bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
170 Evaluation of endothelial function in dyslipidaemic patients treated with anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Cersosimo Angelicac , Cimino Giuliana , Amore Ludovica , Drera Andrea , Gavazzoni Mara , Raddino Riccardo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
According to new Guidelines, the use of an anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody in combination is recommended in secondary prevention in patients with very high risk who do not reach the target with the maximum tolerated dose of statin and ezetimibe, and in those patients with very high-risk familial hypercholesterolemia. The therapy is always combination, while the single treatment with anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody is indicated in patients with statin intolerance. The present study aims to determine the cardiovascular effects that are highlighted in the treatment of dyslipidaemia with the anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody, especially as regards the endothelial function (using the non-invasive methods of EndoPAT), the arterial stiffness (using the non-invasive methods of SphygmoCOR) and the effective improvement on the lipid profile (reduction total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides).

Methods
The study is a single-centre prospective study enrolling 47 patients in primary and secondary prevention with non-target LDL cholesterol. Patients were evaluated and enrolled from April 2019 to June 2020 (recruitment period). The average follow-up was 12 weeks, from intaking one of anti-PCSK9, Alirocumab 75 or 150 mg and Evolocumab 140 mg. The scheduled evaluations of the enrolled population were before the beginning of the therapy and after a period of 12 weeks.

Results
After 12 weeks of treatment we demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol (P &lt; 0.001) and LDL (P &lt; 0.001). An important effect on the inflammatory profile was highlighted, resulting in a decrease in Hs-CRP at 12-weeks (P 0.057), associated with an improvement on endothelial function (P 0.003). Reduction of arterial stiffness was no significant (P 0.238).

Conclusions
Data confirm anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies, associated with statins and/or ezetimibe to reach LDL target, improve significantly lipid profile and endothelial function. Furthermore anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies are safe and practically free of side effects.
709 Non-invasive assessment of myocardial work: an useful tool for predicting LV remodelling after myocardial infarction?
Authors: Caminiti Rodolfo , Parlavecchio Antonio , Vetta Giampaolo , Pelaggi Giuseppe , Lofrumento Francesca , Licordari Roberto , Cusma Maurizio , Manganaro Roberta , Pucci M , Radano Ilaria , Citro Rodolfo , Carerj Scipione , Di Bella Gianluca , Micari Antonio , Zito Concetta 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Left ventricular function recovery (LV-REC) or left ventricular adverse remodelling (LV-REM) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) play an important role for identifying patients at risk of heart failure. In this study we aim to evaluate the usefulness of non-invasive myocardial work (MW), a new index of global and regional myocardial performance, to predict LV-REC or LV-REM after AMI.

Methods and results
Fifty patients with AMI (mean age, 63.8 ± 13.4 years), treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), were prospectively enrolled. They underwent a baseline transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) within 48 h after PCI and a second TTE after a median of 31 days during the follow-up. MW was derived from the strain-pressure loops, integrating in its calculation the non-invasive arterial pressure, according to standard speckle tracking echocardiography recommendations. LV-REC was defined as an absolute improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 5% from LVEF at baseline, whereas LV-REM was defined as an increase of ≥ 20% of the LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV) at 1 month follow-up. We overall found a significant improvement from baseline to one-month follow-up for values of LVEF (49.8 ± 9.5% vs. 52.8 ± 9.3%, P = 0.001), global longitudinal strain (GLS) (−13.4 ± 3.9% vs. −18.7 ± 5.4%, P = 0.016), global work index (GWI) (1368.6 ± 435.2 vs. 1788 ± 493 mmHg/%, P = 0.0001), global work efficiency (GWE) (89.96 ± 9.3% vs. 91.3 ± 6.4%, P = 0.001), global constructive work (GCW) (1619.16 ± 497.9 mmHg/% vs. 2008.6 ± 535.3 mmHg/%, P = 0.0001), global wasted work (GWW) (188.8 ± 19.8 mmHg/% vs. 149.2 ± 16.5 mmHg/%). However, LV-REC at 1 month of follow-up was observed only in 36% of the population enrolled, whereas LV-REM was described in 18% of cases. Using ROC curve analysis, we identified a cut off value of 202 mmHg/% for baseline GWW (sensitivity 75%, specificity 62%, AUC 0.6667, CI 95%: 0.51618–0.81715, P = 0.0001) to identify patients with LV-REM at 1 month. With regards to conventional echo parameters, patients with LV-REC showed lower baseline wall motion score index (WMSI) than those without LV-REC (1.73 vs. 1.38, P = 0.007).

