bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of macrophage infiltration in patients with st-segment elevation myocardial infarction caused by plaque erosion: an in vivo optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Zhao C , Hu S , Meng W , Wang S , Chen X , Zeng M , He L , Zhao L , Yu H , Ren X , Zhang S , Hou J , Jia H , Yu B
Published: November 2020

Background

Chronic inflammatory infiltration is a common process for atherosclerosis development. However, autopsy studies reveal that incidence rate of inflammatory infiltrates are less abundant in plaque erosion compared with plaque rupture.

Purpose

Studies performed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) have allowed to establish the severity of plaque inflammation by assessing macrophage infiltration (MØI). In this study, we aimed at assessing the impaction of MØI in plaque erosion among patients with STEMI by using OCT.

Methods

A total of 1561 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) who underwent OCT imaging were enrolled in this study. According to the exclusion criteria, 312 patients with STEMI exhibiting plaque erosion were classified as MØI or no MØI.

Results

163 (52.2%) patients had MØI at the site of plaque erosion, whereas 149 (47.8%) patients had no evidence of MØI and patients of MØI group were significantly older (P=0.015). The result of angiography showed the prevalence of multi-vessel disease appeared more frequency (P=0.021) and diameter stenosis% were higher (P=0.031) in MØI group. OCT results showed the minimum fibrous-cap thickness was thinner (P<0.001) and the maximum lipid arc was larger (P=0.005) in MØI group. Some patients underwent imaging follow-up at 1 year. There was no significant difference in the culprit plaque morphology progress among two groups (Figure 1A-1D).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that plaque inflammation can increase culprit lesion severity and plaque vulnerability in patients with STEMI caused by plaque erosion.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
ADP-induced platelet aggregation in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with prasugrel or ticagrelor. Results of the ISAR REACT 5 platelet aggregation substudy
Authors: Bongiovanni D , Mayer K , Schreiner N , Karschin V , Wustrow I , Gosetti R , Schuepke S , Schunkert H , Laugwitz K.L , Kastrati A , Bernlochner I
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The recently published randomized multicenter open label ISAR REACT 5 trial showed that prasugrel was superior to ticagrelor with respect to the composite primary end point of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke at one year after randomization in patients with acute coronary syndrome with planned invasive evaluation. The reasons for this finding are speculative.

Purpose

The aim of this prespecified platelet aggregation substudy was to assess platelet aggregation induced by adenosine-diphosphate (ADP) in patients who received prasugrel or ticagrelor treatment and underwent PCI.

Methods

We assessed all patients who underwent PCI and who had valid ADP-induced platelet aggregation values at hospital admission and at 2–24 hours after administration of prasugrel or ticagrelor loading dose followed by maintenance dose. ADP-induced platelet aggregation values were measured using the Mulitplate Analyzer®. Patients were recruited in the German Heart Center, Munich, Germany or in Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany, Technical University of Munich.

Results

A total of 608 patients were analyzed. Patients in the prasugrel group were slightly but significantly older than patients in the ticagrelor group (66,5 years versus 64,6 years, P=0,048). The remaining baseline characteristics did not significantly differ between the two treatment groups. ADP-induced platelet aggregation (median [IQR]) at baseline did not differ between prasgurel- and ticagrelor treated patients (809 [556; 1057] AU x min versus 797 [534–1095] AU x min. At 2–24 hours after study drug administration ADP-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower in patients who had received prasugrel in comparison to ticagrelor (105 [57–176] AU x min versus 138 [77–207] AU x min (Figure 1).

Conclusion

ADP-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower in patients who received prasugrel in comparison to patients who received ticagrelor, which could have influenced patients' outcome in the ISAR-REACT 5 trial.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Ticagrelor monotherapy vs clopidogrel monotherapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Feng W , Chen P.W , Ho M.Y , Su C.H , Huang S.W , Cheng C.W , Yeh H.I , Chen C.P , Huang W.C , Fang C.C , Lin H.W , Lin S.H , Hsieh I.C , Li Y.H
Published: November 2020

Background

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with either clopidogrel or ticagrelor becomes an alternative antiplatelet strategy in patients (pts) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of clopidogrel vs. ticagrelor monotherapy in pts with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing PCI who cannot tolerate aspirin.

Methods and results

From January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018, a total of 610 ACS pts (mean age 70.4±13.1 years, 72.1% men, 28.5% STEMI) that aspirin was stopped prematurely for various reasons and received either clopidogrel (n=369) or ticagrelor (n=241) monotherapy were included from 8 major hospitals in Taiwan. The duration (median and the 25th and 75th percentile) of aspirin treatment was 9 (1.39–37.00) days in the clopidogrel group and 10 (1.00–55.00) days in the ticagrelor group (p=0.514). Gastrointestinal bleeding (36.9%) was the most common reason to stop aspirin in both groups. The primary endpoint is the composite of all-cause mortality, recurrent ACS or unplanned revascularization, and stroke within 12 months after discharge. The safety endpoint was the major bleeding defined as BARC 3 or 5 bleedings. The covariates were balanced between groups after using inverse probability of treatment weighting. Overall, 84 patients developed events of primary endpoint, with 57 (15.4%) in the clopidogrel group and 27 (11.2%) in the ticagrelor group. After multivariate adjustment in the Cox proportional-hazards models, ticagrelor was associated with a lower risk of primary endpoint compared with clopidogrel (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.93). Among the primary endpoint, ticagrelor significantly reduced the risk of recurrent ACS or unplanned revascularization (aHR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28–0.75). There was no significant difference of all-cause mortality between the 2 groups (aHR 0.92, 95% CI 0.52–1.61). The risk of BARC 3 or 5 bleeding was also similar (aHR 0.71, 95% CI 0.35–1.45).

