximum LVWT and HCM Risk-SCD score measured by CMR and echocardiogram. Only 1 pt changed risk stratification group (5-year risk of SCD <4% to 4 to less than 6%).  Although CMR measurements, when interpreted correctly, are more precise compared with echocardiography, in this cohort there was no impact on the patient"s future clinical orientation regarding ICD implantation.
Analysis of a large cohort of African/Afro-Caribbean patients by cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Nakou E , Peters B , Bromage D , Kellman P , Sado D , Rosmini S
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Limited data is available in the literature on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) features of African/Afro-Caribbeans, in particular exploring differences between hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). 

Purpose

To describe the cardiac morphology and pattern of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in patients of African/Afro-Caribbean origin. 

Methods

We retrospectively analysed African/Afro-Caribbean patients who underwent clinical CMR at a tertiary centre. Three groups were specifically investigated: HHD, HCM and combination of HHD and HCM or ambiguous (HHD&HCM). 

Results

Overall, 166 consecutive patients (58% male, mean age 55 ± 14yo) were analysed. One-hundred fifty-four (93%) had history of arterial hypertension (HTN), including 17 with uncontrolled/malignant HTN. Overall, 28(17%) had normal scans, 70(42%) HHD, 15(9%) apical HCM, 10(6%) classical septal HCM, 19(11%) dilated cardiomyopathy, 6(4%) cardiac amyloidosis, 3(2%) ischemic heart disease, 4(2%) myocarditis, 2 sarcoidosis and 1 valvular disease. In 7(4%) the diagnosis was ambiguous between HHD and HCM and 1 uncertain. Forty-four (27%) had dual pathology, most frequently HHD, bystander myocardial infarction (MI) and embolic MI. LGE was detected in 95(57%), 26 with ischemic pattern, 13 diffuse mid-wall, 29 focal non-ischemic and 28 diffuse/multifocal non-ischemic. CMR features and correlations between subgroups are reported in the Table. Patients with HHD had significantly higher left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (ED) volume indexed (Vi) and LV end-systolic (ES) Vi, but lower LV ejection fraction (EF) and LV maximum wall thickness (MWT) compared to HCM patients. HHD&HCM had higher LVEF and MWT compared to HHD and higher LVEDVi compared to HCM. LGE was more frequently seen in HCM and HHD&HCM as focal non-ischemic (6vs5vs10,p = 0.049) and diffuse multifocal(5vs6vs9,p = 0.009). A history of uncontrolled/malignant HTN was more frequent in HHD and HHD&HCM (11vs1vs5,p = 0.025) and was associated with diffuse LGE with lateral wall involvement (p < 0.0001) (Figure). Conclusions: CMR findings in African/Afro-Caribbeans may overlap between aetiologies. A specific pattern of diffuse non-ischaemic LGE involving the lateral wall appears though to be more often associated with severe uncontrolled HTN.

Table HHD(n = 70) HCM(n = 19) HHD&HCM or ambiguous (n = 13) p LVEDVi, ml/m2 88 ± 33 62 ± 11 77 ± 6 0.003 LVESVi, ml/m2 36 ± 26 16 ± 10 26 ± 19 0.002 LVEF, % 62 ± 16 79 ± 6 74 ± 12 0.567 LVMWT, mm 13 ± 2 15 ± 4 14 ± 3 <0.0001 CMR features and correlations between subgroups Abstract Figure
Proposed stages of Fabry disease: insights from multiparametric cardiac MRI and advanced ECG
Authors: Bicho Augusto JA , Johner N , Shah D , Nordin S , Knott K , Lau C , Seraphim A , Hughes R , Vijapurapu R , Bhuva A , Steeds RP , Kozor R , Hughes D , Moon JC , Namdar M
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Staging of Fabry disease (FD) cardiomyopathy uses multiparametric cardiac MRI. Advanced disease is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), myocardial inflammation/oedema (high native T2 mapping) and/or fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement, LGE). Pre-LVH involvement has been described and includes myocardial sphingolipid storage (low native T1 mapping), impaired LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and microvascular disease/dysfunction (low stress myocardial blood flow, MBF, in perfusion mapping).

