bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
569 Advanced heart failure patients: insight clinical characteristics and prognosis
Authors: Ruocco Gaetano , Pastorini Guido , Rossi Arianna , Testa Marzia , Feola Mauro
Published: December 2021

Aims

The prevalence of patients with advanced heart failure (HF) ranges from 1% to 10% of HF population. A recent position statement of Heart Failure Association (HFA) of European Society of Cardiology (ESC), defined advanced HF according four criteria including LV dysfunction, symptoms severity, and HF hospital admission.1 In this study we would like to evaluate clinical and prognostic characteristics of HF patients in advanced stage.

Methods and results

This is an observational retrospective study enrolling patients with diagnosis of acute heart failure (AHF) de novo or not, admitted to our department from January 2015 to January 2019 within 12 h from emergency department admission. Patients underwent to clinical examination, laboratory analysis (NTproBNP, renal function haemoglobin) and echocardiography. Advanced heart failure patients were defined on the basis of ESC recent criteria.1 Patients were followed for 1 year after hospital discharge for the composite outcome of HF re-hospitalization and cardiovascular death through 1 year. A total of 601 AHF patients were included in this analysis. Median age was 78 (70–83) years, median of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 45 (33–55)% and the median of serum levels of NTproBNP was 7851 (3222–17 543) pg/ml. In our sample we found 122 patients who met the criteria of advanced HF. Comparing patients with advanced HF and without we found that advanced HF patients were more frequent affected by not ischaemic cardiomyopathy with respect to patients not advanced (85% vs. 49%; P < 0.001). Moreover, patients not advanced were more frequent de novo HF with respect to advanced ones (54% vs. 34%; P < 0.001). Advanced heart failure patients showed higher values of NTproBNP [12 375 (5346–26 375) vs. 6652 (2552–13 782) pg/ml; P < 0.001] and creatinine [1.20 (0.88–1.99) vs. 1.07 (0.82–1.50) mg/dL; P = 0.002] and lower values of TAPSE [18 (15–20) vs. 16 (13–19) mm; P < 0.001], eGFR [48 (30–66) vs. 52 (38–38) ml/min/m2; P = 0.05], and serum sodium [140 (138–143) vs. 139 (136–141) mEq/l; P = 0.001] with respect to not advanced HF patients. Univariate analysis showed that advanced HF was related to poor prognosis in terms of one year cardiovascular death or HF re-hospitalization [HR: 1.83 (1.32–2.54); P < 0.001] and in terms of in-hospital mortality [HR: 2.53 (1.01–6.53); P = 0.05].

Conclusions

Advanced HF patients showed a worse neuro-hormonal and renal pattern compared to not advanced ones. Similarly, these patients experienced a worse right ventricular function and were more prone no adverse events development at 1 year. Further study are mandatory to better manage these patients improving their outcome.
573 Different renal function patterns in acute heart failure patients
Authors: Ruocco Gaetano , Feola Mauro , Luschi Lorenzo , Brazzi Angelica , Ghionzoli Nicolo , Rossi Arianna , Pagliaro Antonio , Crescenzi Federico , Palazzuoli Alberto
Published: December 2021

Aims

The role of worsening renal function during acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization is still debated. Very few studies have extensively evaluated the renal function (RF) trend during hospitalization by repetitive measurements. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic relevance of different RF trajectories together with the congestion status in hospitalized patients.

Methods and results

This is a post hoc analysis of a multi-centres study including 467 patients admitted with AHF who were screened for the Diur-AHF Trial. We recognized five main RF trajectories based on serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) behaviour: according to the RF curve our sample was divided into 1-stable (S), 2-transient improvement (TI), 3-permanent improvement (PI), 4-transient worsening (TW), and 5-persistent worsening (PW). The primary outcome was the combined endpoint of 180 days including all causes of mortality and re-hospitalization.

We recruited 467 subjects with a mean congestion score of 3.5 ± 1.08 and a median creatinine value of 1.28 (1.00–1.70) mg/dl, eGFR 50 (37–65) ml/min/m2, and NTpro BNP 7000 (4200–11 700) pg/ml. A univariate analysis of the RF pattern demonstrated that TI and PW patterns were significantly related to poor prognosis [HR: 2.71 (1.81–4.05); P < 0.001; HR: 1.68 (1.15–2.45); P = 0.007, respectively]. Conversely, the TW pattern showed a significantly protective effect on outcome [HR: 0.34 (0.19–0.60); P < 0.001]. Persistence of congestion and BNP reduction ≥ 30% were significantly related to clinical outcome at univariate analysis [HR: 2.41 (1.81–3.21); P < 0.001 and HR: 0.47 (0.35–0.67); P < 0.001]. A multivariable analysis confirmed the independently prognostic role of TI, PW patterns, persistence of congestion, and reduced BNP decrease at discharge.

Conclusions

Various RF patterns during AHF hospitalization are associated with different risk(s). PW and TI appear to be the two trajectories related to worse outcome. Current findings confirm the importance of RF evaluation during and after hospitalization.
632 Diagnostic and prognostic performance of HFA-PEFF and H2FpEF scores in patients with cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Tomasoni Daniela , Merlo Marco , Aimo Alberto , Porcari Aldostefano , Angelis Maria Grazia De , Longo Francesca , Rossi Maddalena , Nardi Matilde , Vergaro Giuseppe , Lombardi Carlo Mario , Emdin Michele , Sinagra Gianfranco , Metra Marco
Published: December 2021

Aims

HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores were developed to aid the diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and have been associated with outcomes. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of these scores in patients with a specific phenotype of HFpEF, cardiac amyloidosis (CA).

