bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronary calcification by computed tomography in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation
Authors: Fernandes S , Ladeiras-Lopes R , Faria R , Ferreira W , Carvalho M , Almeida J , Fonseca P , Oliveira M , Goncalves H , Ferreira N , Primo J , Fontes-Carvalho R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is routinely performed for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) planning in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). This imaging method can also identify coronary artery calcium (CAC).

Purpose
To evaluate the prevalence of CAC in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF undergoing catheter ablation.

Methods
Cross-sectional study including patients with AF/atrial flutter (AFL) undergoing CCT for ablation procedure planning from 2017 to 2019. Baseline clinical and demographic data were collected and CAC score was assessed using the Agatston method. Patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF/AFL (defined according to 2020 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the diagnosis and management of AF) were compared.

Results
A total of 474 patients were included (441 with AF and 33 with AFL), with a mean age of 57±12 years, of which 295 (62%) were males. CHA2DS2-VASc score was ≥1 (male) or ≥2 (female) in 278 (64%) patients and most patients had a low to moderate cardiovascular risk (259, 80%). CAC was identified in 254 (54%) patients. AF/AFL was paroxysmal in 348 (75%) patients and persistent in 116 (25%). Baseline characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors were similar between groups except for diabetes mellitus (33 [10%] vs 22 [20%], p=0.012) and valvular heart disease (13 [4%] vs 18 [16%], p&lt;0.001) that were more prevalent in patients with persistent AF/AFL. Patients with persistent AF/AFL had higher left atrial volume and left ventricle mass (36±8 vs 43±12 ml/m2, p&lt;0.001 and 90±22 vs 96±22 g/m2, p=0.041). CAC was more frequently present in patients with persistent AF/AFL (175 [50%] vs 72 [62%], p=0.028), especially CAC score &gt;100 (58 [17%] vs 35 [30%], p=0.002). After multivariate analysis, CAC score&gt;100 remained an independent predictor of persistent AF/AFL (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.18–3.82, p=0.013) along with higher left atrial volume (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.08, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
In this study, coronary artery calcium was present in more than half of AF/FLA patients undergoing catheter ablation. Patients with persistent AF/AFL showed higher calcium scores and this could derive from chronic, more advanced disease. Especially in those patients, opportunistic CV risk screening and CAC-guided clinical management might be clinically useful.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Myocardial injury in stress echocardiography: comparison of dobutamine, dipyridamole and dynamic stress echocardiography – single centre study
Authors: Medilek K , Stasek J , Zaloudkova L , Pudil R , Cermakova E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Stress echocardiography (SE) plays important role in investigation of the patients with chest pain. Adverse events rate is higher in dobutamine stress echocardiography on comparison to dobutamine stress echocardiography (ExSE) or dipyridamole stress echocardiography (DIP). Dynamic stress (ExSE) is recommended as the first-choice method according to the current guidelines.

Purpose
Response to the different stressors was studied in several studies with controversial results. This study aimed to investigate myocardial injury during stress echocardiography measured by the serum high sensitivity troponin (hsTnT) in a low risk population and whether there is a difference in hsTnT response between various stressors.

Methods
135 patients (DSE n=46, ExsE n=46, Dip n=43) investigated for chest pain with suspicion on angina with negative diagnostic stress echocardiography were enrolled in the study. HsTnT was measured before and at 180 min. after the test was terminated. Patients with baseline elevated hsTnT levels (≥14 pg/ml), impaired LV EF (&lt;50%), regional wall motion abnormalities, previous acute coronary syndrome and/or revascularisation, known epicardial coronary artery stenosis &gt;50%, diabetes, prediabates (fasting glycemia at the day of the test ≥5,6 mmol/l, left ventricle hypertrophy &gt;13 mm, baseline uncontrolled hypertension (BP &gt;160/100 mmHg), estimated systolic pulmonary pressure &gt;45 mmHg, more than moderate valvular disease, and patient who experienced dobutmine side effect (hypotension, atrial fibrillation) were excluded from the study.

