bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Additive prognostic value of coronary flow and heart rate reserve during vasodilator stress echocardiography in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tesic M , Nemes A , Ciampi Q , Rigo F , Cortigiani L , Beleslin B , Djordjevic-Dikic A , Picano E ,   Stress Echo 2020 study group of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) and heart rate reserve (HRR) during vasodilator stress echocardiography (SE) assess coronary microvascular function and cardiac sympathetic reserve respectively. Both CFVR and HRR can be impaired in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Objectives
To evaluate the prognostic value of CFVR and HRR during vasodilator SE in HCM.

Methods
We enrolled 244 HCM patients (age=51±15 years, 116 men) studied with vasodilator SE from 1999 to 2019 in 5 certified centers. Stress modality was either adenosine (Ado, 0.14 mg/kg/min in 2', n=171) or dipyridamole (Dip, 0.84 mg/kg in 6', n=73). Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was present at rest in 80 patients (33%). We assessed CFVR in left anterior descending coronary artery (by TTE in 225, and TEE in 19 patients) and HRR (peak/rest heart rate). Abnormal values of HRR were based on receiver operating characteristics for Ado and Dip separately calculated. All patients completed the follow-up.

Results
CFVR was 2.17±0.46 for Dip and 2.13±0.43 for Ado (p=ns); HRR was 1.36±0.19 for Dip and 1.10±0.16 for Ado (p&lt;0.001). An abnormal CFVR (&lt;2.0 for both Ado and Dip) was present in 28 patients for Dip and 73 for Ado (38% vs 43%, p=ns). An abnormal HRR (≤1.34 for Dip and ≤1.03 for Ado) was present in 39 patients for Dip and in 70 patients for Ado (53% vs 41%, p=ns). During a median follow-up of 67 months (interquartile range: 29–103 months), 97 spontaneous events occurred in 71 patients: 29 all-cause deaths, 32 new hospital admission for acute heart failure, 3 sustained ventricular tachycardias, 32 atrial fibrillations and 1 heart transplantation. Event rate was 2.5%/year in patients with normal CFVR and HRR, 4.7%/year in patients with only one abnormal criterion and 10.9%/year in patients with abnormal responses of both criteria (see figure). At multivariate analysis, abnormality of both CFVR and HRR (Hazard ratio 4.033, 95% CI 1.863–8.729, p&lt;0.001) was independent predictor of events.

Conclusions
A reduced CFVR and blunted HRR during vasodilator SE identify distinct phenotypes and show independent value in predicting outcome in HCM patients.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier spontaneous event-free survival curves based on HRR and CFVR. Kaplan-Meier survival curves (considering spontaneous events) in patients stratified with the abnormal HRR and/or CFVR. Number of patients at risk per year is shown.
Prognostic implications of left heart diastolic dysfunction in adults with coarctation of aorta
Authors: Katta R , Goda A , Devara J , Iftikhar M , Shaik L , Egbe A , Connolly H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Left atrial dysfunction (LAD) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) has been described in patients with coarctation of aorta (COA). However, it is unknown whether LA function and LV diastolic function indices can be used for prognostication in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether LAD and LVDD were associated with mortality in adults with COA. We hypothesized that LA and LV diastolic function indices will predict transplant-free survival in COA patients.

Methods
Retrospective study of COA patients (age ≥18) at Mayo Clinic (2000–2018). LVDD was determined using the 2016 guidelines for LVDD assessment, and LAD was assessed using LA reservoir strain.

Results
Of 721 patients, LV diastolic function could be determined in 635 (88%), while 86 (12%) were classified as indeterminate diastolic function. Of 635 patients, 414 (65%) had no LVDD, while 146 (23%), 53 (8%), and 22 (4%) had grade I/II/III LVDD respectively. The mean LA reservoir strain was −39±11%, and patients were divided into quartiles: top quartile (reference group), mild LAD, moderate LAD, and severe LAD.
Of 635 patients, 49 died and 4 underwent heart transplant. On multivariate analysis, Grade III diastolic dysfunction (but not Grade I and II) was associated with mortality as compared to normal diastolic function. On the other hand, there was an incremental risk of mortality across LA strain quartiles: mild LAD (HR 1.16, 1.04–2.06), moderate LAD (HR 1.75, 1.27–3.58), and severe LAD (HR 3.49, 1.88–7.16). Of the 86 patients with indeterminate diastolic function, LAD was associated with a lower 5-year transplant-free survival as compared to normal LA function (83% vs 91%, p=0.06).