Methods and results

In a retrospective, double-centre, observational study we included 171 patients with either transthyretin (ATTR) (n = 89, 52%) or light-chain (AL) (n = 82, 48%) cardiac amyloidosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients were divided into three groups according to HFA-PEFF score (low, 0–1; intermediate 2–4; high 5–6) and H2FPEF score (low, 0–1; intermediate 2–5; high 6–9). None of the patients had a HFA-PEFF score of 0 or 1 (n = 0, 0%); 57 (33.3%) patients had HFA-PEFF score 2–4 and the majority (n = 114, 66.7%) had a high HFA-PEFF score. Twenty-eight (16.4%), 104 (60.8%), 39 (22.8%) patients had low, intermediate, and high H2FPEF score, respectively. During a median follow-up of 14.5 (6.5–30.2) months after diagnosis, 61 (35.7%) patients died. Patients with a high HFA-PEFF score had higher mortality, compared to those with an intermediate score (47.4% vs. 12.3%, P < 0.001). After adjustment for several clinical variables, including age, sex, comorbidities, natriuretic peptides, troponin levels and echocardiographic parameters, a high HFA-PEFF score was independently associated with mortality (HR: 3.75; 95% CI: 1.61–8.70; P = 0.005). H2FPEF score was not significantly associated with outcomes.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a low HFA-PEFF score successfully rules out CA diagnosis, whereas some CA patients present a low H2FPEF score, potentially misleading the diagnosis. HFA-PEFF but not H2FPEF score was associated with outcome in patients with CA.
765 Is acute response to calcium sensitizers drugs predictive of response to cardiac contractility modulation in NYHA IV patients?
Authors: Esposito Francesca , Vitillo Paolo , Urraro Francesco , Nappi Felice , Rotondi Francesco , Nicastro Federico , Amato Luca , Laurino Angela , Russo Anna , Lorenzo Emilio Di
Published: December 2021

A 53-years old man presented to our institution with a diagnosis of decompensated heart failure NYHA Class IV. He had a history of ischaemic heart disease with severe biventricular dysfunction, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, advanced chronic kidney disease, previous explanation of dual-chamber implantable electronic device (ICD) due to endocarditis and subsequent implantation of subcutaneous ICD in primary prevention. Home therapy included uptitrated angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, β-blocker, loop-diuretic, spironolactone, acetylsalicylic acid, and oral hypoglycemics. Clinical examination showed signs and symptoms of systemic and pulmonary congestion with pleural effusion and ascites. Echocardiography revealed diffuse left ventricular (LV) hypokinesis with an ejection fraction (EF) of 25%, severe right ventricular dysfunction and increased filling pressures. He was treated with high dose of i.v. diuretics with mild improvement of dyspnoea. However, haemodynamic stability was labile with worsening of symptoms as soon as mild down-titration of iv diuretics was attempted. Levosimendan, a calcium-sensitizer inodilator, indicated for short-term treatment of acutely decompensated severe chronic heart failure (HF), was administered with good clinical response. Thus, we thought that the patient could have benefited from contractility modulation therapy (CCM) which acts on intramyocardial calcium handling. CCM is a novel therapeutic option for patients with classes III–IV HF with EF ≥ 25% to ≤ 45% and narrow QRS complex that acts on intramyocardial calcium-handling. CCM proved effective in alleviating symptoms, improving exercise tolerance and quality of life, and reducing hospitalization rates in HF. It improves myocardial contractility, reverses the foetal myocyte gene program associated with HF and facilitates cardiac reverse remodelling. Therefore, an Optimizer Smart System (Impulse Dynamics) was implanted. Two pacing electrodes were placed on the interventricular septum in apical and mid-septal position, respectively. The leads were connected to a pulse-generator in a right pectoral pocket. In the following days, we observed a progressive improvement in clinical status, with gradual resolution of peripheral oedema, dyspnoea and fatigue and significant weight loss. Six-month echocardiography showed a stable value of EF and significant improvement in stroke volume (35.2 ml from 24.8 ml at baseline). The patient did not undergo further hospitalization for decompensated HF and was in stable ambulatory NYHA Class IV. We believe CCM is an option in patients with advanced HF in which avoiding recurrent hospitalizations, with their overt increase mortality, is often a challenging therapeutic goal. 765 Figure
735 Myocardial ischaemia: not just about obstructive coronary arteries
Authors: Agnello Federica , Catellana Carmelo , Francaciglia Bruno , Capodanno Davide , Tamburino Corrado
Published: December 2021

Aims

A vast proportion of subjects with anginal symptoms undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) suffer from ischaemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA). This condition has many contributing mechanisms, including epicardial vasospasm caused by vasomotor disorder, which is characterized by ST-segment changes during the self-limiting chest pain episodes. The diagnosis of this condition is challenging. Although different provocative test could performed during ICA (e.g. intracoronary administration of acetylcholine or ergonovine), their use is uncommon.