Results
HsTnT increased in DSE and ExSE, but not in DIP group [9,4 (1,5–58,6), 1,1 (−0,9–15,7), −0,1 (−1,4–2,1) ng/L, p&lt;0,001]. Similar result was found In DSE and ExSE subgroups without atropine [5,3 (0,4–45,3) vs 1,1 (−1,1–15,7) ng/L, p&lt;0,001]. Adding atropine during SE triggered much greater hsTnT release in DSE [40,1 (3,7–160,3) vs 5,3 (0,4–45,3) ng/L, p&lt;0,001], but not in ExSE group [0,6 (−0,9–22,7) vs 1,1 (−1,1–15,7) ng/L, p=0,786]. Moderate correlation of hsTnT rise with DSE length was observed (r=0,43).

Conclusions
DSE leads to significant myocardial injury multiplied when atropine is used. No injury was observed in DIP and only mild was revealed in ExSE. This finding support ExSE as the preferred stress echocardiography method. Whether significant myocardial injury is causative of the higher adverse event rates in DSE remains to be determined.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech RepublicFaculty of Medicine Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic hsTnT change 0–180 min. the whole grouphsTnT change 0–180 min. w/wo atropine
Prognostic value of ABCDE stress echocardiography
Authors: Ciampi Q , Zagatina A , Cortigiani L , Wierzbowska-Drabik K , Haberka M , Djordjevic-Dikic A , Boshchenko A , Gaibazzi N , Rigo F , Simova I , Barbieri A , Morrone D , Villari B , Pellikka P , Picano E ,   Stress Echo 2020 study group of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI).
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Stress echocardiography (SE) was recently upgraded to the ABCDE protocol: step A, regional wall motion abnormalities; step B, B-lines; step C, left ventricular contractile reserve; step D, Doppler-based coronary flow velocity reserve in left anterior descending coronary artery; and step E, EKG-based heart rate reserve. Aim: to assess the prognostic value of ABCDE-SE in a prospective, large scale, multicenter, international, effectiveness study.

Methods
From July 2016 to November 2020, we enrolled 3,574 all-comers (age 65±11 years, 2,070 males, 58%; ejection fraction 60±10%) with known or suspected chronic coronary syndromes referred from 13 certified laboratories. All patients underwent ABCDE-SE. The employed stress modality was exercise (n=952, with semi-supine bike, n=887, or treadmill, n=65 with adenosine for step D) or pharmacological stress (n=2,622, with vasodilator, n=2,151; or dobutamine, n=471). SE response ranged from score 0 (all steps normal) to score 5 (all steps abnormal). All-cause death was the only end-point.

Results
Rate of abnormal results was 16% for A, 30% for B, 36% for C, 28% for D and 37% for E step. During a median follow-up of 21 months, 73 deaths occurred. At univariable analysis, predictors of all-cause mortality were step B (hazard ratio, HR: 2.621, 95% Confidence Intervals, CI: 1.654–4.152, p&lt;0.001), step D (HR: 2.578, 95% CI: 1.624–4.093, p&lt;0.001), and step E (HR: 2.955, 95% CI: 1.848–4.725, p&lt;0.001), but not step A (HR: 1.333, 95% CI: 0.731–2.430, p=0.349) and step C (HR1.581, 95% CI: 0.997–2.506, p=0.051). At multivariable analysis, ABCDE-SE was an independent predictor of mortality with score 3 (HR: 3.472, 95% CI: 1.483–8.135, p=0.004), 4 (HR: 4.045, 95% CI: 1.595–10.259, p=0.003) and 5 (HR: 5.678, 95% CI: 2.106–15.313, p=0.001) (Figure). Annual mortality rate ranged from 0.4% person/year for score 0 up to 2.4% person/year for score 5.

Conclusion
ABCDE-SE allows an effective risk stratification of patient global vulnerability.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Survival curves based on ABCDE score
Risk prediction of atrial fibrillation and its complications in the community using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I: results from the BiomarCaRE Consortium
Authors: Boerschel C.S , Geelhoed B , Niiranen T , Camen S , Donati M.B , Den Ruijterg H.M , Linneberg A , Lochenl M.L , Kuulasmaa K , Blankenberg S , Iacoviello L , Zeller T , Soederberg S , Salomaa V , Schnabel R.B ,   BiomarCaRE
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aims
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is becoming increasingly common and is associated with serious complications. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) do not explain all AF cases. Blood-based biomarkers reflecting cardiac injury may help close this gap. High-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) has emerged as a potential predictor.