Conclusions
LAD (but not LVDD) was associated with incremental risk of mortality, and thus can be used for prognostication in all patients including those with indeterminate diastolic function. Although the current study did not identify a consistent relationship between LVDD severity classifications and mortality among COA patients, it does not imply that LVDD is benign. Rather it suggests that the conventional criteria for LVDD severity classifications may not be generalizable to every disease subgroup

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Effects of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a systemic right ventricle: early evidence of exercise tolerance and systolic function improvement
Authors: Fusco F , Merola A , Scognamiglio G , Palma M , Correra A , Barracano R , Borrelli N , Grimaldi N , Spinelli Barrile C , Puzone N , Ciriello G D , Colonna D , Romeo E , Sarubbi B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Sacubitril/valsartan has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity inpatients with heart failure and reduced systolic function. However, the effects of this novel association in patients with congenital heart disease and a systemic right ventricle (sRV) have not been investigated yet.

Purpose
We aimed to assess tolerability and efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a sRV

Methods
From September 2020 to March 2021, 38 patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries or transposition of the great arteries after Senning or Mustard repair were prospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥18 years, optimal medical therapy including ACEi/ARB for at least 6 months and EF of the sRV ≤40%. Patients with univentricular physiology, systolic blood pressure (SBP) &lt;90mmHg, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) &lt;30ml/min or K &gt;5.5mEq/L were excluded. RV systolic function was assessed on echocardiography using a multiparametric evaluation. The study protocol contemplates serial assessments at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment initiation.

Results
Up to March 31th, 23 patients completed 1-month and 15 completed 3-month assessment after treatment initiation. Baseline patients' characteristics are summarized in table 1. The medication dose was up-titrated to the highest tolerated dose during follow-up. During early follow-up, no major adverse events were reported. Treatment did not impact significantly on the values of serum potassium (basal K+ 4.4 [4.2–4.6] mEq/L, K+ at 3 months 4.4 [4.3–4.6] mEq/L, p=0.7) and GFR (basal GFR 113.9±35ml/min, GFR at 3 months 107.8±21 ml/min, p=0.7). Although SBP did not change significantly (114±12 vs 113.9±19 mmHg at 1-month and 117.3±12 mmHg at 3 months; p=0.9 for both), 2 (5%) patients ceased the treatment due to symptomatic hypotension during the first month of treatment. There was no significant change in the NYHA class. However, the 6-minute walking distance increased significantly after 3 months (365±120 vs 498.3±71 min; p=0.01). Furthermore, while traditional echocardiographic parameters of RV systolic function (TAPSE, s wave and FAC) did not change significantly, RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV free wall GLS demonstrated subclinical improvement in right ventricular systolic function (table 2).

Conclusions
Our short-term results from an ongoing prospective study showed that sacubitril/valsartan is well tolerated in patients with a sRV with early evidence of improvement in exercise tolerance and sRV systolic function. Longer follow-up is warranted to confirm these data.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Table 2
The right ventricular-pulmonary circulation coupling in ischaemic heart disease; a stress echocardiography study
Authors: Vrettos A , Varma R , Jimeno M , Rahman Haley S , Baltabaeva A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objectives
This study sought to assess the right ventricular (RV) - pulmonary circulation coupling in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), preserved echocardiographic indices of right ventricular systolic function and normal pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP).