Methods and results Clinical case

A 39-years old man, smoker, hypertensive and dyslipidemic, presented to the emergency department after a Holter dynamic ECG detecting transient ST-segment elevation in the D1 lead. He had recurrent rest angina despite medical therapy and a prior ICA performed one year before the current presentation documented a mild stenosis of the posterior descending artery, a moderate stenosis of a duplicated left anterior descending artery, and a chronic total occlusion of the left obtuse marginal, which was not revascularized because of the absence of inducible ischaemia on single-photon emission computed tomography. The new ICA performed at presentation revealed a significant progression of coronary artery disease at the level of the posterior descending artery, which was treated through percutaneous coronary intervention, while the other vessels were unchanged. During the procedure, the patient experienced severe angina with ST-segment elevation and angiographically evident vasospasm of left coronary artery. The instantaneous wave-free ratio measurement performed on the medial branch of the duplicated left anterior descending artery was 0.86, which quickly resolved after administration of nitrate (0.93). Calcium channel blockers were added to medical therapy and the patient was discharged asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Vasospastic angina can cause ischaemia both in the presence and in the absence of visible atherosclerosis. This cause of INOCA often remains undetected but it is relatively frequent especially among younger patients who continue experiencing angina leading to repeated hospitalizations. The chance of this condition should be always taken into account, and the correct diagnosis should be obtained not incidentally like in the present case, but following standardized intracoronary test in a proper setting.
231 In-hospital outcomes following an acute coronary syndrome in patients with liver fibrosis: results from the real-world observational registry of acute coronary syndromes (REALE-ACS)
Authors: Biccirè Flavio Giuseppe , Sammartini Emanuele , Dacierno Edoardo Maria , Sajeva Riccardo , Pignatelli Pasquale , Barillà Francesco , Tanzilli Gaetano , Pastori Daniele
Published: December 2021

Aims

The prognostic role of liver fibrosis (LF) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients is unclear. Biochemical markers and scoring systems, such as the APRI score and the FIB-4 score, have recently been shown to be reliable in predicting LF. We aimed to investigate the relationship between LF and in-hospital outcomes in consecutive ACS patients.

Methods and results

The REALE-ACS is a real-world monocentric observational study to investigate characteristics, management and outcomes of patients admitted for ACS from January 2016 to January 2020. LF was defined by an APRI score >0.70 and FIB-4 score >3.25. We investigated the association of APRI and FIB-4 with in-hospital adverse events (AEs) defined as cardiogenic shock and death. 469 consecutive ACS patients were included. Mean age was 65.7 ± 13.0 years and 108 (23%) were women. Overall, 7.9% of patients had LF. STEMI was more common in LF patients (86.5% vs. 40.8%, P < 0.001). Patients with LF had lower hypertension (64.9% vs. 81.7%, P = 0.015), and higher GRACE score upon admission (155.3 ± 48.4 vs. 131.6 ± 38.9, P = 0.001). Higher serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase [242 (184.5–363) vs. 22 (17–34), P < 0.001], alanine aminotransferase [67 (51.5–115) vs. 20 (15–29), P < 0.001], white blood cells [12 000 (10 145–14 350) vs. 8935 (7262.5–11 267), P < 0.001], percentage of neutrophils (97.3 ± 104.5 vs. 68.5 ± 13.7, P < 0.001), D-dimer [1039 (435.5–2100) vs. 436 (275–894), P < 0.001], and lower percentage of lymphocytes (12.3 ± 6.0 vs. 21.7 ± 11.21, P < 0.001) were reported in LF patients. Globally, 49 AEs were recorded. At stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis including clinical and biochemical factors, COPD [odds ratio (OR): 2.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–5.29, P = 0.020], HS-troponin levels (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.02–4.10, P = 0.043), and APRI > 0.70 (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.07–6.22, P = 0.035) were associated with AEs.

Conclusions

ACS patients with LF have a high STEMI rate and are at higher risk of worse in-hospital AEs. Our findings suggest that LF may contribute to the identify ACS patients at high-risk for adverse events and mortality.
666 Complete vs. culprit-only strategy in older MI patients with multi-vessel disease
Authors: Caglioni Serena , Mele Daniela , Verardi Filippo Maria , Campana Roberta , Erriquez Andrea , Pompei Graziella , Biscaglia Simone
Published: December 2021

Aims

The revascularization strategy to pursue in older myocardial infarction (MI) patients with multivessel disease (MVD) is currently unknown. For this reason, while waiting for the results of dedicated trials, we sought to compare a complete vs. a culprit-only strategy in older MI patients by merging data from four registries.

Methods and results

The inclusion criteria for the target population of the present study were: (i) age ≥75 years; (ii) MI (STE or NSTE); (iii) MVD; and (iv) successful treatment of culprit lesion. Propensity scores (PS) were derived using logistic regression (backwards stepwise selection, P < 0.2. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular (CV) death, MI, major bleeding. Multivariable adjustment included the PS and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). The Kaplan–Meier plots were weighted for IPT. Among 2087 patients included, 1362 (65%) received culprit-only treatment whereas 725 (35%) complete revascularization. The mean age was 81.5 years, while mean Follow-up was 419 ± 284 days. Seventy-four patients (10%) died in the complete group and 223 in the culprit-only one (16%). The adjusted cumulative 1-year mortality was 9.7% in the complete and 12.9% in the culprit-only group (adjusted HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.50–0.89). Complete revascularization was associated with lower incidence of CV death (adjusted HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48–0.95) and MI (adjusted HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48–0.95).