Conclusions

Among ACS patients undergoing PCI who cannot tolerate aspirin, ticagrelor monotherapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of a composite of cardiovascular events compared to clopidogrel monotherapy. The major bleeding risk was similar between groups.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Differences in revascularization strategy and outcomes in ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction with spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Inohara T , Alfadhel M , Starovoytov A , John Mancini G.B , Saw J
Published: November 2020

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of myocardial infarction (MI) in young to middle-aged women. However, the role of revascularization for SCAD, especially percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), remains controversial.

Purpose

To compare revascularization strategies and outcomes in SCAD patients presenting with ST-elevation MI (STEMI) vs. unstable angina or non-STEMI (UA/NSTEMI).

Methods

We analyzed SCAD patients who presented acutely between June 2014 and June 2018 to 22 centers participating in the Canadian SCAD Cohort Study. We compared treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in SCAD patients with an initial clinical presentation of STEMI vs. UA/NSTEMI. We assessed follow-up major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rate, a composite of all-cause death, MI, and stroke. The impact of revascularization on MACE was also evaluated according to clinical presentations (STEMI vs. UA/NSTEMI).

Results

Among 750 SCAD patients (mean age 51.7±10.5 years; 88.5% were women), 234 (31.2%) presented with STEMI. In the STEMI group, left anterior descending artery was more commonly involved (62.0% vs. 47.5%, p<0.001) and TIMI 0 flow was more frequently observed (24.8% vs. 7.2%, p<0.001). A total of 27.8% of STEMI patients were treated with revascularization (98.5% PCI), whereas only 8.7% of UA/NSTEMI patients were revascularized (93.3% PCI). For STEMI patients, 93.9% were planned procedures, whereas, for UA/NSTEMI patients, 71.1% were planned revascularization. Successful or partially successful PCI was 65.5% for STEMI and 76.9% for UA/NSTEMI (p<0.001). The median follow-up period was 850 (interquartile range: 619–1096) days. MACE rate was not different between STEMI and UA/NSTEMI (UA/NSTEMI as a reference: hazard ratio [HR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–1.68, p=0.72). Regardless of clinical presentations, revascularization was associated with increased risk of MACE (STEMI: HR 2.57, CI 1.25–5.25, p=0.01; UA/NSTEMI: HR 5.41, CI 3.19–9.19, p<0.001). The association of revascularization and increased risk of MACE was more prominent in UA/NSTEMI than in STEMI (Figure), but it did not reach statistical significant (P for interaction = 0.09).

Conclusions

In SCAD patients, long-term clinical outcome was not different between STEMI and UA/NSTEMI presentations. Revascularization was more frequently performed with STEMI; however, regardless of clinical presentations, revascularization was associated with worse clinical outcomes. Careful patient selection for revascularization is key for SCAD patients and further studies are needed to clarify selection criteria.

Revasc and MACE by presentation

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Clinical implications of the morphological features of left ventricular intracavitary thrombi after anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Vilardell P , Moral S , Albert X , Bosch D , Morales M , Frigola J.M , Robles R , Pla R , Ramos R , Aboal J , Brugada R
Published: November 2020

Background

Left ventricular thrombi (LVT) after an anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are usually classified as protruding or laminar according to their morphological characteristics. However, it is unknown whether this morphology has any clinical implication.

Purpose

Determine prognostic between laminar or protruding LVT in the community of anterior STEMI.

Methods

An observational cohort study on patients with LVT after anterior STEMI detected by echocardiography between 2008 and 2019 was conducted. Laminar LVT was defined as those protruding <5mm inside the cavity.

Results

Of 1.215 anterior STEMI patients, 121 (10%) cases presented a LVT: 86 (71%) were protruding and 35 (29%) laminar. Mean follow-up was 323±116 days. No differences in baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were detected between laminar or protruding LVT groups. However, protruding LVT patients were more frequently treated with triple therapy (71% vs 40%; p<0.001). Laminar LVT patients presented a lower stroke rate (3% vs 16%; P=0.042) and embolism-related rate (3% vs 19%; p=0.024) than protruding LVT cases. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significant differences in embolism-related event rate between the 2 groups (p=0.003) during the follow-up period. Laminar LVT was associated with lower embolism-related events during follow-up independently than left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and age (HR=0.17; 95% CI,0.10–0.29; p<0.001). No differences were observed in laminar LVT patients in embolism-related events during follow-up between those treated with or without triple therapy (7% vs 0%; p=0.400).

Conclusions

Laminar LVT after anterior STEMI presented a lower rate of embolism-related complications during follow-up compared with protruding LVT regardless of LVEF, age and even with a lower rate of triple therapy.

Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier curve showing cumulative probability of embolism-related event rate after anterior STEMI according to LVT morphology at 1 year.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Relation of contrast volume to new onset atrial fibrillation in acute coronary syndrome underwent percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Cespon Fernandez M , Abu-Assi E , Parada Barcia J.A , Lizancos Castro A , Caneiro Queija B , Torres J , Dominguez R , Galan A , Iniguez Romo A , Raposeiras Roubin S
Published: November 2020

Introduction

There is an important relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) and contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). Several hypotheses were suggested to explain this unidirectional association between CIN and AF, like influence on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the inflammatory pathway, as well as the use of iodinated contrasts -due to its possible interaction at the thyroid hormone regulation-.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the relation between contrast volume and the subsequent development of AF in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)

Methods

A total of 6,133 ACS patients underwent PCI between 2010 and 2016 were analyzed. We have excluded 1,896 patients with prior history of AF, without data about contrast volume or with missing data about follow-up. The impact of contrast volume in the development of AF was assessed by Cox regression analysis. Hazard Ratios (HR) with 95% of confidence interval (CI) were reported. Maximum allowable contrast dose (MACD) was defined as 5*body weight/serum creatinine.

Results

From the total study population (4,237 patients, 64.3±12.8 years, 24.2% women), 399 (9.4%) developed AF during a mean follow-up of 3.5±2.4 years. Mean contrast volume used was 199.9±90.3 ml. Contrast volume was not associated with follow-up de novo AF (HR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.99–1.00; p=0.834). However, the ratio between contrast volume used and the maximum allowable contrast dose (CV/MACD) resulted a predictor of follow-up AF (HR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02–1.37, p=0.027). The cumulative incidence of AF was 2.7 per 100 patients/year in patients with CV/MACD ≤1 and 4.8 per 100 patients/year in patients with CV/MACD >1. After adjusting for those variables associated with follow-up AF in the univariate analysis, the use of a contrast volume higher than MACD resulted an independent predictor of AF (HR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.03–1.89; p=0.032).

Conclusion

Doses of contrast volume higher than the maximum allowable contrast dose were independently associated with higher rates of AF during the follow-up.

Cumulative incidence of AF by groups

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Hyperthyroidism in Takotsubo syndrome: prevalence, clinical features and long-term outcomes
Authors: Scudiero F , Arcari L , Silverio A , Citro R , Bossone E , Autore C , Muraca I , Chinati P , Sanna G , Piti A , Parodi G
Published: November 2020

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an increasingly recognized form of transient left ventricular dysfunction, often completely reversible. The exact pathogenesis is not fully understood, but central role of adrenergic dysfunction has been widely accepted. A possible link between hyperthyroidism and TTS has been hypothesized, since thyroid and adrenergic systems are in closely connection. Nevertheless, clinical study to define the association between hyperthyroidism and TTS is still lacking.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess prevalence, clinical features and long-term outcomes of hyperthyroidism at presentation in TTS patients.

Methods

Overall, 590 TTS patients from 23 centers were included in this prospective registry. Thyroid profile was available for 314 patients at time of TTS admission. Patients in hypothyroid state (n=32) according to TSH value were excluded. The remaining 282 patients were divided in normal thyroid state and hyperthyroid state according to TSH value, respectively 240 (85%) and 42 (15%) patients.

Results

The median age was 73±10 and the female rate was 93%. TTS related to physical trigger was mostly detected in hyperthyroidism patients (52% vs 30%, respectively in hyperthyroid state and normal thyroid state; p=0.005); while, TTS related to emotional trigger was less common (19%, vs 38%, respectively in hyperthyroid state and normal thyroid state; p=0.016). In TTS unprovoked by a stress factor, there was no statistical difference in thyroid state (29% vs 31%, respectively in hyperthyroid state and normal thyroid state; p=0.690). Follow-up rate was 95% and follow-up length was 41±36 months. At long-term follow-up, mortality rate was 39% and 20% in hyperthyroidism and normal thyroid state, respectively (p=0.008; Figure 1) and adverse event rates (the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction and stroke) were 39% and 24% in hyperthyroid state and normal thyroid state, respectively (p=0.034). At multivariable analysis, hyperthyroidism resulted as a strong predictor of mortality (OR 3.82, 95% CI: 1.71–8.50; p=0.001) and of adverse event rates (OR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.19–3.98; p=0.011).

Conclusion

Hyperthyroidism at presentation is relatively common in TTS patients and associated with physical triggers and unfavorable long-term prognosis.

Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier curves

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Delayed hyperenhancement obtained by non-contrast computed tomography following coronary angiography in patients of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Watanabe T , Akasaka T , Sasaki N , Yamamoto K
Published: November 2020

Background/Introduction

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has been reported to improve survival and neurologic outcome as compared to conventional CPR in refractory cardiac arrest. Although prognostic factors of these patients have been reported, predicting of outcome is difficult in real world. Recently, early evaluation of myocardial viability in acute myocardial infarction by non-contrast computed tomography (CT) post coronary angiography (CAG) has been reported. And myocardial contrast delayed enhancement obtained by this method related to higher risk of cardiac events. However, few studies have reported delayed enhancement on left ventricular wall findings in non-contrast CT after CAG in terms of patients performed ECPR.

Purpose

To investigate the impact of delayed hyperenhancement obtained by non-contrast CT following CAG in patients performed ECPR.

