bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P1009Procedural success and long-term outcome of CTI ablation targeted with maximum voltage-guided approach: preliminary results from an Italian multicenter registry
Authors: Maglia G , Calo' L , Pentimalli F , Solimene F , Infusino T , Perego G B , Stabile G , Rago A , Tomasi C , Zingarini G , Devecchi C , La Greca C , Scaglione M , Malacrida M , Verlato R 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Ablation technique targeting high-amplitude signals (maximum voltage guided - MVG -) on the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) has emerged as viable alternative option compared to standard anatomical approach (ST) for the creation of bidirectional conduction block (BDB) across the isthmus but limited data are available to date.

Purpose
To evaluate the effectiveness of acute and long-term outcome of CTI ablation through MVG technique for AFL compared to standard linear (SL) lesion ablation.

Methods
Atrial Flutter Ablation in a Real World Population (LEONARDO) is a prospective, multicenter cohort study aimed at providing an estimate of acute to long-term outcome in a large population of patients (pts) indicated for AFL ablation. Recurrence of AFL were retrieved at 12-month follow-up. Complete BDB was defined by agreement with the presence of widely split double potentials (DP) along the ablation line and assessment of the atrial activation sequence (AAS). For MVG technique the ablation catheter was positioned at the site of maximum local electrogram voltage.

Results
Two-hundred fifteen consecutive pts were included (mean age 68 years, 73% male). A median of 4 [2–6] ablation lesions were required. Median follow up was 359 [192–443] days. Complete BDB was achieved in 175 (81.4%) pts (9 pts had DP only criterion, 30 pts had AAS only criterion whereas in 1 pt we failed to reach a BDB). In the 106 pts with complete data at 1-year follow-up, 10 (9.4%) had a recurrence of AFL. 171 pts (79%) underwent a SL ablation whereas 44 pts (21%) were treated by MVG approach. The median number of lesions/pt was significantly lower in the group of pts targeted with MVG compared to the SL approach (3 [2–4] vs 4 [2–8], p<0.01), whereas no differences were found in terms of fluoroscopy time (16 [12–18] min vs 12 [7–22] min, p=NS) or proportion of pts with BDB achievement (86.4% of the cases for MVG vs 80.1% of the cases for ST, p=NS). No complications were reported. AFL recurrence was comparable during follow-up between groups (8.3% for MVG vs 9.8% for SL ablation; p=NS).

Conclusion
Ablation of a targeted site through MGV approach seems to be safe and effective as standard anatomical ablation technique. This strategy may avoid unnecessary ablation of the entire anatomic isthmus.

Acknowledgement/Funding
None
P1017Thoracoscopic AF ablation is a successful treatment for patients with a giant left atrium
Authors: Neefs J , Wesselink R , Terpstra M M , Van Den Berg N W E , Berger W R , Meulendijks E R , Krul S P J , Piersma F R , De Jong J S S G , Van Boven W J P , Driessen A H G , De Groot J R 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Severely enlarged left atrial (LA) volume is associated with a considerable ineffective outcome of ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, in patients with AF and a giant atrial volume catheter ablation is not recommended. However, thoracoscopic AF ablation is being performed in patients with AF and giant LA, but with unknown efficacy.

Purpose
To determine efficacy of thoracoscopic AF ablation in patients with AF and a giant LA.

Methods
Patients underwent thoracoscopic AF ablation (paroxysmal AF) plus additional left atrial ablations (persistent AF) and were prospectively followed. Giant LA was defined as left atrial volume index (LAVI)≥50 ml/m2, outcome was also assessed for LAVI≥55 ml/m2. Follow-up was performed with ECGs and 24-hour Holters every three months. After a 3-month blanking period, all AADs were discontinued. Primary outcome was recurrence of any atrial tachycardia ≥30 sec during one year of follow-up.