Conclusions

Culprit-only is the default strategy in older MI patients with MVD. In our analysis, complete revascularization was associated with lower all-cause and CV mortality and with a lower MI rate.
6 The role of speckle tracking echocardiography in the identification of culprit lesion in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Chiarello Giuseppina , Gherbesi Elisa , Ursi Raffaella , Pontone Gianluca , Fusini Laura , Favale Stefano , Guaricci Andrea Igoren
Published: December 2021

Aims

An early evaluation of patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome patients (NSTE-ACS) is important to choose the appropriate treatment strategy. In this setting of patients, conventional echocardiographic assessment may reveal normal myocardial kinesis in 25–76% of cases. Global and territorial longitudinal strain (GLS and TLS, respectively) may be an early and accurate non-invasive tool for prediction of multivessel CAD in patients with NSTE-ACS. To evaluate the ability of TLS to predict culprit lesions in patients with NSTE-ACS.

Methods and results

We studied 183 patients diagnosed with NSTE-ACS, in our Institution over 2 years of time. Conventional echocardiography and 2 D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) imaging were performed by two experienced echocardiographers, who were blinded to patient characteristics. The TLS was identified as the mean value of the segments’ strain as respect to each vessel territory. Coronary angiography was performed in all patients. Significant CAD (luminal stenosis more than 70% in a major epicardial coronary vessel) and culprit lesion were identified and threated by PTCA when appropriate. A significant difference between mono- and tri-vessel CAD in the variation of WMSI has been demonstrated. There was a statistically significant difference between both 3-vessels vs. 1-vessel disease and 2-vessels vs. 1-vessel disease in changing of TLS-LAD, TLS-RCA, and TLS-Cx values (P-value <0.001). There was a significant difference between 3-vessels vs. 2-vessels disease for TLS-RCA values. There was a statistically significant difference for WMSI-LAD, WMSI-CX, and WMSI-RCA values whether the respective artery was involved or not. Variations of TLS were statistically significant both when the territorial tributary artery was involved and also if the artery represented the culprit lesion (P-value TLS-LAD <0.001, TLS-LAD culprit <0.001, TLS-CX < 0.001, TLS-cx culprit <0.001, TLS-RCA <0.001, P-value TLS-RCA culprit 0.022). A regression model was performed comparing the variation of WMSI as respect to the variation of WMSI+TLS in the territory of culprit lesions. For WMSI-LAD the OR was 0.94 and for TLS-LAD the OR was 1.19 and the P-value of the addition was 0.001. The OR of WMSI-CX was 1.76 and for TLS-CX the OR was 1.40 and the P-value of the addition was 0.001. The OR of WMSI-RCA was 0.71 and for TLS-RCA the OR was 1.17, the P-value of the addition was 0.019.

Conclusions

TLS allows an accurate identification of the culprit lesion in patients presenting with NSTE-ACS. TLS can be considered as part of routine echocardiography on top of WMSI in early evaluation for a better clinical assessment in this subset of patients.
451 Deferral of coronary revascularization in patients with reduced ejection fraction based on physiological assessment: impact on long-term survival
Authors: Gallinoro Emanuele , Paolisso Pasquale , Di Gioia Giuseppe , Bermpeis Kostantinos , Fernandez-peregrina Estefania , Candreva Alessandro , Esposito Giuseppe , Fabbricatore Davide , Bartunek Jozef , Vanderheyden Marc , Wyffels Eric , Sonck Jeroen , Collet Carlos , De Bruyne Bernard , Barbato Emanuele
Published: December 2021

Aims

Deferring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with non-significant stenoses based on fractional flow reserve (FFR) is associated with favourable clinical outcomes up to 15 years. Whether this holds true in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is unclear. To investigate whether FFR provides adjunctive clinical benefit compared to coronary angiography in deferring revascularization of patients with intermediate coronary stenoses and reduced LVEF.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients (n = 4577) with reduced LVEF (≤50%) undergoing coronary angiography between 2002 and 2010 were screened. We eventually included patients with at least one intermediate coronary stenosis (diameter stenosis ≥40%) in whom revascularization was deferred based either on angiography plus FFR (FFR-guided) or angiography alone (angiography-guided). The primary endpoint of the study was the cumulative incidence of all-cause death at 10 years. The secondary endpoint [the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE)], was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, any revascularization and stroke. A total of 840 patients were included (206 in the FFR-guided and 634 in the angiography-guided group). Median clinical follow-up was 7 years [IQR: (3.22–11.08)]. After 1:1 propensity score matching, baseline characteristics between the two groups were similar. All-cause death was significantly lower in the FFR-guided group compared with the angiography-guided group [94 (45.6%) vs. 119 (57.8%), HR: 0.65 (95% CI: 0.49–0.85), P < 0.01]. The rate of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events [(MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, any revascularization, and stroke) was lower in the FFR-guided group [123 (59.7%) vs. 139 (67.5%), HR: 0.75 (95% CI: 0.59–0.95), P = 0.02].