Methods
We investigated the predictive ability of hsTnI for incident AF in 29,227 participants (median age 52.6 years, 51.2% men) across four different European community cohorts of the Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Europe (BiomarCaRE) consortium in comparison to CVRF and established biomarkers (high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)).

Results
During a median follow-up of 13.8 (lower and upper quartiles 4.5, 21.3) years, 1,509 (5.2%) participants developed AF. Those in the highest fourth of hsTnI values at baseline (≥5.1 ng/L) had a 2.71-fold (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.31, 3.17; P&lt;0.01) risk for developing AF compared to those in the lowest fourth (≤2.1 ng/L). In multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models no statistically significant association was seen between hsTnI and AF, whereas NT-proBNP (hazard ratio (HR) per two-fold increase in NT-proBNP 1.64; 95% CI 1.56, 1.72; P&lt;0.001) as well as hsCRP (HR ratio per two-fold increase in hsCRP 1.05; 95% CI 1.01, 1.10; P=0.01) were statistically significantly related to incident AF. Inclusion of hsTnI did not improve model discrimination over CVRFs (C-index CVRF 0.7914 vs. C-index CVRF, hsTnI 0.7927; 95% CI −0.0004, 0.0031; P=0.130). Higher hsTnI concentrations were associated with AF complications such as stroke (HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.03, 1.51; P=0.02), heart failure (HR 1.27; 95% CI 1.12, 1.44; P&lt;0.001) and cardiovascular events (HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.08, 1.42; P&lt;0.001) as well as overall mortality (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05, 1.25; P&lt;0.001) in those who were diagnosed with AF.

Conclusion
hsTnI as a biomarker of myocardial injury does not improve prediction of AF incidence beyond classical CVRFs. However, it is associated with AF complications and mortality after AF onset probably reflecting underlying subclinical cardiovascular impairment.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013
Diagnostic performance of deep learning on 12-leads electrocardiography for recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Shimizu M , Miyazaki H , Cho S , Misu Y , Tateishi R , Yamaguchi M , Yamakami Y , Shimada H , Manno T , Isshiki A , Kimura S , Fujii H , Suzuki M , Nishizaki M , Sasano T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Several patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (per-AF) suffer from recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Various methods to predict the recurrence were tried, but deep learning on 12-leads electrocardiography (ECG) after PVI was not studied.

Purpose
To elucidate diagnostic performance of deep learning on 12-leads ECG after PVI in patients with per-AF

Methods
We enrolled consecutive 109 patients with per-AF who underwent PVI (68.8±10.0 years, 83 males) excluding failure cases. We defined recurrence in 3–12 months after PVI. From the ECG just after PVI, five beats of each lead were sampled separately. Deep learning (convolutional neural network on bitmap ECG image) was performed by transfer learning of Inception-Resnet-V2 model. Gradient weighted class activation color mapping (GradCam) was performed to detect convolutional importance in the lead.

Results
Thirty-six patients showed recurrence in the period. Lead II (accuracy 0.701), aVR (0.690) were the top 2 leads of prediction, which showed larger accuracy than statistical accuracies of Non PV foci = SVC (accuracy = 0.541) and left atrial diameter &gt;50mm (0.596). In lead II, GradCam spotlighted strong convolution of latter half of P wave in recurrent case, and former half of P wave and T wave in no-recurrent case.

Conclusions
Deep learning on ECG was a powerful tool to predict recurrence of per-AF after PVI.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Results of deep learningResults of GradCam
Association between myocardial wall thickness and left ventricular functional recovery after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Okada M , Tanaka N , Tanaka K , Hirao Y , Harada S , Onishi T , Koyama Y , Okamura A , Iwakura K , Fujii K , Inoue K 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFCA) is an effective treatment to develop left ventricular (LV) functional recovery. However, the degree of recovery differs between individuals due to the different extent of myocardial fibrosis and scarring.

Purpose
To examine whether pre-ablation LV wall thickness (WT) and its regional heterogeneity predict LV functional recovery after AFCA in patients with LV systolic dysfunction.