Background
Patients with CAD are at increased risk for developing left, and ultimately right heart failure. The analysis of underlying mechanisms of worsening RV function has been limited to the hemodynamic sequelae of increased left ventricular (LV) filing pressure leading to pulmonary hypertension. It has been reported that evaluation of RV functional state by using the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/PASP ratio as a surrogate for the RV length-force is of clinical prognostic relevance in patients with known pulmonary hypertension; its role has not been extensively explored in other cardiac conditions including myocardial ischaemia. We hypothesized that the TAPSE/PASP ratio may be able to identify early and subtle changes in RV function in patients with CAD, normal estimated resting PASP, and preserved TAPSE.

Methods
Data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database, and 223 consecutive patients with preserved right ventricular systolic function (TAPSE≥16mm), and normal resting PASP (≤35mmHg), undergoing stress echocardiography (SE) for suspected coronary artery disease were included. Exclusion criteria: non-ischaemia study, severe valvular disease, poor image quality, resting pulmonary hypertension, reduced right ventricular systolic function. Transthoracic 2-D Doppler echocardiogram was performed by an accredited sonographer at rest and during stress phase and reviewed by two cardiologists unaware of clinical data.

Results
Fifty-three (24%) SE studies were positive for ischaemia and 170 (76%) negative. Demographic characteristics of both groups are shown in Table 1. All patients had TAPSE≥16mm and a PASP≤35mmHg as per inclusion criteria. The mean TAPSE/PASP ratio was significantly lower in patients with a positive SE suggestive of CAD than controls (0.84±0.22 vs 0.93±0.24, P=0.024). The TAPSE/PASP ratio showed significant correlation with the maximum workload (Watts) achieved (r=0.17, P=0.015) and exercise time (min) (r=0.15, P=0.031), and an inverse correlation with age (r=−0.26, P&lt;0.001) and the development of inducible exertional breathlessness (Exp(B) 0.11, 95% CI 0.028–0.457, P=0.002) on SE.

Conclusion
Resting TAPSE/PASP was reduced in patients with positive SE, compared to controls. Indexing RV function to RV load, with the use of the TAPSE/PASP ratio identified early changes in RV-pulmonary circulation coupling in CAD patients without resting pulmonary hypertension; this may denote the beginning of subclinical RV dysfunction.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Table 1
The midterm differential effects of heat-not-burn and conventional cigarettes on coronary flow, vascular function and oxidative stress are independent of nicotine levels
Authors: Ikonomidis I , Katogiannis K , Vlastos D , Kostelli G , Kourea K , Tsoumani M , Thymis J , Michalopoulou E , Koliou G , Andreadou I , Maratou E , Lambadiari V 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Heat-not-burn cigarette (HNBC) constitutes a non-combustible smoke product linked to reduced exposure to carbon monoxide (CO).

Methods
We compared the effects of HNBC to those of tobacco cigarette (TCig) on endothelial and coronary function as well as on nicotine levels, oxidative stress and platelet activation after 1 month of switching to HNBC.
We examined 75 smokers. Of those, 50 were switched to HNBC and 25 continued Tcig for 1 month.
At baseline and at 1 month, we assessed a) coronary flow reserve (CFR) by echocardiography b) flow-mediated dilation (FMD) c) Cotinine blood levels, a stable metabolite of nicotine d) malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress and thromboxane B2 (TXB2), a marker of platelet activation e) the exhaled CO and the number of cigarettes and/or heat stick of HNBC used. Fagerstrom score, a marker of dependence from smoking habit was also calculated.

Results
Compared to Tcig smoking, switching to HNBC for 1-month improved CO (difference in CO between groups: 10.42 ppm; 95% CI 3.07 to 17.76, p=0.007), FMD (difference in FMD=4.3%; 95% CI: 1.23 to 7.51, p=0.009; and CFR (difference in CFR =0.98; 95% CI: 0.23 to 1.80, p=0.02). MDA and TXB2 concentration significantly decreased in subjects switching to HNBC compared to tobacco smokers (difference MDA=0.38 nmol/L; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.66, p=0.009, 45pg/mL; 95% CI 5.28 to 86.31, p=0.03). None of the aforementioned parameters changed in the control group at 1 month compared to baseline (p&gt;0.05).
Cotinine blood levels were similar between the TC cig and HNBC group both at baseline and after one month of use (p&gt;0.05). However, cotinine blood levels at baseline and 1 month correlated with the number cigarettes used at baseline (r=0.45 p=0.04) or the number of heat sticks used at one month (r=0.50, p=0.03) respectively, Baseline Fagerstrom score was also associated with number of heat sticks used at 1 month (r=0.48, p=0.04) and cotinine levels at baseline and at 1 month (p=0.50, p=0.03 and r=0.57, p=0.01 respectively).