Conclusions

In patients with reduced LVEF, deferring revascularization of intermediate coronary stenoses based on FFR is associated with a lower incidence of death and MACCE at 10 years.
103 Coronary plaque healing and diabetes: insights from optical coherence tomography imaging
Authors: Vergallo Rocco , Lombardi Marco , Betti Matteo , Ricchiuto Alfredo , Maino Alessandro , Buonpane Angela , Bianchini Emiliano , Galli Mattia , D’Amario Domenico , Montone Rocco Antonio , Leone Antonio Maria , Aurigemma Cristina , Romagnoli Enrico , Buffon Antonino , Burzotta Francesco , Trani Carlo , Crea Filippo
Published: December 2021

Aims

Atherosclerotic plaque healing is a dynamic process developing after plaque rupture or erosion, which aims to prevent lasting occlusive thrombus formation and to promote plaque repair. We hypothesized that diabetes mellitus, one of the major conventional cardiovascular risk factors, may influence the healing capacity after plaque destabilization.

Methods and results

In this single-centre observational cohort study, patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging at Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli–IRCCS, Rome, were included. Patients were divided into two groups (i.e. diabetes vs. no diabetes), and stratified based on diabetes medications (i.e. insulin, vs. oral antidiabetic drugs). OCT analysis of non-culprit coronary segments was performed. 105 patients were included (44 diabetes, 61 no diabetes). Prevalence of HCPs was not significantly different between patients with and without diabetes (3.6% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.854). However, patients with diabetes on insulin showed a lower prevalence of HCPs both at patient-based (7.1% vs. 26.4%, P = 0.116) and at segment-based analysis (1.2% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.020). When comparing HbA1c levels based on the presence or absence of healed plaque at the non-culprit lesions, patients with healed plaque showed significantly lower levels of HbA1c compared to patients without healed plaques (43.5 ± 12.1% vs. 61.2 ± 10.4%, P < 0.001). At segment-based analysis, normal vessel structure, pathological intimal thickening (PIT), and spotty calcifications were significantly less prevalent in diabetic patients (2.1% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.001; 7.2% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.05; 9.9% vs. 13.6%, P = 0.02, respectively), whereas neovascularization was significantly higher (19.2% vs. 15.6%, P = 0.035).

Conclusions

Patients with diabetes have a distinct coronary non-culprit plaque phenotype. Healing capacity may be impaired in patients with advanced diabetes on insulin therapy and in those with a suboptimal control of the disease. Further prospective, larger scale studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
86 STEMI and multivessel disease: medical therapy amplifies the benefit of complete myocardial revascularization
Authors: Fabris Enrico , Pezzato Andrea , Gregorio Caterina , Barbati Giulia , Falco Luca , Stolfo Davide , Vitrella Giancarlo , Rakar Serena , Perkan Andrea , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: December 2021

Aims

Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with multivessel disease (MVD) may be treated with different revascularization strategies. However, the potential predictors of outcomes on top of different revascularization strategies are poorly studied. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of two different revascularization strategies and the potential impact of medical therapy.

Methods and results

Using a propensity score approach, the impact of two treatment strategies was analysed—staged non-culprit revascularization group vs. culprit-lesion-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) group—on a composite outcome of cardiovascular death (CVD), myocardial infarction, and repeated revascularization. Moreover, models were further adjusted for medication at discharge. Among 1385 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI, a subgroup of 433 with MVD was analysed. At the median follow-up of 41 (IQR, 21–65) months, after propensity-score adjustment, the multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the staged non-culprit revascularization group was associated with a lower composite endpoint (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.24–0.82; P = 0.01), lower CVD (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.14–0.82; P = 0.02), and lower all-cause death (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24–0.86; P = 0.02). Use of renin–angiotensin inhibitors was associated with lower CVD (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27–0.95; P = 0.03), and both renin–angiotensin inhibitors (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.32–0.86; P = 0.01) and beta blockers (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29–0.79; P = 0.01) were associated with lower all-cause death.

Conclusions

In a real-word STEMI population with multivessel disease, staged non-culprit revascularization was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality compared with a culprit-only PCI strategy. However, both revascularization and medical therapy played a role in the improvement of mortality outcomes. Medical therapy amplified the benefit of myocardial revascularization.
649 Clinicians miss diagnosis: it wasn’t a tako-tsubo syndrome, nowadays it is a recurrent tako-tsubo syndrome
Authors: Angius Simone , Fazzini Luca , Balata Federico , Gioi Alessandra , Contini Francesca Valeria , Leoni Laura , Spissu Paolo Marco Pietro , De Angelis Alessandro , Meloni Luigi , Montisci Roberta
Published: December 2021

Aims

Tako-Tsubo syndrome is an usual form of acute cardiomyopathy characterized by reversible left ventricle apical ballooning which occurs in the absence of significant coronary artery disease. Rarely an increase in catecholamines due to pheochromocytoma could lead to Tako-Tsubo syndrome. Here we report a clinical case of undetected pheochromocytoma which led to Tako-Tsubo syndrome in an adult female patient.

Methods and results

A 60 years old female presented at our emergency department with chest pain, increase in cardiac troponin levels and hypo-akinesia of the apical segments at the echocardiography. She was admitted with acute coronary syndrome suspicious. He had history of acute coronary syndrome with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) in the 2017. Coronary angiography performed at 24 h from admission, again showed non-obstructive coronary disease, whereby we reviewed the previous MINOCA diagnosis into recurrence Tako-Tsubo syndrome diagnosis. During hospitalization she presented parossistic sinus tachycardia refractory to beta-blocker and ivabradine combined therapy. Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed and confirmed Tako-Tsubo syndrome, furthermore showed a surrenalic mass. Contrast-enhanced abdomen computed tomography and high levels of metanephrines suggested pheochromocytoma diagnosis. One month later she underwent left surrenectomy surgery. Histological examination confirmed pheochromocytoma. The last echocardiography didn’t show kinesia abnormalities with normal left ventricular function.