Results
Between 2008–2017, 357 patients underwent thoracoscopic AF ablation. At baseline, giant LA was diagnosed in 72 (20.2%) patients (mean LAVI: 59.5±9.6 ml/m2), while 285 (79.8%) had a smaller left atrium (mean LAVI: 36.3±7.8 ml/m2), p<0.001. Giant LA patients were older (mean: 61.7±6.9 vs 59.3±9.0 years, p=0.03) and more often diagnosed with persistent AF (n=60, 83.3%) compared to control (n=164, 57.5%), p<0.001. Sex (female: n=19, 26.4% vs n=79, 27.7%, p=0.82) and history of AF (median: 4.0 [IQR: 2.0–6.0] vs 4.0 [IQR: 2.0–8.0] years, p=0.10) were equally distributed. Freedom of any atrial tachycardia did not differ significantly between both groups (n=43, 59.7% vs n=195, 68.4%, log rank p=0.91), figure. This was similar for the cut-off of LAVI≥55 ml/m2: n=24/43 (55.8%) vs n=214/314 (68.2%), p=0.15). AF recurred in 16 (22.2%) patients with giant LA compared to 55 (19.3%) patients, while atrial tachycardia recurred in 21 (29.2%) vs 56 (19.6%) patients, respectively, p=0.06.
Kaplan-Meier analysis of AF recurrence i

Conclusion
Thoracoscopic AF ablation is an effective therapy in patients with a giant LA. Thoracoscopic AF ablation may therefore be a feasible treatment for patients with a giant LA.
P1023Upstream therapy with spironolactone in patients with atrial fibrillation may reduce the burden of diffuse myocardial fibrosis and arrhythmia
Authors: Rujic D , Madsen P L , Pareek M , Juhl Hansen T , Egstrup K 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) involves a continuum of structural, hemodynamic, and electrophysical remodeling that coexist in a complex interplay, often involving increased diffuse myocardial fibrosis.

Purpose
To examine whether low dose spironolactone can reduce the extent of diffuse fibrosis in the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV), evaluated using post-contrast T1 myocardial relaxation time (T1 time) and myocardial strain derived from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF.

Methods
CMR sub-study population of 100 individuals from INSPIRE-AF, an investigator-initiated, randomized, controlled, double-blind study (NCT02764619). Study participants with paroxysmal (n=49) and persistent (n=51) non-valvular AF and LV ejection fraction ≥45% were randomized to spironolactone 25 mg once daily (SPL-group, n=49) or placebo (PL-group, n=51) in addition to standard treatment. CMR scans were conducted at inclusion and after 12 months of treatment. LA and LV measures, including volumes, ejection fraction, and peak systolic longitudinal strain were assessed using cine CMR feature tracking. T1 times were estimated using a previously validated modified look-locker inversion-recovery sequence. Commercially available software (Circle, Calgary, Canada) was used. All participants were followed for recurrences of AF, and all recurrences were documented with a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram. The associations between changes in mean volume, strain, and T1 times were examined using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for baseline age, sex, and AF type.

Results
LV post-contrast T1 time increased significantly in the SPL group (mean increase in SPL=1,97 ms [95% CI: 0,169; 3,323] vs. PL=0,21 ms [95% CI: −0,67; 1,11], p=0,027 for difference). However, the mean change of post-contrast LA T1 time did not differ between groups. LV peak longitudinal strain was also significantly improved in the SPL group (mean decrease in SPL: 19,82% [95% CI: −0,85; 40,48] vs. PL: 14,15% [95% CI: −36,21; 7,92], p=0,047). Similarly, LA stroke volume corrected for body surface area increased in the SPL-group (mean SPL: 34,33 ml/m2 [95% CI: −2,17; 42,62] vs. PL: 8,46 ml/m2 [95% CI: −20,13; 5,94], p=0,013). All changes remained significant after adjusting for age, sex and systolic blood pressure. No difference was found in arrhythmia burden between groups (P=0,89).

Conclusion
Low dose spironolactone may reduce the burden of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in AF. However, there was no reduction in the burden of arrhythmia.

Acknowledgement/Funding
Region of Southern Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Danish Heart Association
1107Reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors in rural, medically under-served, socioeconomically distressed, high-risk individuals: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moser D , Chung M L , Feltner F , Lennie T A , Biddle M J 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
People in rural, socioeconomically distressed areas of the world suffer from marked cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities. Despite the CVD disparities seen in rural, distressed areas, efforts directed toward CVD risk reduction and prevention are limited. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to determine the effect of an individualized, culturally appropriate, self-care CVD risk reduction intervention (HeartHealth) compared to referral of patients to a primary care provider for usual care on the following CVD risk factors: tobacco use, blood pressure, lipid profile, body mass index, depressive symptoms, and physical activity levels.