Conclusions
Among standard and advanced TTE parameters, only baseline GWW is able to predict early LV-REM at 1 month after primary PCI. Therefore, it could be used during baseline evaluation of AMI patients for a more accurate stratification of those at higher risk of heart failure. However, further larger scale studies are needed to validate these findings.
313 Prognostic value of different echocardiographic indices reflecting right ventriculo-arterial coupling in a large cohort of patients with various cardiac diseases
Authors: Florescu Diana Ruxandra , Muraru Denisa , Volpato Valentina , Tomaselli Michele , Caravita Sergio , Gavazzoni Mara , Florescu Cristina , Parati Gianfranco , Badano Luigi Paolo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Non-invasive parameters used to assess right ventricular (RV) function, i.e. tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (FAC), RV ejection fraction (RVEF), and RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) have shown their prognostic implications. However, since they are extremely load dependent, they do not provide an accurate representation of the RV intrinsic performance. On the other end, invasive indices of RV-arterial coupling (RVAC) derived from pressure–volume loops are not routinely performed, rising the urgency for more feasible, and reliable non-invasive estimates of RVAC. To (i) evaluate the prognostic value of echocardiography-derived RVAC surrogates: RVEF/sPAP, RVFWLS/sPAP, TAPSE/sPAP, FAC/sPAP, and RV stroke volume/end-systolic volume (SV/ESV); (ii) identify the cut-off values associated to all-cause mortality; and (iii) compare their prognostic value with that of classical parameters of RV function.

Methods and results
We prospectively enrolled 366 patients with various cardiac diseases, undergoing clinically indicated comprehensive two- and three-dimensional echocardiography. During a mean follow-up of 7.6 ± 1 years, 80 (21.9%) patients died. At univariable Cox regression, most of the echocardiographic parameters were related to all-cause mortality. The echocardiographic parameters with significance at univariable analysis (P &lt; 0.01) were included in a multivariable regression model. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), RVEF, TAPSE, RVEF/sPAP, and RVFWLS/sPAP remained independently associated to all-cause mortality (P &lt; 0.05 for all). Subsequently, they were tested in receiving operator characteristics (ROC) curves. At ROC analysis, RVEF/sPAP (area under the curve, AUC = 0.807, P &lt; 0.001) and RVFWLS/sPAP (AUC = 0.743, P &lt; 0.001) showed the greatest predictive value (P &lt; 0.001 between them). However, all RV parameters significantly improved their values after indexing for sPAP (P &lt; 0.01 for all). The best cut-offs to predict the outcome were 1.5 for RVEF/sPAP (specificity 71%, sensitivity 83%) and 0.67 for RVFWLS/sPAP (specificity 72%, sensitivity 68%). At Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients with reduced RVAC (less than the predefined cut-offs) had significantly lower probability of survival (P &lt; 0.001 for all).

Conclusions
RVAC surrogates provide incremental prognostic value compared to standard RV functional measurements. RVEF/sPAP, with a cut-off value of 1.5, was the best parameter for risk stratification, and was independently related to all-cause mortality.
511 Cardio-vascular remodelling during sacubitril/valsartan therapy in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Monosilio Sara , Filomena Domenico , Luongo Federico , Neccia Matteo , Sannino Michele , Birtolo Lucia Ilaria , Cimino Sara , Benedetti Giulia , Tonti Giovanni , Pedrizzetti Gianni , Fedele Francesco , Maestrini Viviana , Agati Luciano 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) benefits in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are partially related to cardiac reverse remodelling, in terms of volumes reduction and function improvement. Effects on vascular remodelling are less investigated. To evaluate cardiac and vascular remodelling in a cohort of patients with HFrEF after 6 months of therapy with S/V.