Conclusions
HNBCs exert a less detrimental effect on vascular function platelet activation and oxidative stress than tobacco smoking that is independent of nicotine levels and is linked with the parallel reduction the exhaled of CO.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation under oral anticoagulation therapy in patients with type B acute aortic dissection
Authors: Ishizue N , Fukaya H , Saito D , Matsuura G , Sato T , Kobayashi S , Shirakawa Y , Arakawa Y , Oikawa J , Kishihara J , Niwano S , Ako J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD) sometimes are complicated with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of AF and the use of oral anticoagulation (OAC) on the prognosis of AAD remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic impact of AF and OAC therapy in patients with type B AAD.

Methods
Consecutive patients diagnosed with type B AAD between January 2010 and December 2020 in our university hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into 2 groups based on the concomitance with or without AF. The primary endpoint was set as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including all-cause death, enlargement of aortic diameter, aortic ruptures, and cerebral infarction. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed, and Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of clinical events at 1 year.

Results
A total of 146 patients diagnosed with type B AAD were enrolled, with a mean age of 66±12 years, and 81% of male. Thirty-two patients (22%) experienced MACEs during 272±142 days-observation. Concomitant AF was observed in 27 patients (18%). In the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis, the patients with AF showed significantly higher events than those without AF (log-lank p&lt;0.001). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, presence of AF (HR: 2.402, 95% CI: 1.099–4.978 p=0.029), maximum descending aorta diameter (HR: 1.0366, 95% CI: 1.005–1.064 p=0.023), and age&gt;75 years (HR: 2.635, 95% CI: 1.268–5.388 p=0.011) were independent predictors of MACEs. Regarding OAC in patients with AF, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that usage of OAC was associated with a higher incidence of MACEs than those without (log-rank, p=0.036)

Conclusion
Presence of AF, enlargement of descending aorta diameter, and age were independent predictors of future MACEs in patients with type B AAD. Additionally, usage of OAC is associated with MACEs in patients with type B AAD complicated with AF.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Utility of familial screening in non-syndromic thoracic aortic disease
Authors: Rodriguez Ortuno J , Pena Pena M L , Lopez Haldon J E , Adsuar Gomez A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Non-syndromic heritable thoracic aortic disease (nsHTAD) is an autosomal dominant disorder with high mortality rate if undetected. Familial evaluation could be useful to identify high-risk patients early.

Purpose
To assess the yield of clinical and genetic screening in a cohort of patients with suspected nsHTAD.

Methods
We collected clinical and genetic data about patients with suspected nsHTAD treated in a specialized clinic. Bicuspid aortic valve cases were excluded. Genetic study was performed with next-generation-sequencing, including at least 30 related genes. All first degree relatives were offered evaluation according to current guidelines.

Results
Twenty-five index cases were analysed (mean age: 48.3 years, male: 64%). Sixteen patients (64%) presented with acute aortic dissection (postmortem diagnosis was performed in 6 cases with sudden cardiac death). Hypertension was reported in 13 cases (52%) and 8 patients (32%) had smoking history. Family history of aortic aneurysm or dissection was identified in 13 cases (52%).
Eighty-three first-degree relatives were evaluated. Clinically affected family members were detected in 10 families (40%). Genetic cause of the disease was identified in 6 families (24%). Table 1 describes main characteristics of index cases with pathogenic variants. Combined clinical and genetic screening was positive in 12 families (48%) and identified 24 relatives (29%) with aortic dilatation or carrier status for the disease.