We aimed to define (1) the early myocardial phenotype prior to T1 lowering/pre-storage and (2) the stages of cardiac involvement in FD.  

Methods

FD patients and age, sex and heart rate matched healthy controls underwent same-day ECG with advanced analysis and multiparametric CMR (cines, GLS, pre-contrast T1 and T2 mapping, adenosine stress perfusion mapping [for MBF] and LGE).

Results

114 Fabry patients (46 ± 13 years, 61% female, 37% [n = 72] had LVH) and 76 controls (49 ± 15 years, 50% female) were included.

FD with vs without LVH

in brief and as expected, FD with LVH had significantly (p < 0.05) lower MBF, GLS and T1, and higher T2 and %LGE.

FD pre-LVH low T1 vs pre-LVH normal T1: low T1 patients (32/72, 44%) had higher LV mass index (67 ± 14 vs 59 ± 10g/m2, P = 0.011), maximum Q wave amplitude (2[1-2] vs 1[1-2]mm, P < 0.001), Sokolow-Lyon index (22[16-28] vs 17[13-23]mm, P = 0.031) and more fractionated QRS complexes (44 vs 18%, P = 0.020).

FD pre-LVH normal T1 vs healthy controls: normal T1 pre-LVH Fabry patients (40/72, 56%) had reduced GLS (-18 ± 2 vs -20 ± 2%, P < 0.001), microvascular impairment (lower MBF 2.5 ± 0.7 vs 3.0 ± 0.8mL/g/min, P = 0.028), subtle T2 elevation (50 ± 4 vs 48 ± 2ms, p = 0.027) and limited LGE (%LGE 0.3 ± 1.1 vs 0%, P = 0.004) when compared to healthy controls; ECG abnormalities included shorter P wave duration (88 ± 12 vs 94 ± 15ms, P = 0.010) and T wave peak time (Tonset–Tpeak; 104 ± 28 vs 115 ± 20ms, P = 0.015), resulting in a more symmetric T wave with lower T wave time ratio (Tonset–Tpeak)/(Tpeak–Tend) (1.5 ± 0.4 vs 1.8 ± 0.4, P < 0.001) compared to controls.

Conclusion

Prior staging of Fabry cardiomyopathy included a pre-LVH stage (accumulation/storage) and two LVH stages (hypertrophy and inflammation; fibrosis and impairment). Here we define an even earlier stage, pre-LVH pre-detectable storage, defined by microvascular dysfunction, impaired GLS and altered atrial depolarization and ventricular repolarization intervals (see Figure).

Abstract Figure. Proposed stages of cardiac involvement
Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease: the AMICO registry
Authors: Pugliese NR , Buechel R , Coceani M , Clemente A , Kaufmann PA , Marzullo P , Gimelli A
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

onbehalf

AMICO registry

Background. Clinical evidence promotes therapy titration based on patient risk stratification in coronary artery disease (CAD).

Purpose. We assessed the prognostic value of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) with cadmium-zinc-telluride in addition to clinical and coronary anatomy analysis.

Methods and Results. We prospectively enrolled 1464 patients (26% females, 69.5 ± 10.4 years) referred for stress-rest MPS. All the patients underwent invasive coronary angiography (1171, 80%) or coronary computed tomography angiography (293, 20%). We defined a composite endpoint of cardiovascular death and non-fatal MI. After a median follow-up of 3.5 years (interquartile range 2 – 6 years), we observed 127 events (Table). Summed stress score (SSS) had the highest accuracy in predicting primary endpoint with a ROC-derived cut-off of SSS > 8 (>10% myocardium). SSS > 8 portended the lowest survival probability at Kaplan–Meier analysis (p < 0.0001; Figure A). The Cox-regression analysis indicated SSS as an independent predictor of the composite endpoint, along with fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol and contrary to coronary anatomy parameters. Patients with SSS > 8 treated with optimal medical therapy (OMT) had the largest area of necrosis, the lower ischemic burden, the most compromised LV systo-diastolic function and the highest LV mass, but received a less aggressive treatment in comparison to early revascularized patients. Survival analysis revealed patients with SSS ≤ 8 had the greater freedom from events, irrespective of the treatment strategy, while the group with SSS > 8 and OMT had the worst outcome, followed by patients with SSS > 8 and early revascolarization (log-rank test: all p < 0.0001). Plotting the estimates from proportional-hazard modelling against SSS (reference level: SSS = 4) shows a risk curve for the primary endpoint that increase for SSS > 4 and reach a plateau for values >12 (Figure B). 