Methods

We investigated 79 patients treated by ECPR for refractory cardiac arrest regardless of whether in-hospital or out-hospital in our institute from Apr 2009 to Feb 2018. Thirty-two in these patients received non-contrast CT following CAG with ECPR were enrolled. All ECPR cases underwent VA-ECMO in the catheter laboratory using percutaneous procedure while maintaining conventional CPR. Non-ECG-gated and non-contrast CT was performed using a 64-row multidetector CT scanner.

Results

Survival rate was 18.8% in this cohort. There was no significant difference between survive and in-hospital death group in terms of patient characteristics, clinical time courses, initial blood samples and procedure characteristics. Only delayed hyperenhancement showed significant difference between 2 groups (p=0.04). All delayed hyperenhancements were detected in only in-hospital death group. Delayed hyperenhancement was detected in 12 cases (37.5%). Initial shockable rhythm was less common in cases with delayed hyperenhancement. Cardiac death tended to be more frequent in patients with delayed hyperenhancement. The major causes of death were bleeding (41.7%) and heart failure (33%).

Conclusion(s)

Delayed hyperenhancement in patients treated ECPR was strong predictor of in-hospital death.

Image of delayed hyperenhancement

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Mechanical ventilation in cardiac arrest: association between hyperoxia, hypercarbia and positive end-expiratory pressure with mortality
Authors: Alviar Restrepo C , Lui A.Y , Jaramillo-Restrepo V , Celi L , Rico Mesa J.S , Quien M , Vargas A , Aiad N , Alabdallah K , Li B , Major V , Maselli D.J
Published: November 2020

Background

Optimization of mechanical ventilation (MV) in patients with cardiac arrest (CA) may help improve outcomes in these patients. We sought to investigate the association between hyperoxia, PCO2, and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) with mortality in patients with CA.

Methods

Patients admitted to our medical center CICU from 2001 through 2012 (MIMIC-III database) who received MV with available information on MV parameters and had arterial blood gases sampling were included. Hyperoxia was defined as time-weighted mean of PaO2 >120 mmHg and non-hyperoxia as PaO2 ≤120 mmHg, while Hypercarbia was defined as PCO2 >35 mmHg during CICU admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between hyperoxia and in-hospital mortality adjusted for age, female sex, Oxford Acute Severity of Illness Score, creatinine, lactate, pH, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, PCO2, PEEP, and time spent on PEEP.

Results

Among 136 patients, PaO2 = 139±55 mmHg, PCO2 = 39±10 mmHg, and PEEP = 6.4±2.2cmH2O. Unadjusted mortality was higher in the hyperoxic group (51.4%) compared to the non-hyperoxic group (29.0%) (long rank test p=0.0034, figure). In multivariable analysis, hyperoxia was independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality (OR 4.046, 95% CI: 1.501–10.907, p=0.0057). Additionally, there was no association between the presence of hypercarbia and in-hospital mortality (OR 0.896, 95% CI: 0.319 to 2.521, p=0.836) nor when PCO2 was analyzed as a continuous variable (OR 1.063 per 1 mmHg increase in CO2, 95% CI: 0.111–10.145, p=0.957). Similarly, there was no assocation between PEEP and in-hospital mortality (OR 1.012 per 1cmH2O increase, 95% CI: 0.807 to 1.270, p=0.917). Post-hoc analysis with PaO2 as a continuous variable was consistent with the primary analysis (OR 1.214 per 10 mmHg increase in PaO2, 95% CI: 1.059–1.391, p=0.005).

Conclusions

In patients with CA, hyperoxia was associated with increased mortality, while PCO2 and PEEP levels were not. Optimal MV parameters are important in the management of patients with CA. Further research is warranted to confirm this association and explore the mechanisms behind these observations. These studies can help establish the best MV strategies for patients with CA.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Impact of resuscitation guidelines updates on global outcomes after cardiac arrest
Authors: Marco Clement I , Rosillo Rodriguez S.O , Merino Argos C , Martin-Polo L , Martinez-Marin L.A , Rodriguez-Sotelo L , Arbas Redondo E , Poveda Pinedo D.I , Tebar Marquez D , Armada Romero E , Garcia-Arribas D , Gonzalez Fernandez O , Caro Codon J , Lopez-Sendon J.L , Lopez-De-Sa E
Published: November 2020

Background

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Guidelines are updated every five years in the light of new evidence. Recent major changes emphasized the importance of quality chest compressions during CPR and simplified recommendations for lay providers, but it is unknown whether these changes improved neurological outcomes.

Purpose

To analyse whether changes in CPR guidelines had an impact on the prognosis of comatose survivors after cardiac arrest (CA).

Methods

Prospective database of consecutive patients (pts) admitted to the acute cardiac care unit of a tertiary hospital after in-hospital and out-of-hospital CA (IHCA and OHCA) treated with targeted temperature management (32–34°) from August 2006 to January 2020. Patients were divided into three groups, each one representing the 5-year time frame of publication/implementation of CPR Guidelines: G1 (2006–2010); G2 (2011–2015); G3 (2016–2020).