Conclusions

Our case illustrates the importance of understanding the correlation between Tako-tsubo syndrome and pheochromocytoma, especially in patients with increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Until recently, according to Tako-Tsubo syndrome Mayo Clinic criteria, our patient wouldn’t had receive a Tako-Tsubo syndrome diagnosis because pheochromocytoma was an exclusion criteria. Since 2018, Inter-TAK criteria replaced Mayo Clinic criteria including Tako-Tsubo syndrome expression of pheochromocytoma. Referring to our annoying title we always have to consider Tako-Tsubo syndrome into MINOCA differential diagnosis.
383 ECG in biopsy-proven and clinically suspected myocarditis: morpho-functional correlates and prognostic implications
Authors: Giordani Andrea Silvio , Panzarella Alex , Candelora Andrea , Marcolongo Davide , Merola Chiara , Tarantini Giuseppe , Basso Cristina , Marra Martina Perazzolo , Marcolongo Renzo , Iliceto Sabino , Baritussio Anna , Caforio Alida Linda Patrizia
Published: December 2021

Aims

A distinction exists between biopsy-proven (BP) and clinically suspected (CS) myocarditis, the latter being an exclusion diagnosis based on clinical and instrumental findings. A clear diagnostic and prognostic role of the ECG in these two groups of patients has not yet been defined.

(i) To describe frequency and characteristics of ECG findings in myocarditis, and to assess any difference between CS and BP myocarditis; (2) to identify morpho-functional correlates between ECG and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR); and (iii) to evaluate the prognostic value of ECG findings.

Methods and results

162 patients were included (median age 36 years, 70% male, median follow-up 32.9 months), 36 with BP and 126 with CS myocarditis. All patients underwent CMR; for ECG-CMR correlates, the ECG nearest in time to CMR was assessed. Surrogate outcome was defined as left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) <50% and/or NYHA class >I during follow-up. In the entire cohort ECG alterations were numerous: T-wave inversion (TWI) (82%), fragmented QRS (34%), low voltages (14%), ST elevation (STE) (13%). Compared to CS myocarditis, BP myocarditis patients showed higher frequency of non-sinus rhythm (17% vs. 2%, P < 0.001), long QT (28% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), lateral TWI (36% vs. 19%, P = 0.031) and bundle branch block (19% vs. 2%, P < 0.001). BP myocarditis patients had worse clinical features at diagnosis: heart failure (64% vs. 6%, P < 0.001), arrhythmic (14% vs. 4%, P = 0.029) and fulminant presentation (14% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), and presented higher LV end-diastolic volume and lower LVEF by echocardiography and CMR (109.5 mL/m2 vs. 85.50 ml/m2, P < 0.001; 31.5% vs. 59%, P < 0.001). A correlation was observed between number of myocardial segments with oedema at CMR and low ECG voltages (P = 0.010) and between late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) mass at CMR and lateral STE (P = 0.004 and P = 0.049, respectively). Several ECG alterations correlated with the surrogate outcome: long QT (P = 0.029), lateral TWI (P = 0.006), left bundle branch block (P < 0.001), ventricular ectopic beats (P = 0.020), and atrial fibrillation (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A significant difference in ECG findings between CS and BP myocarditis has been demonstrated: ECG alterations are more frequent and more severe in BP myocarditis and correlate with prognosis. Moreover, ECG alterations identified patients with pathologic morpho-functional correlates.
73 Prevalence and prognostic significance of ischaemic late gadolinium enhancement pattern in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: De Angelis Giulia , De Luca Antonio , Merlo Marco , Nucifora Gaetano , Rossi Maddalena , Stolfo Davide , De Bellis Annamaria , Barbati Giulia , Santangeli Pasquale , Mase Marco , Pagnan Lorenzo , Muser Daniele , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: December 2021

Aims

Typical late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) patterns in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) include intramyocardial and subepicardial distribution. However, the ischaemic pattern of LGE (subendocardial and transmural) has also been reported in DCM without coronary artery disease (CAD), but its correlates and prognostic significance are still not known. On these bases, this study sought to describe the prevalence and prognostic significance of the ischaemic LGE pattern in DCM.

Methods and results

611 DCM patients with available cardiac magnetic resonance were retrospectively analysed. A composite of all-cause-death, major ventricular arrhythmias (MVAs), heart transplantation (HTx) or ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation was the primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcomes were a composite of sudden cardiac death or MVAs and a composite of death for refractory heart failure, HTx or VAD implantation. Ischaemic LGE was found in 7% of DCM patients without significant CAD or history of myocardial infarction, most commonly inferior/inferolateral/anterolateral. Compared to patients with non-ischaemic LGE, those with ischaemic LGE had higher prevalence of hypertension and atrial fibrillation or flutter. Ischaemic LGE was associated with worse long-term outcomes compared to non-ischaemic LGE (36% vs. 23% risk of primary outcome events at 5 years, respectively, P = 0.006), and remained an independent predictor of primary outcome after adjustment for clinically and statistically significant variables [adjusted hazard ratio 2.059 (1.055–4.015), P = 0.034 with respect to non-ischaemic LGE].