Methods
The study protocol and intervention were developed with a community advisory board of lay community members, business owners, local government officials, church leaders, and healthcare providers. We enrolled 355 individuals living in Appalachia with two or more CVD risk factors. The intervention was delivered in person to groups of 10 or fewer individuals over 12 weeks. In the first session, participants chose their CVD risk reduction goals. HeartHealth was designed to provide participants with self-care skills targeting CVD risk reduction while reducing barriers to risk reduction found in austere rural environments. The targeted CVD risk factors were measured at baseline and 4 and 12 months post-intervention. Repeated measures data were analyzed with mixed models.

Results
More individuals in the intervention group compared to the control group met their lifestyle change goal (50% vs 16%, p<0.001). The intervention produced a positive impact on systolic blood pressure (p=0.002, time X group effect), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.001, time x group), total cholesterol (p=0.026, time x group), high density lipoprotein (p=0.002, time x group), body mass index (p=0.017, time x group), smoking status (p=0.01), depressive symptoms (p=0.01, time x group), and steps per day (p=0.001, time x group). Compared to the control group, improvement was seen at 4 months in these risk factors and the positive changes were maintained through 12 months. There were no differences seen across time by group in low density lipoprotein or triglyceride levels.

Conclusion
Interventions like HeartHealth that focus on self-care and that are derived in collaboration with the community of interest are effective in medically underserved, socioeconomically distressed rural areas.

Acknowledgement/Funding
Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute
1155Prognostic impact of SYNTAX Score in patients with myocardial infarction with multivessel coronary artery disease and cardiogenic shock: insight from the CULPRIT-SHOCK Trial
Authors: Guedeney P , Barthelemy O , Zeitouni M , Hauguel-Moreau M , Hage G , Overtchouk P , Rouanet S , Vicaut E , De Waha-Thiele S , Zeymer U , Sandri M , Akin I , Desch S , Thiele H , Montalescot G 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The majority of patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiogenic shock (CS) have multivessel coronary artery disease. The prognosis impact of the SYNTAX score (SS) in this setting remains unknown.

Purpose
To evaluate the prognosis value of the SS in this high-risk population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

Methods
The CULPRIT-SHOCK trial was an international, open-label trial, where patients presenting with MI and multivessel disease complicated by CS were randomized to a culprit-lesion-only or an immediate multivessel PCI strategy. Pre-PCI SS was assessed by a central core laboratory and patients were categorized as low SS (SS ≤22), intermediate SS (22<SS≤32) and high SS (SS>32). Adjudicated endpoints of interest were the risks of all-cause death or renal replacement therapy at 30 days and all-cause death at 1 year. Associations between SYNTAX score and outcomes were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results
SS was available in 632 patients, of whom 265 (41.9%), 211 (33.4%) and 156 (24.7%) presented with low, intermediate and high SS, respectively. Patients with higher SS were older, with more frequent peripheral artery disease, less current smoking, lower creatinine clearance, and higher use of catecholamine. A stepwise increase in the incidence of adverse events transitioning from low to intermediate and high SS was observed with the 30-day risk of death or renal replacement therapy as well as the 1-year risk of all-cause death (p for trend <0.001, for all). After multiple adjustment, intermediate and high SS remained strongly associated with 30-day risk of death and renal replacement therapy and 1-year risk of all-cause death (Figure). There was no significant interaction between SYNTAX score and the coronary revascularization strategy for all endpoints.

Conclusion
In patients presenting with acute MI, multivessel disease and CS, the SYNTAX score was strongly associated to 30-day and 1-year mortality</ss≤<ss≤32)>

Acknowledgement/Funding
The CULPRIT-SHOCK trial was Supported by a grant agreement (602202) from the European Union Seventh Framework Program and by the German Heart Research
1172The increased serum level of troponin T after immunosuppression therapy reflects sustained myocardial FDG accumulation in cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Morimoto R , Unno K , Ooishi H , Arao Y , Kato H , Yokoi T , Yamaguchi S , Haga T , Kuwayama T , Hiraiwa H , Kondo T , Sawamura A , Okumura T , Murohara T 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background and purpose
Fluorine-18-flurodeoxyglucose positron emission computed tomography (18FDG-PET CT) is the sole but time-consuming and expensive examination assessing active inflammatory myocardium noninvasively in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Though immunosuppression is used to treat CS, little is known about the cardiac biomarkers for determining therapeutic effect to immunosuppression therapy other than 18FDG-PET.