Methods and results
50 patients with HFrEF eligible to start a therapy with sacubitril/valsartan were enrolled. Clinical evaluation and standard and advanced echocardiography were performed at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up (FU). Standard left ventricular dimension and function parameters and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were calculated. Non-invasive pressure-volume curves (P-V loop) estimation was assessed with an off-line dedicated software using ST-E derived time-resolved LV volumes and brachial pressure as input. The following haemodynamic parameters were calculated based on P–V loop curves: left ventricular elastance (Ees), arterial elastance (Ea), and ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC). At 6 months F/U, a reduction of NYHA class in the vast majority of patients was detected (NYHA Class ≥ II, baseline vs. F/U = 100% vs. 50%; P &lt; 0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lower, in comparison with baseline values (119 ± 16 vs. 126 ± 11 mmHg; P = 0.002 and 71 ± 8 vs. 78 ± 8 mmHg; P = 0.001, respectively). At echocardiographic evaluation, left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes decreased and ejection fraction and GLS significantly improved (Table). Moreover, a significant reduction of Ea and a significant improvement of Ees and VAC was observed (Table). 511 Table 1

Conclusions
Therapy with S/V in HFrEF patients determines both cardiac and vascular remodelling reflecting the complex mechanisms behind clinical improvement.
196 Cardiovascular magnetic resonance characterization of myocardial injury in recovered COVID-19 patients with elevated troponins during hospital stay
Authors: Sturla Matteo , Gaetano Liccardo , Condello Francesco , Bombace Sara , Stefanini Giulio G , Condorelli Gianluigi , Francone Marco , Monti Lorenzo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Despite being a common finding in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, cardiac troponin elevation remains a nonspecific detection of myocardial injury and further in-hospital investigation into the cause of myocardial injury is rarely done. COVID-19 patients with myocardial injury show a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate compared with those without myocardial injury and among those with myocardial injury, greater degrees of troponin elevation are associated with higher mortality rates. There are still many questions regarding possible cardiovascular sequelae and prognostic significance in these patients. Being able to distinguish between inflammatory and ischaemic causes of myocardial injury cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the non-invasive modality of choice to investigate myocardial involvement in these patients. Presented are the preliminary single-centre results from a multicentre study aimed to characterize the prevalence, type and extent of COVID-19-related cardiovascular sequelae using CMR imaging.

Methods and results
In this single-centre prospective observational cohort study, patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 and at least one value of high sensitivity I troponin (hs-Tnl) &gt;99th percentile during hospitalization were eligible for follow-up contrast-enhanced CMR imaging. Patients with any standard CMR contraindications were excluded. Images were acquired using a standardized myocarditis protocol including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T1 and T2 mapping. Cutoff values of 1015 ms and 50 ms were used for abnormal T1 and T2 measurements, respectively. Of the 21 patients (65 ± 11.85 years) who underwent imaging, 15 (71.4%) were male. The mean follow-up duration from the date of confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis was 169 ± 19 days. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 64.1 ± 13.87 and 3 (14.3%) patients had evidence of wall motion abnormalities. LGE was seen in 9/20 (45.0%) patients, reflecting myocardial fibrosis. Increased native T1 signal representing myocardial fibrosis and/or oedema was seen in 9/20 (45.0%) patients. While increased native T2 signal, being more specific for oedema was observed in 3/20 (15.0%) patients. Considering CMR findings, 6 (28.6%) patients showed evidence of previous myocarditis.