Conclusion. The extension of stress perfusion abnormalities constitutes a robust independent predictor of future adverse events after adjustment for multiple clinical parameters and coronary anatomy analysis. MPS could help refine risk stratification of patients with known or suspected CAD.

Primary and secondary endpoints Variable Total population (n = 1464) SSS > 8 (n = 591) SSS ≤ 8 (n = 873) Hazard Ratio (95% CI)* P-value* Primary endpoint 127 (9) 85 (14) 42 (5) 3.25 (2.25 - 4.70) <0.0001 Cardiovascular death 50 (3) 37 (6) 13 (1) 4.53 (2.41 - 8.51) <0.0001 Non-fatal MI 84 (6) 53 (9) 31 (4) 2.71 (1.75 - 4.22) <0.0001 *The hazard ratio is for the SSS > 8 group as compared with the summed stress score (SSS)≤8 group, and P-values were calculated by the log-rank test and are unadjusted for multiple variables. Abstract Figure
Coronary collaterals provide more than half of normal perfusion in patients with coronary artery disease - quantification by myocardial perfusion SPECT during elective balloon occlusion
Authors: Harris B , Warren S , Persson E , Bhindi R , Ringborn M , Ugander M , Allahwala U
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND

The coronary collateral circulation is a preformed network of anastomotic connections acting as a "natural bypass" mechanism. Whilst the prevalence of collaterals varies between species, approximately 25% of patients have angiographically visible robust collaterals at the time of ST elevation myocardial infarction. While the presence of collaterals is associated with improved outcomes, the magnitude of myocardial perfusion which can be provided by the collateral circulation remains uncertain.

PURPOSE

The aim was to quantify collateral myocardial perfusion during experimental coronary balloon occlusion in patients with CAD.

METHODS

The study was approved by the local investigational review board, and all patients provided informed consent. Patients without prior infarction, bypass surgery, or angiographically visible collaterals undergoing elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to a single epicardial vessel, underwent two scans with 99mTc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). All subjects underwent at least three minutes of angiographically verified complete balloon occlusion, at which time an intravenous injection of the radiotracer was administered, followed by SPECT imaging. A second radiotracer injection followed by SPECT imaging was performed 24 hours after PTCA.

RESULTS

The study included 21 patients (median [interquartile range] age 70 [56-74] years, 52% male). The degree of diameter stenosis of treated vessels ranged from 60-99%, with successful PTCA performed with a mean 5-minute balloon occlusion time, resulting in ≤20% residual stenosis in all cases. The vessels undergoing PTCA were 6 in the LAD, 5 in the LCx, and 10 in the RCA. For the cohort, the size of the perfusion defect was 16 [8-30]% of the LV and the collateral perfusion at rest within the perfusion defect was 64 [58-68]% of normal perfusion within that region. Collateral perfusion was negatively correlated with perfusion defect size (R2 = 0.85, p < 0.001), but did not differ by sex (p = 0.27) or age (p = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe the magnitude of microvascular collateral perfusion in CAD. On average, despite coronary occlusion and an absence of angiographically visible collateral vessels, collaterals provide approximately 60% of the perfusion that reaches the jeopardized myocardium during coronary occlusion. This magnitude of collateral perfusion is much higher than previously speculated. A previous study using microspheres in dogs found that collateral perfusion in the setting of an occluded vessel was 6% of normal. By comparison, the current study found ten times greater collateral perfusion in patients with CAD.

Abstract Figure. Collateral perfusion during occlusion.