Methods
From Aug 2016, we prospectively enrolled 50 sarcoidosis patients with positively accumulated of FDG in the heart. The initial dose of prednisolone was 30mg/day, wherefrom the dose was tapered down 5mg/month until 6 months. After 6 months, follow-up 18FDG-PET was performed. Using 18FDG-PET images, we calculated total lesion glycolysis (TLG; SUVmeam x metabolic volume) and compared it to various cardiac markers. Non-responder was defined as TLG reduction rate <70% after immunosuppression therapy.

Results
In 50 CS patients, 41 patients had serial 18FDG-PET before and 6 months after immunosuppression therapy. 18FDG-PET images were acquired following 7 day's carbohydrate limitation and after at least 18-h fasting (mean free fatty acid level right before 18FDG-PET acquisition was 1.03 mEq/L). The mean age and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level were 61.9 years old, 184 pg/mL at baseline, respectively. Because of immunosuppression therapy, TLG was significantly reduced from 195.3 (38.6–339.6) to 1.1 (0.01–7.37), p<0.001). Six (14.6%) patients were classified as NR group and the level of TnT at post therapy was significantly higher in NR group than responder-group (R-group) (0.021 (0.012–0.027) ng/ml vs 0.0095 (0.006–0.013) ng/ml, p=0.039) (Figure), while there were no significant differences between NR-group and R-group in the levels of ACE, sIL-2R, BNP, Dd, EF.
Figure 1

Conclusions
1) By immunosuppression therapy using prednisolone for CS, about 85% patients showed significant reduction of increased myocardial FDG accumulation. 2) The sustained high level of serum TnT at post 6 months therapy indicates persistent inflammation of sarcoidosis in the heart, which could be an expedient marker for determining therapeutic effect.
1173Anti-heart and anti-intercalated disk autoantibodies: possible novel biomarkers of cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Caforio A , Gianstefani S , Baritussio A , Marcolongo R , Seguso M , Gallo N , Plebani M , Izquierdo-Bajo A , Cheng C Y , Iliceto S , Semenzato G P , Maier L , Hamzeh N 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Sarcoidosis is an immune-mediated disease; cardiac involvement, a granulomatous form of myocarditis, is under-recognised and prognostically relevant, as it can present with significant morbidity and mortality. Anti-heart autoantibodies (AHA) and anti-intercalated disk autoantibodies (AIDA) are reliable autoimmune markers in non-sarcoidosis myocarditis forms.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of serum AHA and AIDA in cardiac sarcoidosis.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study on a series of 29 patients with biopsy proven extra-cardiac sarcoidosis and with biopsy-proven or clinically suspected cardiac involvement, who were tested for AHA and AIDA. Patients were recruited in two recruiting tertiary centres, in USA and Italy. AHA and AIDA were detected by indirect immunofluorescence on human myocardium and skeletal muscle. Controls included sera from patients with non-inflammatory cardiac disease (NICD) (n=160), with ischemic heart failure (IHF) (n=141) and normal blood donors (NBD) (n=270).

Results
The frequencies of AHA and of AIDA were higher in sarcoidosis (86%; 62%) than in NICD (8%; 4%), IHF (7%; 2%), NBD (9%; 0%) (p=0.0001; p=0.0001 respectively). Sensitivity and specificity were: 86% and 92% for positive AHA and 62% and 98% for positive AIDA, respectively (see figure).
Figure 1

Conclusions
The detection of serum AHA and AIDA in biopsy-proven or clinically suspected cardiac sarcoidosis supports the involvement of heart-specific autoimmunity in the majority of our cases and may provide a novel non invasive diagnostic marker.
1175Structural progression increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chivulescu M , Lie Ø.H , Skulstad H , Popescu B A , Jurcut R O , Edvardsen T , Haugaa K 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inheritable cardiomyopathy with incomplete penetrance, variable phenotype severity and poorly described disease progression. It is characterized by high risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in young individuals. Risk stratification and selection of patients presenting without history of life-threatening arrhythmic events for cardioverter-defibrillator implantation in primary prevention remains challenging.

Purpose
We aimed to assess the impact of disease progression on arrhythmic outcomes in AC patients.