Conclusions

The ischaemic pattern of LGE is not uncommon among DCM patients without CAD and is independently associated with worse long-term outcomes.
413 Challenges in the field of cardiac tumours: the surgical experience of Trieste
Authors: Restivo Luca , De Luca Antonio , Castrichini Matteo , Pierri Alessandro , Rauber Elisabetta , Fabris Enrico , Bussani Rossana , Belgrano Manuel Gianvalerio , Pagnan Lorenzo , Pappalardo Aniello , Mazzaro Enzo , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: December 2021

Aims

Cardiac tumors are rare and heterogeneous entities which still remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The treatment for most cardiac tumors is prompt surgical resection. We sought to provide an overview of surgical results from a series of consecutive patients treated at our tertiary centre during almost a 20-year experience.

Methods and results

In this single centre study, 55 consecutive patients with cardiac tumor underwent surgical treatment from January 2002 to April 2021. Of these, 42% of patients were male and the mean age was 62 ± 12 years. Almost 27% of patients were symptomatic at the time of the diagnosis, mostly for dyspnoea and palpitations. The most frequent benign cardiac tumor was myxoma (58% of cases), occurring mainly in the left atrium (97%). Pleomorphic sarcoma was the most frequent primary malignant cardiac tumour (7.2% of cases), mainly located in the ventricles (25% left ventricle; 50% right ventricle). In all cases of benign tumors surgery was successful with no relapses. In 50% of cases of pleomorphic sarcoma relapses were observed during follow-up. After a median follow-up of 44 months, 15 (27%) patients died. While malignant tumors presented a limited survival, benign tumours showed a very good prognosis.

Conclusions

Cardiac tumours require a multidisciplinary work-up to guarantee a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In our surgical experience, the prognosis of benign tumours was excellent, while malignant tumours had poor outcomes despite radical surgery.
585 Natural history of left ventricular hypertrophy in infants of diabetic mothers
Authors: Monda Emanuele , Verrillo Federica , Lioncino Michele , Altobelli Ippolita , Caiazza Martina , Rubino Marta , Cirillo Annapaola , Fusco Adelaide , Mauriello Alfredo , Amodio Federica , Di Fraia Francesco , Pacileo Roberta , Gragnano Felice , Passariello Annalisa , Pacileo Giuseppe , Calabrò Paolo , Russo Maria Giovanna , Limongelli Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Aims

This study sought to describe the characteristics and the natural course of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in a well-characterized consecutive cohort of infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs).

Methods and results

Sixty consecutive IDMs with LVH have been retrospectively identified and enrolled in the study. All IDMs were evaluated at baseline and every 6 months until LV wall thickness regression, defined as the decrease of wall thickness measurement into the normal reference range for cardiac parameters (z-score > −2 and <2). A comprehensive assessment was performed in those patients with diagnostic markers suggestive of a different cause and/or without significant reduction of the LVH during follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, all IDMs showed a significant reduction of maximal wall thickness MWT [6.00 mm (IQR: 5.00–712) vs. 5.50 mm (IQR: 5.00–6.00), P-value <0.001; MWT-z-score: 4.86 (IQR: 3.93–7.61) vs. 1.72 (IQR: 1.08–2.85), P-value <0.001] compared to baseline, and all patients showed LV wall thickness regression or residual mild or moderate LVH (57%, 28%, and 12%, respectively), except two patients with persistent severe LVH, that after a comprehensive clinical-genetic assessment were diagnosed as Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines. At multivariate analysis, MWT was negatively associated with LV wall thickness regression at 1-year follow-up [MWT-mm: OR: 0.48 (0.29–0.79), P-value = 0.004; MWT-z-score: OR: 0.71 (0.56–0.90), P-value = 0.004].

Conclusions

LVH in IDMs represents a benign condition with complete regression during the first years of life. In those patients without LV wall thickness regression, combined with clinical markers suggesting a specific disease, a complete work-up is required for a definite diagnosis.
436 A peri-myocarditis unmasks an underlying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rubino Francesca , Capocci Sofia , Portolan Leonardo , Gambaro Alessia , Pighi Michele , Ribichini Flavio Luciano
Published: December 2021

Methods and results

A 41-year-old black man complaining of severe oppressive chest pain radiated to the back presented to our accident & emergency department (A&E). His symptoms started few days before his hospital admission. Past medical history was remarkable for arterial hypertension in medical therapy and microdrepanocytosis. In A&E, the patient’s physical examination and vital signs were normal, he was normotensive, apyretic with normal oxygen saturation. The ECG showed ST elevation in anterior and lateral leads. Because of his history of arterial hypertension, and the severe chest pain irradiated to the back, an angio-CT was indicated at first. The CT ruled out acute aortic disease. Excluded the acute aortic disease, the patient underwent an urgent coronary angiography. No coronary stenosis was found. Therefore, the patient was admitted in cardiac intensive care unit. The blood test showed an elevation of high sensitive cardiac troponin T (cTnT peak 3093 ng/L) and inflammatory index (leukocytosis 13.65 109/l and protein C reactive peak 347 mg/L). An in-depth anamnestic collection revealed fever with respiratory symptoms about 2 weeks before. The echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with increased ventricular wall thickness and mild pericardial effusion. No LV outflow tract obstruction was found. A provisional diagnosis of peri-myocarditis was made. During hospitalization, anti-remodelling cardiac therapy was introduced and up titrated. To confirm the provisional diagnosis, a Gadolinium cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) was performed, and it revealed myocardial oedema on basal anterior interventricular septum and multiple areas of late gadolinium enhancement with subepicardial pattern. Moreover, severe LV hypertrophy was confirmed (interventricular septum 19 mm, inferior wall 17 mm). This pattern was consistent to the diagnosis of peri-myocarditis on a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Main infectious causes of peri-myocarditis were investigated, but the results were inconclusive. Unfortunately, genetic test results are still not available. Patient was discharged with recovered LV systolic function and free of symptoms on optimal medical therapy; no ventricular arrhythmias was detected during hospitalization. HCM risk sudden cardiac death (SCD) was lower than 4%.