Results

A total of 510 pts were included: G1 94 (18.4%), G2 243 (47.6%), G3 173 (33.9%). Mean age was 62.6±14.5 and 413 (81.0%) were men. Demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors did not differ significantly among groups. Changes in CA features among the three analysed periods are shown in Table 1. On regards of prehospital care, CPR provided by lay bystanders (G1 51.6%; G2 63.3%, G3 69.8%) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED) (G1 11.0%; G2 14.9%; G3 18.9%) progressively increased (p=0.01 and p=0.04, respectively) (Figure 1, A and B). After 2010, there was a higher proportion of CPR-related injuries: G1 12.7%, G2 23.5%, G3 22.7% (p=0.02). Global survival at discharge was 51.6% (263/510). Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) of 1–2 within a 3-month follow-up period significantly increased over time when comparing G1, G2, G3 groups (p=0.04) (Figure 1, D). Among all pts, those with CPR related injuries had a higher proportion of CPC 1–2 (71/109, 65.1% vs 168/389, 43.2%, p<0.01).

Conclusions

We found a progressive increase of lay bystander CPR and use of AED over the three time periods. Moreover, a higher proportion of CPR-related injuries was observed after publication of 2010 CPR Guidelines which recommended greater depth and higher rate of chest compressions. Survival and neurological outcomes improved significantly over time.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Combined use of VA-ECMO and IMPELLA (ECPELLA) as a possible strategy to improve outcomes in patients who underwent E-CPR
Authors: Unoki T , Tamura Y , Nakayama T , Kametani M , Minami Y , Konami Y , Suzuyama H , Inoue M , Yuhu T , Kodama K , Yamamuro M , Taguchi E , Sawamura T , Nakao K , Sakamoto T
Published: November 2020

Background

Extracorporeal Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (E-CPR) is an effective tool for patients with refractory cardiac arrest (CA). Since VA-ECMO provides strong afterload, IABP is often used to increase left ventricular load. Recently, in Japan, the effectiveness of VA-ECMO in combination with IMPELLA, a forward flow mechanical circulatory support device (ECPELLA) is gaining attention.

Purpose

We investigated usefulness of ECPELLA in patients with refractory CA.

Method

We reviewed 133 patients that had E-CPR from January 2012 through January 2020 {mean age: 67±15 years, male 65%, Out of hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) 35%, Acute coronary Syndrome (ACS) 54%}. We divided these patients into ECMO with IMPELLA (ECPELLA group), ECMO with IABP (IABP group) and ECMO alone (ECMO alone group). The primary endpoint is 30-day survival and good neurological prognosis defined as CPC (cerebral performance categories) 1 or 2.

Result

During the study period, of the 133 patients, there were 20 in the ECPELLA group, 78 in the IABP group, 35 in the ECMO alone group. There were no significant differences in age in all three groups. There were more males, shockable rhythm, OHCA and ACS in the ECPELLA and IABP groups compared to the ECMO alone group. But there was no significant difference between the ECPELLA and IABP groups. Compared with other groups, ECPELLA had the shortest time from cardiac arrest to ECMO placement. Regarding endpoints, the rate of 30-day survival and favorable neurological prognosis were higher in the ECPELLA group, followed by the IABP group and then the ECMO alone group. (ECPELLA: 55% vs. IABP: 23% vs. ECMO alone: 9%; P=0.0009, ECPELLA: 35% vs. IABP: 13% vs. ECMO alone: 9%; P=0.04) Next, Kaplan Meier analysis was performed to analyze 30-day all-cause mortality. The ECPELLA group had a significantly higher survival rate (P=0.01 by log-rank test). Multivariate cox proportional hazard analysis including the age, OHCA, shockable rhythm, ACS, Collapse-to-ECMO under 60 min revealed that the age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.28 (10 years increase), 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.53, P=0.004) and Collapse-to-ECMO under 60 min (HR, 0.37, 95% CI, 0.21–0.68, P=0.001) or ECPELLA (HR, 0.46, 95% CI, 0.20–0.694, P=0.03) were significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusion

ECPELLA used with E-CPR is an effective tool to improve mortality and neurologic status.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Effects of patient characteristics and comorbidities on temporal trends of low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis phenotypes
Authors: Sen J , Manning T , Innes-Jones K , Neil C , Marwick T.H
Published: November 2020

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common primary heart valve disease in the elderly. Low-flow, low-gradient (LFLG) AS is an increasingly important phenotype.

Purpose

To evaluate the temporal changes in incidence of severe AS phenotypes: paradoxical LFLG, classical LFLG and non-LFLG and explore risk factors that contribute to temporal trends.

Methods

We analyzed 25,507 consecutive transthoracic echocardiograms over 6½ years between 2013 and 2019 divided into deciles. LFLG-AS was defined as mean transvalvular pressure gradient <40 mmHg and stroke volume index (SVi) <35 mL/m2, aortic valve area (AVA) <1 cm2 or indexed AVA <0.6 cm2/m2, with either normal (paradoxical LFLG) or decreased (<40%; classical LFLG) left ventricular ejection fraction. Trends and associations with patients characteristics and comorbidities were assessed over time in deciles.