Conclusions
The combination of clinical and genetic screening in suspected nsHTAD is a useful tool for early detection of the disease in family members at risk and for the prevention of future complications.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Table 1
The type and dosage of exercise therapy to facilitate the recovery from stroke for balance, walking and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Amanzonwe R E , Kossi R O , Tedesco Triccas L , Codjo L H , Feys P , Hansen D ,   BIOMED-REVAL-Rehabilitation Research Centre, Hasselt University, Belgium
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Exercise therapy (aerobic or resistance therapy) could have a beneficial effect on balance, walking and quality of life (QoL).

Objective
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effects of different modes, dosages and setting of exercise therapy on balance, walking capacity and QoL in stroke survivors.

Methods
We searched PubMed, CINHAL and Hinari to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) that investigated the effects of aerobic (AT) and/or resistance therapy (RT) on balance, walking and QoL in stroke survivors. The treatment effect was computed by the standard mean differences (SMDs).

Results
We included 27 RCT comprising 1,549 chronic stroke survivors. Any modality was effective to improve balance. There was high-level evidence that AT interventions were most effective in improving walking capacity (SMD=0.36 [0.06, 0.66], p=0.02). Both AT, and AT combined with RT were effective to improve QoL (SMD=0.39 [0.09, 0.69], p=0.01). RT programs were not effective to improve walking and QoL. For walking capacity, a lower volume weekly (&lt;60 minutes/session or &lt;3 session/week) and higher intensity (&gt;60% heart rate reserve; rate of perceived exertion (6–20) &gt;14) of AT and RT exercises demonstrated significant higher effect. Hospital located rehabilitation settings trended to improve walking (SMD=0.23 [0.00, 0.45], p=0.05), when compared to home/community and laboratory settings.

Conclusions
In chronic stroke, in particular AT executed in hospital located settings, with a lower volume and high intensity seems more effective strategy to facilitate walking capacity and improve QoL and should thus be incorporated into rehabilitation programs for stroke.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral repair in the presence of mitral annulus calcification
Authors: Fernandez Peregrina E , Pascual I P , Freixa X F , Tirado-Conte G T C , Rodriguez-Estevez R R E , Carrasco-Chinchilla F C C , Benito-Gonzalez T B G , Asmarats L A , Sanchis L S , Avanzas P A , Caneiro-Queija B C Q , Fernandez-Vazquez F F V , Sans Rosello J S R , Nombela-Franco L N F , Arzamendi D A A ,   MITRAMAC
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is commonly found in patients affected with mitral regurgitation (MR) and it's associated with high morbidity, mortality and worse cardiac surgical outcomes. Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system has been stablished as a valid alternative to surgery in high risk patients with severe MR. However, its efficacy in patients affected with MAC remains uncertain as this population has been excluded from trials.

Objectives
To analyze the safety, efficacy and mid-term durability of the treatment of MR with the MitraClip system in patients affected with moderate or severe MAC.

Methods
Data was obtained from a multicenter spanish registry that prospectively included consecutive patients with MR grade ≥3 undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system. Sixty-one patients with moderate or severe MAC were included in the “MAC” group and 791 with no-or-mild MAC were allocated in the “NoMAC” group.

Results
Procedural success was similar in both groups (91.8% vs 95.06%, p=0.268, in MAC and NoMAC respectively) with a very low rate of complications beside a higher residual mean gradient in the MAC group (3.0 vs 3.6mmHg, p=0.001). At one-year follow-up, 79.5% of NoMAC and 90.6% of MAC patients had MR grade ≤2 (p=0.129). Only 9 patients (1,14%), all in NoMAC group, required reintervention during follow up. Eighty percent of patients in both groups remained in NYHA functional class ≤II and a significant reduction in readmissions for heart failure was also observed (65% vs 78% respectively, p=0.145). One-year mortality was slightly higher in MAC patients (19.67% vs 11.25%, p=0.050) with no difference in cardiovascular mortality (15.25% vs 9.21%, p=0.129).

Conclusions
Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip system in selected patients with moderate or severe MAC is safe and feasible with a mid-term durability similar to those without MAC. These patients also benefit clinically from this treatment with a sustained mid-term subjective clinical improvement and no increase in cardiovascular mortality as compared to NoMAC patients.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.