Methods
Of 3682 consecutive patients who underwent first-time AFCA between January 2012 and September 2020 in our institution, 174 (age, 63±10 years; male, 83%; ischemic cardiomyopathy, 14%) with a baseline LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of &lt;40% were retrospectively evaluated. They were subjected to 256-slice MDCT scanning at baseline and 3 months after AFCA. Baseline WT was evaluated by 16-segment model. Mean and standard deviation (SD) of 16 regional WT were calculated in both end-systolic and end-diastolic phase.

Results
LVEF significantly improved from 30±7% to 57±17% (p&lt;0.001) after AFCA. Increase in LVEF (delta-LVEF) was positively correlated with baseline end-diastolic WT (r=0.31, p&lt;0.001) and negatively correlated with SD of end-systolic WT (r=−0.21, p=0.007). Independent of WT measurements, delta-LVEF was negatively correlated with LV end-diastolic volume (r=−0.42, p&lt;0.001). We created a scoring system to predict the degree of wall motion recovery using the median value of the 3 variables; assigned 1 point each for end-diastolic WT &gt;7.4mm, SD of end-systolic WT &lt;1.61mm, and LV end-diastolic volume &lt;125ml. The model successfully predicted improvement in LVEF after AFCA (0 point (N=13) vs. 1 point (N=72) vs. 2–3 point (N=89), 11±16% vs. 20±17% vs. 33±12%, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
Myocardial WT and its regional heterogeneity as well as LV end-diastolic volume predicted functional recovery after AFCA in patients with reduced LVEF.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
An off-pump biatrial mini-maze procedure for treatment of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yan T , Zhu S.J , Zhu M , Guo C.F 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Surgical treatment has assumed a more prominent role in the therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF) with favorable efficiency and acceptable safety during the last decades. The traditional Cox-Maze procedure and Wolf Mini-Maze procedure focused on left atrial ablation. However, it is ubiquitous that patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) typically suffer from biatrial electrical and structural remodeling. The left atrial procedures are still not enough in patients with LSPAF.

Purpose
Herein, we aimed to introduce a modified biatrial off-pump ablation procedure based on the Wolf Mini-Maze procedure and to detect the safety and efficacy of the surgery for patients with LSPAF.

Methods
Between January 2016 and September 2020, 102 patients of LSPAF underwent our modified Mini-Maze procedure using bipolar radiofrequency ablation. Those patients firstly underwent a Mini-Maze procedure using Dallas lesion set, including video-assisted bilateral mini-thoracotomy, left atrial appendage excision, bilateral pulmonary vein isolation, ganglionic plexi evaluation and destruction, left atrial roof connecting lesion, and a linear lesion connecting this roofline to the root of the aorta at the junction of the left coronary and the non-coronary cusp. Secondly, a purse-string suture was performed on the right atrium, and then four ablation lesions were made to the superior vena cava, to the inferior vena cava, to the appendix of the right atrium, and to the tricuspid valve annulus from the purse-string suture point by the bipolar radiofrequency clamp. After the operation, the patients were followed up at an interval of 3, 6, 12 months, and every 1 year after that.

Results

No mortality
No surgical re-exploration for bleeding. No permanent pacemaker implantation. 99 patients were free from LSPAF upon discharge. A follow-up at interval of 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months showed a success rate free from LSPAF was 95.1% (97/102), 94.4% (85/90), 94.8% (73/77), 91.5% (54/59), 90.3% (28/31) and 100% (9/9), respectively

Conclusions
The modified biatrial Mini-Maze suggested a safe and feasible procedure. Early follow-up demonstrated an acceptable success rate free from AF. It might have the potential to become another option for clinical treatment of LSPAF.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China Schematic of the procedure
Anticoagulation and bleeding events in Patients with Post- Operative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Alam Z , Porudominsky R , Lo Presti S , Li V , Rodriguez-Correa C , Glymph D.C , Arenas I 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POPAF) following cardiac surgery is a common arrhythmia associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. There is little data evaluating the safety and effectiveness of anticoagulation (AC) in POPAF patients. We investigated the occurrence of 30-days POP major bleeding or embolic events and their timing in relation to the index cardiac surgery, the initiation of the arrhythmia and of anticoagulation in patients who developed new onset POPAF.

Methods
4,073 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery from September 2010- December 2016 were evaluated. Patients with history of AF/Aflutter were excluded. POPAF was confirmed by ECG or telemetry. Major post-operative bleeding that occurred after AF was defined using PLATO criteria or the BARC scale (any ≥3).