Results

Of 891 cases that fulfilled severe AS criteria, there were 536 cases of LFLG-AS (85 classical and 451 paradoxical LFLG-AS). There was a statistically significant increase in incidence of paradoxical LFLG-AS between each time interval (p<0.0001), while significant reduction in incidence of non-LFLG-AS (p=0.009) that was not seen with classical LFLG-AS (p=0.7) (Figure). More comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of relevant parameters over time assisted with identification of LFLG-AS cases. Intrinsic patient factors such as age and E/e' contributed towards the increasing trend of paradoxical LFLG-AS. There was a rising population aged over 70 years (p=0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, sex, E/e', obesity, atrial fibrillation and heart rate were potential risk factors responsible for temporal trend towards rising paradoxical LFLG-AS incidence. There was also a gradual increase in number of patients with low transvalvular flow rate (<200mL/s) over time (p=0.04).

Conclusion

The incidence of paradoxical LFLG-AS is rising in a hospital echocardiogram service. The parallel increase in LV filling pressure and age in AS patients suggests the increment in LFLG-AS is related to changes to the LV myocardium.

Subtypes of aortic stenosis over time

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Survival of patients with moderate aortic stenosis: propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Itelman E , Vatury O , Ben-Zekry S , Kuperstein R , Fefer P , Barbash I , Klempfner R , Segev A , Feinberg M , Guetta V , Maor E
Published: November 2020

Introduction and purpose

Data on the survival of patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) is conflicting. The purpose of the current analysis was to assess survival of moderate AS patients.

Methods

SHARE is an historical retrospective cohort of all cardiovascular patients evaluated in an Israeli tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2019. The current analysis included all patients who underwent echocardiographic evaluation. Aortic stenosis severity was extracted for all patients from the echocardiographic reports. All-cause mortality and was available for all patients. Subjects with severe AS or aortic valve replacement were excluded from the analysis.

Results

Cohort included 97,561 subjects of whom 42,187 (43.2%) were outpatients. Final cohort included 93,889 patients with a mean age of 66±17 (58% men). There were 2,949 (3%) with moderate AS. During a median follow up of 52 [IQR 22–89] months 17,173 (18%) patients died. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated worse cumulative probability of death of 51%±2% vs. 20%±0% at 5 years for patients with moderate AS vs. mild or no AS, respectively (p Log rank <0.001). Sub-analysis of 32,745 patients for whom clinical laboratory and medication data was available yielded consistent results in a comprehensive multivariate model such that patients with moderate AS (N=1,381) were 26% more likely to die (95% CI: 1.17–1.37, p<0.0001). Finally, a propensity score matching of patients with moderate AS and controls with no or mild AS (N=1,381) successfully demonstrated that patients with moderate AS were 40% more likely to die during follow up (95% CI 1.25–1.57, p<0.001; FIGURE). Four-years mortality rates were 2 fold higher for patients with moderate AS compared with controls (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.6–2.4, p<0.001). Interaction analysis demonstrated that the association of moderate AS with survival was not dependent on left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusion

Moderate AS is associated with worse survival. Our findings underscore the importance of careful clinical observation as well as the need for further studies.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Mitraclip for high risk patients with barlow mitral valve disease
Authors: Gavazzoni M , Taramasso M , Voci D , Pozzoli A , Miura M , Tagliari A.P , Zuber M , Maisano F
Published: November 2020

Background

No data have been published to now about the outcomes of MitraClip in inoperable patients with Barlow's Mitral Valve Disease. Despite the technical advantages of the new generation of MitraClips, the length and the thickness of the mitral leaflets and presence of flails with complete eversion and pseudo-cleft are challenging MitraClip procedure.

Purpose

To analyse the results of MitraClip in inoperable patients with Barlow's disease of Mitral valve.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the cases of MR in Barlow's disease treated with MitraClip in our institution from 2012 to 2018. The case were included in the analysis in presence of the following characteristics: bileaflet billowing or prolapse [or both], excessive leaflet tissue, and annular dilatation with or without calcification.

Results

We included in this analysis 59 patients (mean age 78±8 years, STS mortality score 4±2.9%). Echo data at baseline showed normal left ventricle ejection fraction and diastolic volume and increased left atrial volume index. Half of the included patients had a chordal rupture (n=27, 47%) and in 14 patients (23%) calcification of annulus and/or leaflet was diagnosed. The mean procedural time was 92±41min with a technical success (M-VARC) of 100% and more than 80% of patients requiring more than 1 clip. At 30 days follow-up the device success and the procedural success were respectively 59% and 56%. The mean diastolic mitral valve gradient was 3.1±1.5mmHg. At 30 days follow-up, 91% of the patients were NYHA class II stable patients; no death and no hospitalization occurred. During a median follow-up time of 412 days (IQR: 209–992 days) death for any cause occurred in 23% of the patients (n=14) and 16% of the patients (n=10) died because of a cardiovascular cause; 10 patients were re-hospitalized for heart failure and 5% of the patients (n=3) underwent an open-heart surgery at follow-up time. At univariate cox regression analysis the 1-Y composite end-point (death for any cause, HF re-hospitalization, MV surgery) was predicted by LV dimensions and 30 days procedural success.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of outcomes of Barlow's disease treated with MitraClip. Despite a high incidence of MR recurrence, we observed a good clinical response in term of NYHA class and mortality rate. Left ventricle size and 30-day procedural success predict outcomes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Clinical outcomes from antihypertensive therapies in moderate or severe aortic stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sen J , Chung E , Neil C , Marwick T
Published: November 2020

Background

Hypertension can negatively affect prognosis in moderate or severe aortic stenosis (AS), but antihypertensive therapy (AHT) is often avoided due to possible deleterious effects such as reduced coronary perfusion, left ventricular dysfunction and haemodynamic compromise.