Conclusions

Peri-myocarditis can mimic symptoms of an acute coronary syndrome. Furthermore, the inflammation of cardiac muscle and the subsequent interstitial oedema may cause an increase in LV wall thickness. In this setting, the diagnosis of an underlying cardiomyopathy is challenging. This interesting and unusual case highlights the relevance of an accurate diagnostic work up to deliver good clinical practice. In particular, Gadolinium CMR is of paramount importance in this setting.
329 Heart failure predictive value of the electric risk score in patients suffering from thalassemia major
Authors: Tomarelli Elisa , Moscucci Federica , Losardo Anna Annunziata , Pugliese Pellegrina , Schina Mauro , Sciomer Susanna
Published: December 2021

Aims

Complications associated with iron accumulation were highly recurrent in thalassemia patients, who underwent frequent blood transfusions, in particular hemosiderotic cardiomyopathy which could lead to heart failure and arrhythmias. Nowadays, the better iron chelation therapy has improved cardiovascular morbidity in these patients; nevertheless, mild impairment should be seek for and eventually treated. The objective of our study was to evaluate the possibility of using early electrocardiographic markers of myocardial damage and predictors of mortality, such as the Electric Risk Score (ERS).

Methods and results

73 patients with thalassemia major were enrolled in this study, which were divided into two groups, with 45 years old as cut off. Anamnestic, clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic data were collected. From ECG, ERS was obtained. over 45 yrs-old group of pts, in addition to a predictable increase in the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and drug intake, an alteration of the QRS-T angle (14[30] vs. −4[28], p value: <0.0001) and an increased prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (2.88 ± 0.86 vs. 2.40 ± 0.57 p value: <0.05) were found. In patients taking drugs with possible interactions with the ventricular repolarization phase, there is a slight increase in the QT interval, left ventricular hypertrophy and a reduction in Tpeak-Tend (Table 1). Electrocardiographic values in groups of patients with different age groups who are taking therapies that can affect QT. The echocardiogram revealed an increase in the end-diastolic diameter of the right ventricle (26 ± 3 vs. 28 ± 3 mm, P-value: 0.05) in the group of patients over the age of 45, a decrease in the acceleration time of the pulmonary systolic flow (138 ± 25 vs. 125 ± 13 ms, P-value: 0.04) and TAPSE (25 ± 3 vs. 22 ± 4 mm, P-value: 0.002).

Conclusions

From the data in our study it emerged that an appropriate iron-chelation therapy is able to effectively counteract the hemosiderotic cardiomyopathy of thalassemic patients so as to detect electro- and echocardiographic anomalies only in patients of more advanced age, a result that we think both the consequence, not so much of iron overload, but of an increase in the prevalence of age- and gender-related cardiovascular risk factors. The initial changes in cardiac electromechanics, which can be assessed with the aforementioned methods, we believe, can become a very early sign of specific myocardial damage. 329 Figure 1Electrical risk score parameters.
592 The growth of telehealth during SARS-CoV-2 time
Authors: Ferraiolo Mario , Di Trocchio Emily , Follero Paola
Published: December 2021

Aims

Improve the management of frail patients, particularly in times of pandemic, through an assistance based on a remote digitalized platform, which allows rapid interventions, able to reduce access to the emergency room, and decreased mortality from cardiovascular causes.

Methods and results

(i) Heart failure management—Enrollment in the digital platform. Use of devices: sphygmomanometer, scale, oximeter, single-track ECG. Daily analysis of the haemodynamic parameters on the platform. Communication by e-mail exchange and tele/videoconsultations, drug management, and therapeutic strategies. Possibility to perform echocardiogram at home. (ii) Remote monitoring management—Enrollment in the digital platform. Supply of transmitters for the management of thresholds, objectives, and alarms. Daily parametric check. (iii) Infarct network management—Integrated operating system for assistance between the in-hospital and out-of-hospital environment, in patients suffering from AMI. Execution, transmission, and reporting of the ecg-graphic trace on equipment provided with a remote transmission system. Allow to reduce the time of diagnosis and treatment. At our centers, over 1000 patients are followed on a digital platform, including those at risk of heart failure and device wearers. In addition, there is an annual trend of over 400 patients who are diagnosed electronically with AMI and relative percutaneous coronary treatment. The use of remote systems has allowed for some patients to early highlight threatening arrhythmias and/or device malfunctions, for others to prematurely intercept symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure. A clear improvement in prognosis and quality of life was therefore observed.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Western countries. Therefore, the close follow-up and identification of haemodynamic and clinical parameters on digitized platforms, allows to: reduce access to the emergency room, guarantee the best therapeutic strategies, improve the quality of life, and decrease the mortality rate. In conclusion, we found a high approval rating as the patient reports feeling better, feeling constantly followed, and a clear improvement in compliance and adherence to the therapy.