Methods
We included consecutive AC probands and mutation-positive family members with at least one complete follow-up evaluation. Echocardiographic and electrical parameters were defined according to the 2010 Revised Task Force criteria at inclusion and at last follow-up. Structural progression was defined as development of new echocardiographic diagnostic criteria. Electrical progression was defined as the development of new diagnostic depolarization, repolarization and/or premature ventricular complex count criteria during follow-up. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular tachycardia occurring during follow-up defined incident ventricular arrhythmic events.

Results
We included a total of 144 patients (48% female, 47% probands, 40±16 years old). At inclusion, 54 patients (37%) had a history of arrhythmic events, 30 patients (21%) had overt structural disease and 114 (79%) had no or minor structural disease. During 7.0 (IQR: 4.5 to 9.4) years of follow-up, 49 patients (43%) with no or minor structural disease at inclusion developed new structural criteria being defined as progressors. Among 80 participants with no or minor structural disease and no arrhythmic history at inclusion, a first arrhythmic event occurred in 14 (17%). The incidence of arrhythmic events was higher in progressors (11/27, 41%) than in non-progressors (3/53, 6%) (p<0.001) (Figure). Structural progression was associated with higher risk of first arrhythmic events during follow-up when adjusted for sex, age at inclusion and follow-up duration, independent of electrical progression (7.6, 95% CI [1.5, 37.2], P=0.01).
Incident arrhythmic events distribution

Conclusion
Almost half of patients without overt structural cardiac disease at genetic diagnosis develop new structural criteria during 7 years follow-up and 17% experienced their first ventricular arrhythmic event. Structural progression was independently associated with ventricular arrhythmic events during follow-up. These findings highlight the increased risk of arrhythmias when structural abnormalities are detected. Their finding may initiate the evaluation for primary prevention cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.
1197The development and validation of a novel transcatheter microwave renal denervation system
Authors: Qian P , Barry M A , Lu J , Mina A , Ryan J , Bandodkar S , Alvarez S , James V , Ronquillo J , Varikatt W , Kovoor P , Pouliopoulos J , McEwan A , Thiagalingam A , Thomas S 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Clinical studies of transcatheter radiofrequency renal denervation for treating hypertension have been hampered by the lack of consistent denervation efficacy. Microwave energy is well suited to renal denervation due to its capacity to spare vascular structures due to cooling from adjacent blood flow while enabling deep perivascular heating.

Purpose
We aimed to: 1) develop a transcatheter microwave system capable of safely delivering deep and circumferential perivascular renal nerve ablation, and 2) demonstrate the feasibility, short-term efficacy and safety of transcatheter microwave renal denervation.

Method
A novel 7F transcatheter microwave denervation system was designed, built, and iteratively prototyped in vitro and in 15 sheep. A histological grading system for microwave induced renal arterial and renal nerve injury was devised. The microwave denervation system was validated in an additional 9 sheep, which underwent unilateral renal denervation. Up to 2 microwave ablations were delivered to each artery with maximum power at 100–110W for 480s. Sheep were euthanised at 2–3 weeks post procedure. Gross microscopic histological examination as well as renal tissue norepinephrine content was analysed.

Results
Catheter deployment and ablation was successful in all 19 targeted vessel segments and ablation produced substantial circumferential perivascular injury; median ablation lesion area >395 (IQR 251–437) mm2, depth 17.1 (IQR 15.8–18.4) mm, length 16 (IQR 12–20) mm, without collateral visceral injury. Limiting power to 100W minimised arterial injury, while maintaining a deep circumferential perivascular ablation. At microwave ablation sites, a total of 292 nerve fascicles were identified, median distance from the renal artery of 4.2mm (IQR 2.1–8.8mm), of which 249 (85%) had sustained thermal injury with 128/249 (51%) showing grade 3–4 (moderate to severe) injury. Microwave denervation reduced median functional sympathetic nerve surface area at the renal hilum on anti-tyrosine hydroxylase staining by 100% (IQR 87%-100%), p=0.0039, and median renal cortical norepinephrine content by 83% (IQR 76%–92%), p=0.0078, compared to the paired control kidney.

Conclusion
Transcatheter microwave ablation can produce deep circumferential perivascular ablations over a long segment of the renal artery without significant arterial or collateral visceral injury to provide effective renal denervation. Clinical translation may enable more consistent and complete transcatheter renal denervation and antihypertensive efficacy.

Acknowledgement/Funding
University of Sydney; Western Sydney Local health District; National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia; National Heart Foundation (Au)