Purpose

We systematically assessed and compared clinical outcomes in adults with moderate or severe AS treated with and without AHT.

Methods

Two independent reviewers performed screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessments from a systematic search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and grey literature without language restrictions up to September 9, 2019. Conflicts were resolved by the third reviewer. Outcomes of interest included mortality, left ventricular (LV) mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and LV ejection fraction. Meta-analysis with pooled effect sizes using random-effects model, were estimated in R.

Results

Of 3,024 citations, 30 studies (26,224 patients) were included in the qualitative synthesis and 23 studies in meta-analysis. AHT was associated with favourable clinical outcomes and was well tolerated. AHT was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (Risk Ratio (RR)=0.69, 95% CI: 0.53–0.90, p=0.01, Figure). The effect size appears to differ with type of aortic valve replacement (AVR). AHT was associated with lower risk of acute kidney injury post-transcatheter AVR (RR=0.13, 95% CI:0.05–0.35, p=0.007). Favourable outcomes such as improved haemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters were demonstrated in some studies, but when pooled in meta-analysis, the differences did not reach statistical significance. However, heterogeneity was significant across studies.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate that AHT is safe and has a clinical benefit in patients with advanced stages of AS with significant improvement in survival or reduction in mortality without haemodynamic compromise. Further studies are required to determine the best AHT for patients with moderate or severe AS.

Forest plot of AHT effect on mortality.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
A novel quantitative grading system to further characterize the prognosis of patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Fortuni F , Dietz M.F , Prihadi E.A , De Ferrari G.M , Bax J.J , Delgado V , Ajmone Marsan N
Published: November 2020

Background

Recent studies have suggested that current grading of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has significant limitations and specifically cannot identify the various grades of severe TR (such as torrential). New cut-off values for the recommended measures of vena contracta (VC) width and effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) have been proposed but not yet validated.

Purpose

To test the prognostic utility of new cut-offs for VC width and EROA in a large registry of patients with functional TR (FTR) and to integrate them into a novel comprehensive grading system.

Methods

FTR severity was evaluated in 1148 patients (mean age: 69±13 years, 50% male) with significant FTR (≥ moderate). Patients with congenital heart disease or who underwent tricuspid valve repair during follow-up were excluded. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Based on Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, VC width significantly differentiated the prognosis of patients with moderate FTR vs severe FTR (with a cut-off value of 7 mm), whereas EROA was able to further stratify patients with more than severe (torrential) FTR. Therefore these two parameters were combined into a novel grading system (Figure: Upper Panel) to define: moderate FTR (VC <7 mm), severe FTR (VC ≥7 mm, EROA <80 mm2) and torrential FTR (VC ≥7 mm, EROA ≥80 mm2).

Results

According to our novel grading system a total of 146 patients (13%) showed moderate FTR, 547 patients (48%) had severe FTR and 454 patients (39%) presented with torrential FTR. Patients with torrential FTR had greater right ventricular (RV) dimensions, lower RV systolic function and were more likely to receive diuretics. The cumulative 10-year survival rates were significantly different among the groups: 54% for moderate FTR, 43% for severe FTR and 32% for torrential FTR (P=0.004 Figure – Lower Panel). After adjusting for potential confounders, torrential FTR retained its association with worse prognosis compared with other FTR grades (HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.07–1.54; P=0.007) together with age, coronary artery disease, diabetes, severe renal impairment, lower RV or left ventricular systolic function, higher pulmonary artery pressures, and dilated tricuspid annulus. Differently, severe FTR graded according to current guidelines did not show any association with the primary outcome (HR for severe FTR vs moderate FTR 1.17; 95% CI 0.96–1.42; P=0.128).

Conclusion

The proposed novel grading system combining measures of VC width and EROA is able to further risk stratify patients with FTR and specifically to identify patients with torrential FTR, a new clinical condition associated with even worse mortality than severe FTR.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Prognostic impact and post-procedural development of severe tricuspid regurgitation in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair
Authors: Kavsur R , Iliadis C , Metze C , Spieker M , Tiyerili V , Horn P , Baldus S , Kelm M , Nickenig G , Pfister R , Westenfeld R , Becher M.U
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical impact and post-procedural development of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients undergoing the MitraClip procedure for severe mitral regurgitation.

Methods

In this present multicentre study, we included 940 patients undergoing MitraClip implantation for symptomatic mitral regurgitation from August 2010 to September 2018. Patients were categorized according to concomitant TR (none or mild vs moderate vs severe) and the prognostic impact of TR on 1-year mortality was evaluated. Moreover, in 377 patients, we assessed 3-months echocardiographic controls to further analyse the post-procedural development of TR.