Results
3,230 patients were included (37% CABG, 69% valve surgery). The incidence of POAF was 24%. The median time (IQR) of POPAF was 3 (2) days after the index surgery. 64% of POAF patients were male and 14% had a history of stroke. The mean (SD) age was 72 (9) years old. The average (SD) CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.9 (1.5). The initial postoperative AC was full dose heparin, lovenox or argatroban in 58% of patients. The rest of patients had low dose heparin/lovenox for DVT prophylaxis and/or were started on oral anticoagulation without a bridge. The median (IR) time of POPAF to anticoagulation was 1 (2) days. There were 15 (1.9%) major bleeding events; 88% of which occurred in patients receiving full anticoagulation. Major bleeding events occurred a median of 15 (9) days after the index surgery and 9 (6) days after anticoagulation. Independent predictors of major bleed were history of PAD (P&lt;0.01) and pre-operative use of b-blockers (P=0.04). There were 11 (1.4%) POP strokes which occurred a median of 5 (16) days after the index surgery, and 2 (13) days after POPAF. 63% of strokes happened in patients that received anticoagulation. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score were 3.9 (1.5) and 4.7 (1.7), P=0.1 for patients without and with strokes, respectively. Stroke history (P&lt;0.01) was the only independent stroke predictor. Both strokes and bleeding events were associated with significantly longer ICU and hospital length of stay. 86% of POPAF patients received amiodarone during hospitalization and 2.1% electric cardioversion. Upon discharge, 2.3% of patients were in in atrial fibrillation and 0.8% in atrial flutter.

Conclusion
The post-operative course of major bleeds and stroke in patients with POPAF after cardiac surgery is different. Bleeding events are delayed and appear related to anticoagulation. The relative benefit of perioperative anticoagulation remains unclear.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Association between personalized evidence-based anticoagulation therapy and outcomes at 1-year follow-up in patients with atrial fibrillation: an analysis from the Atrial Fibrillation registry
Authors: Pokushalov E , Losik D , Kozlova S , Konradi A , Sekacheva M , Ponomarenko A , Krivosheev Y , Mikheenko I , Kretov E , Steinberg J.S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The guideline treatments based on a relatively broad set of enrollment criteria inhibits the personalized evidence-based approach. Personalized evidence-based medicine (EBM) involves the ability to classify individuals into subpopulations that differ in their susceptibility to a particular disease or their response to a specific treatment.

Objective
We report the 1-year follow-up data of the Atrial Fibrillation Registry, focusing on the relationship between personalized EBM and guideline-adherent anticoagulation therapy use and the occurrence of major clinical adverse events.

Methods
2683 patients at high risk for stroke and 1-year follow-up were enrolled in study. The primary endpoint was the percentage of guideline-based and personalized EBM recommendations acted on by clinicians. Secondary endpoints include the following: outcomes for all-cause mortality, thromboembolism (TE), bleeding, and the composite endpoints.

Results
From 2683 patients, 1971 (73.5%) EMR were guideline adherent and only 824 (30.7%) of them were personalized EBM anticoagulation therapy adherent, whilst 712 (26.5%) were non-guideline adherent and 1147 (42.8%) were guideline adherent but non-personalized EBM adherent.
The composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, any TE or bleeding was significantly lower in personalized EBM adherent patients during 1-year follow-up (P=0.02). The endpoint of all cause death and any TE is increased by &gt;20% by guideline adherent but non-personalized EBM adherent treatment [hazard ratio (HR) 1.254 (95% CI 0.931; 1.689)] and &gt;80% non-guideline adherent and non-personalized EBM adherent treatment [HR 1.892 (95% CI 1.359; 2.635)]. For the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, any TE or bleeding, guideline adherent but non-personalized EBM adherent treatment increased risk by &gt;40% [HR 1.454 (95% CI 1.037; 2.040)], and non-guideline adherent and non-personalized EBM adherent treatment by &gt;110% [HR 2.113 (95% CI 1.453; 3.074)].

Conclusion
Personalized EBM anticoagulation management is associated with significantly better outcomes, including those related to the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, any TE or bleeding in high-risk patients.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.