Conclusions
In this single centre Italian study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and elevated cardiac enzymes, myocarditis-like injury was evident in about a quarter of the patients. Whether these findings will lead to long-term cardiac complications is still to be confirmed.
26 Procedural planning and tip-to-base lampoon to succeed in a complex valve-in-valve TMVR procedure
Authors: Baggio Sara , Lancini Damiano Regazzoli , Bragato Renato Maria , Reimers Bernhard , Pagnotta Paolo Antonio , Colombo Antonio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is a feared complication of transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) procedures. Multimodal imaging evaluation is the key to identify at-risk patient and select the best management.

Methods and results
An 83-year-old woman with a history of mitral valve replacement with a 27-mm Carpentier-Edwards bioprosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) for rheumatic heart disease was admitted to our department complaining worsening effort dyspnoea. Clinical evaluation revealed a grade 3/6 holosystolic murmur. She underwent combined transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) which demonstrated mitral bioprosthesis degeneration leading to severe stenosis (mean gradient = 13 mmHg, PHT-derived area = 0.9 cm2) and moderate regurgitation, with preserved biventricular function, and severe pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary artery systolic pression = 65 mmHg). The patient presented a high estimated risk for redo-surgery (Society of Thoracic Surgeons score estimated mortality: 6%) due to her complex medical history, including advanced chronic kidney disease and permanent atrial fibrillation; therefore, she underwent evaluation for valve-in-valve TMVR. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) revealed bioprosthetic anterior leaflet in tight contact with the septum in systole; predicted neo-LVOT using virtual 26-mm Sapien S3 (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) valve was 150 mm2, conferring a high risk of fixed LVOTO. A 26-mm Sapien S3 valve was selected based on CT derived surgical valve ID of 24 mm. After Heart Team discussion, we performed a modified LAMPOON technique to achieve tip-to-base laceration of the bioprosthetic leaflet beside the LVOT, in order to prevent LVOT obstruction. Briefly, after transseptal puncture through right femoral vein access (16 Fr), we crossed the mitral prosthesis using a balloon wedge end-hole catheter, through which we advanced a 300 cm 0.014-inch wire into the ascending aorta, where it was snared from left arterial femoral access (8 Fr) and covered by a micro-catheter. The wire was previously kinked mid-shaft to form a ‘flying-V’ that was focally denuded and positioned at the target bioprosthetic leaflet’s tip using TEE and fluoroscopy. The guidewire was pulled toward the valve ring and electrified at 70 W with continuous 5% dextrose flush until adequate tip-to-base leaflet laceration. Thereafter, we successfully implant a 26-mm Sapien S3 valve. Maximal LVOT gradient post implant was 5 mmHg. The patient was discharged on post-operative day two and she recovered well, reporting functional and symptomatic improvement at 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions
our case highlights the importance of multimodality imaging and careful procedural planning to succeed even in complex valve-in-valve TMVR procedures. Transcatheter electrosurgery is an emerging tool for percutaneous structural heart interventions.
233 Prognostic implications of the automated detection of lipid core burden index at optical coherence tomography: post hoc analysis of the CLIMA study
Authors: Biccirè Flavio Giuseppe , Budassi Simone , Isidori Francesco , Lella Eugenio , Romagnoli Enrico , Albertucci Mario , Paoletti Giulia , Manna Alessio La , Boi Alberto , Burzotta Francesco , Ozaki Yukio , Mintz Gary S , Alfonso Fernando , Prati Francesco 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Plaque vulnerability features are associated with major coronary events and poor outcomes. However, routinary and reproducible manual assessment of plaque vulnerability features at optical coherence tomography (OCT) is still challenging. We recently developed and validated an OCT-derived automated approach that can identify the intra-plaque lipid core burden index (LCBI). Our aim was to investigate the association between the automated detection of OCT-derived LCBI and clinical events.