Results

At baseline, concomitant TR was graded none/mild in 393 (42%), moderate in 316 (34%), and severe in 231 (25%) patients. During 1-year follow-up, 141 of 940 (15%) patients died. According to mild/none, moderate and severe TR, mortality rates were 13%, 12%, and 23%, respectively, revealing a higher prevalence of death in patients with severe TR (p=0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test confirmed inferior survival rates for patients with severe TR (p=0.001), while there were no significant difference in survival rates between patients with none/mild vs moderate TR (p=0.561). Regarding 1-year mortality, multivariate cox regression analysis, revealed an odds ratio of 1.739 (1.024–2.953; p=0.041), associated with severe TR. After 3-months follow-up, echocardiography in 377 patients showed following TR grade distributions: 44% none/mild, 37% moderate and 19% severe TR. In 100 patients (27%), TR improved by one or more grades, while 64 patients (17%) showed a TR worsening. In patients with severe TR at baseline, 42 of 91 (46%) patients showed a reduction in TR of one or more grades. Patients with severe TR at baseline, who showed a TR improvement during 3-months follow-up, had lower rates of 1-year mortality (p=0.025). For these patients, in regression analysis, right atrial area was revealed as only predictor of TR improvement after MitraClip procedure [odds ratio 0.958 (0.918–0.999); p=0.046].

Conclusion

One-fourth of patients undergoing MitraClip procedure for mitral regurgitation had concomitant severe tricuspid regurgitation which was predictive for worse prognosis. Post-procedural TR improvement of one or more grades was frequent in these patients and was associated with higher survival-rates.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for bicuspid aortic valve stenosis with first- and new-generation bioprostheses: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ueshima D , Nai Fovino L.N.F , Brener S.J.B , Pavei A.P , Fraccaro C.F , Napodano M.N , Tarantini G.T
Published: November 2020

Background

Subjects with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) have been excluded from transcatheter aortic valve re- placement (TAVR) randomized trials.

Methods

With this meta-analysis of observational studies we first compared TAVR outcomes of BAV vs. tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients, stratifying the results by device generation. Then, we looked for differences between balloon-expandable (BE) and self-expandable (SE) bioprostheses in BAV patients. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30-day stroke, moderate-severe paravalvular leakage, new pacemaker im- plantation, vascular complications and 1-year mortality.

Results

Thirteen studies (11,032 patients, 7291 TAV and 3741 BAV) and seven studies (706 patients, 367 treated with BE, 339 with SE valve) met inclusion criteria. Thirty-day (OR=1.13; 95% CI: 0.88–1.46, p=0.33) and 1-year mortality (OR=1.02; 95% CI: 0.77–1.37, p=0.87) were similar between patients receiving TAVR for BAV or TAV. Subjects treated for BAV were at higher risk of conversion to conventional surgery (OR=2.35; 95% CI: 1.30–4.23, p=0.005), implantation of a second valve (OR=2.06; 95% CI: 1.31–3.25; p=0.002), moderate/severe paravalvular leakage (PVL) (OR=1.67; 95% CI: 1.29–2.17; p=0.0001) and device failure (OR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.02–1.56; p=0.04). Rates of adverse events decreased significantly with the use of new-generation devices, but outcome differences remained consistent. BAV patients treated with BE vs. SE valves had similar 30-day and 1-year mortality, stroke and moderate-severe PVL. Balloon-expandable valves were associated with lower rates of a second valve and new pacemaker implantation but carried higher risk of annular rupture.

Conclusions

BAV patients treated with TAVR had similar 30-day and 1-year mortality as well as stroke and new pacemaker implantation rates compared to TAV subjects, but carried higher risk of moderate/severe PVL, conver- sion to surgery and device failure. Event rates significantly decreased with the use of new-generation devices, but TAVR still showed better procedural results in TAV compared to BAV.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Hemodynamics during transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis measured by invasive pressure volume loop analysis
Authors: Seppelt P.C , De Rosa R , Mas-Peiro S , Murray I , Zeiher A.M , Fichtlscherer S , Vasa-Nicotera M
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for a stenotic aortic valve reduces the ventricular to aortic gradient and is expected to improve diastolic and systolic left ventricular function over the long-term. However, information about the early hemodynamic changes are lacking. To address this open question, we performed invasive pressure volume loop analysis prior and immediately after TAVI.

Methods

Invasive left ventricular pressure volume loop analysis was performed in 8 patients with aortic stenosis (mean 81.3 years) prior and immediately after transfemoral TAVI (conductance catheter). Parameters for global hemodynamics, afterload, contractility and the interaction of the cardiovascular system were analyzed.

Results

After TAVI, left ventricular ejection fraction (53.9% vs. 44.8%, p=0.018) as well as parameters for myocardial contractility such as preload recruitable stroke work (68.5 vs. 44.8mmHg, p=0.012) and endsystolic elastance (3.55 vs. 2.17, p=0.036) declined significantly compared to baseline. As sign of impaired diastolic function, TAU, a preload-independent measure of isovolumic relaxation (37.3 vs. 41.8ms, p=0.018) and enddiastolic pressure (13.1 vs. 16.4mmHg, p=0.015) increased after valve implantation. Contrarily, decreased ventricular-arterial coupling indicated early improvements in global cardiovascular energy efficiency (1.40 vs. 0.97 p=0.036). Arterial elastance had a strong correlation with the number of conducted rapid ventricular pacings (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.772, p=0.025).

Conclusion

Invasive left ventricular pressure volume loop analysis revealed impaired systolic and diastolic function in the early phase after TAVI in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Contrarily, decreased ventricular-arterial indicated early improvement of global cardiovascular energy efficiency.

PV Loop pre and post TAVI

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None