Methods and results
We conducted a post hoc analysis of the CLIMA study, a large prospective observational, multicentre registry recruiting all consecutive patients undergoing assessment of the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) segment by OCT in the context of clinically indicated coronary angiography. The automated detection of maximum LCBI was carried out in 4 mm of intervention-naïve proximal LAD segment (maxLCBI4mm) by using the validated software. The mean and median value of LCBI in all study population (n = 1003) was 407.6 and 411.1, respectively. Patients with higher LCBI (≥400) were more frequently male (P = 0.016) and affected by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (0.046). Furthermore, they showed more frequently at OCT analysis the vulnerable plaque characteristics investigated in the CLIMA study (Table 1). At Cox regression analysis, a maxLCBI4mm ≥400 predicted at 1 year both a hard endpoint of cardiac death and target-vessel myocardial infarction [hazard ratio (HR): 2.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–5.3, P 0.011], as well as a composite endpoint of cardiac death, any myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization (HR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.1–3.1, P = 0.011).

Conclusions
In our study, the automated detection of LCBI at OCT was feasible and related to poorer clinical outcome at 1-year follow-up.
494 Glycoprotein IIB/IIIA inhibitors may modulate the clinical benefit of radial access as compared to femoral access in primary percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-regression and a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Cristiano Ernesto , Cava Francesco , Monaco Maria Lo , Tempestini Federica , Giovannelli Francesca , Tommasino Antonella , Zardi Domenico , Berni Andrea , Volpe Massimo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) consistently reported better clinical outcomes with radial as compared to femoral access for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Nevertheless, heterogeneous use of potent antiplatelet drugs, such as Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI), across different studies could have biased the results in favour of radial access. We performed an updated meta-analysis and meta-regression of RCTs in order to appraise whether the use of GPI had an impact on pooled estimates of clinical outcomes according to vascular access.

Methods and results
We computed pooled estimates by the random effects model for the following outcomes: mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and target vessel revascularization), and major bleedings. Additionally, we performed meta-regression analysis to investigate the impact of GPI use on pooled estimates of clinical outcomes. We analysed 14 randomized controlled trials and 11 090 patients who were treated by radial (5497) and femoral access (5593), respectively. Radial access was associated with better outcomes for mortality [risk difference 0.01 (0.00, 0.01), P = 0.03], MACE [risk difference 0.01 (0.00, 0.02), P = 0.003], and major bleedings [risk difference 0.01 (0.00, 0.02), P = 0.02]. At meta-regression, we observed a significant correlation of mortality with both GPI use (P = 0.011) and year of publication (P = 0.0073), whereas no correlation was observed with major bleedings.

Conclusions
In this meta-analysis, the use of radial access for primary PCI was associated with better clinical outcomes as compared to femoral access. However, the effect size on mortality was modulated by GPI rate, with greater benefit of radial access in studies with larger use of these drugs.
376 Incomplete functional revascularization is associated with adverse clinical outcomes after TAVI
Authors: Venturi Gabriele , Scarsini Roberto , Pighi Michele , Ribichini Flavio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Whether incomplete functional revascularization has an impact on the clinical outcome of patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still unknown. We aim to assess the prognostic value of residual functional Syntax score (rFSS) in a cohort of patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods and results
One-hundred-twenty-four patients (229 lesions) with severe aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided revascularization. The primary endpoint of the study was the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction and revascularization at last available follow-up after TAVI. Median Syntax score (SS) and Functional Syntax score (FSS) at baseline were 7 (range 5–12) and 0 (range 0–7) respectively. After revascularization or deferral according to FFR, residual SS (rSS) and rFSS were 5 (range 0–8) and 0 (range 0–0), respectively. At COX regression analysis, angiographic incomplete revascularization (rSS = 0) was not associated with the primary endpoint (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.40; 3.95; P-value 0.698), whereas functional incomplete revascularization was associated with worse event-free survival at Follow-up after adjusting for clinical confounders (HR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.02–13.75, P = 0.047).

Conclusions
Incomplete functional revascularization is associated with adverse clinical outcome after TAVI. rFSS may be regarded as a treatment goal for patients with CAD undergoing TAVI. Further studies are warranted to confirm our hypothesis. 376 Central FigureMACEs free survival analysis of patients stratified according to complete revascularization vs. incomplete revascularization assessed according to anatomy (residual SYNTAX score) (A) or physiology (residual functional SYNTAX score) (B).