bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic benefit from an early invasive strategy in patients with non ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS): evaluation of the new risk stratification in the NSTEACS European guidelines
Authors: Martinon-Martinez J , Alvarez Alvarez B , Gonzalez Ferrero T , Garcia-Rodeja Arias F , Otero Garcia O , Cacho Antonio C , Abou Jokh Casas C , Cordero A , Cid Alvarez B , Iglesias Alvarez D , Agra Bermejo R , Rigueiro Veloso P , Garcia Acuna J M , Gude Sampedro F , Gonzalez Juanatey J R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of our work is to evaluate the prognostic benefit of an early invasive strategy in patients with high-risk NSTACS according to the recommendations of the 2020 clinical practice guidelines during long-term follow-up.

Methods
This retrospective observational study included 6454 consecutive NSTEACS patients. We analyze the effects of early coronary angiography (&lt;24 h) in patients with: (a) GRACE risk score &gt;140 and (b) patients with “established NSTEMI” (non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction defined by an increase in troponins) or dynamic ST-T-segment changes with a GRACE risk score &lt;140.

Results
From 2003 to 2017, 6454 patients with “new high-risk NSTEACS” were admitted, and 6031 (93.45%) of these underwent coronary angiography. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, the long-term cumulative probability of being free of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and MACE differed significantly due to an early coronary interven- tion in patients with NSTEACS and GRACE &gt;140 [HR 0.62 (IC 95% 0.57–0.67), HR 0.62 (IC 95% 0.56–0.68), HR 0.57 (IC 95% 0.53–0.61), respectively]. In patients with NSTEACS and GRACE &lt;140 with established NSTEMI or ST/T-segment changes, the benefit of the early invasive strategy is only observed in the reduction of MACE [HR 0.62 (IC 95% 0.56–0.68)], but not for total mortality [HR 0.96 (IC 95% 0.78–1.2)] and cardiovascular mortality [HR 0.96 (IC 95% 0.75–1.24)].

Conclusions
An early invasive management is associated with reduced all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and MACE in NSTEACS with high GRACE risk score. However, this benefit is less evident in the subgroup of patients with a GRACE score &lt;140 with established NSTEMI or ST/T-segment changes.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Specific actin (ACTC1) missense variants are associated with different overlapping clinical phenotypes and outcomes
Authors: Valverde M , Garcia Hernandez S , Brogger M N , Fernandez G , Cardenas I , Garcia-Gustiniani D , Fernandez X , Lamounier A , Ochoa J P , Ortiz-Genga M , Monserrat L , McKenna W 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Pathogenic variants in ACTC1 have been associated with hypertrophic (HCM), dilated (DCM), and left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathies. Phenotypes often overlap and atrial septal defects have also been reported. Prognostic data on carriers of these variants are scarce.

Methods and results
The proprietary database of a cardiovascular genetic laboratory was examined to assess penetrance and survival in the 438 carriers (191 families) of 75 missense variants in ACTC1 associated with disease. Their mean age at diagnosis was 32.4 (±18.7) years; 52% were male. The diagnosis was isolated HCM in 47%, LVNC in 17%, and DCM in 9%. LVNC with either HCM or DCM was present in an additional 8%; 13% had an atrial septal defect. Among carriers with echocardiographic information, left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction were described in 13% and 16%, respectively. Ventricular arrhythmias and conduction defects were reported in 94 and 93 carriers. Percentages have not been calculated for the latter, as we cannot ensure a denominator in whom cardiac conduction defects and arrhythmias were certainly discarded.
Overall, 50% of carriers were diagnosed by age 45, and 10% had experienced a major cardiac event. The p.Leu10Met and p.His90Tyr variants (23% of all carriers) demonstrated lower penetrance and a better prognosis than the p.Glu101Lys variant and the other missense variants.

Conclusions
Missense variants in ACTC1 are associated with a range of phenotypes that often overlap. Overall, penetrance and outcomes are age-dependent with a moderate rate of major cardiac events, which are highly dependent on the specific disease-causing variant

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. The graph shows the percentage of carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic missense variants in the ACTC1 gene diagnosed at different ages. Considering all the missense variants in ACTC (in red), 50% of carriers had been diagnosed by age 45. It is worth highlighting the percentage of diagnosis (&gt;15%) in the first 15 years of life, which is higher than the figure usually observed in sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Figure 2. The graph shows the survival free of major cardiovascular events (sudden, heart failure, stroke-related death, appropriate ICD therapy and heart transplant) in individuals with missense variants in ACTC1. Carriers and affected relatives without genetic study were included. Events were infrequent in two of the most informative variants (p.Leu10Met and p.His90Tyr), and significantly different compared with carriers of the other missense variants (p=0.036 for p.Leu10Met and p=0.015 for p.His90Tyr).
Hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening is associated with structural valve deterioration following transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Rashid H , Ramnarain J , Nasis A , Nicholls S J , Cameron J D , Gooley R P 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
While hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) has been extensively described following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), it remains unclear if HALT impacts long-term prosthetic haemodynamics or predicts structural valve deterioration (SVD).

Purpose
To determine the role of HALT and its characteristics of depth and thickness in predicting SVD.

Methods
We prospectively evaluated 186 patients who had undergone TAVR with 320-slice CT imaging for the presence of HALT, defined as hypo-attenuation of bioprosthetic leaflets in diastole. All assessments were performed by two blinded operators on the 3Mensio workstation. HALT depth (thickness) was the greatest depth in the sagittal view and HALT area was the greatest area in the axial view. SVD was defined as at least one of mean gradient ≥20 mmHg, increase in gradient ≥10 mmHg from baseline and at least moderate valvular regurgitation. Echocardiograms at discharge, one month and annually were assessed by cardiologists blinded to HALT status.

Results
LT prevalence was 17.7% at a median CT scan of 6 weeks. SVD occurred in 8.6% at a median follow-up of 2 years (IQR 1–3); two required valve re-intervention, five required anticoagulation that reversed moderate-severe gradient and nine had mild-moderate gradients that were closely monitored. Patients with HALT were more likely to develop SVD (39.3% vs 1.9%, p&lt;0.01) and higher trans-valvular gradients throughout follow-up at up to 3-year follow-up. HALT affected one leaflet in 17 cases, two leaflets in 13 cases and three leaflets in 3 cases. Patients with HALT had a median cumulative thickness of 2.9 mm (IQR 1.9–4.7) and a median area of 64.2 mm2 (IQR 40.9–91.6). Threshold for the occurrence of SVD with HALT characteristics were cumulative depth of 2.4 mm (Specificity 94.1%, Sensitivity 75.0%, AUC=0.87) and cumulative area of 28 mm2 (Specificity 92.2%, Sensitivity 81.3%, AUC=0.86).

Conclusion
HALT was associated with SVD and higher trans-valvular gradients following TAVR. HALT depth and area were strong predictors of SVD. CT following TAVR may determine patients at-risk of SVD.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Heart Foundation AustraliaNational Health and Medical Research Council Australia
Global constructive myocardial work predicts left ventricular disfunction onset beyond longitudinal strain in patients with significant primary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Tunyan L G , Chilingaryan A , Tumasyan L R , Kzhdryan H K , Zelveyan P H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Accurate surgical timing for significant primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) still remains an issue despite of several ways of left ventricular (LV) hidden disfunction detection, including LV global longitudinal strain (GLS). Since novel modalities such as myocardial work (MW) or area strain (AS) are currently available we assumed that they might predict surgical timing beyond known parameters.

Methods
58 patients (31 female) 63±8 years, asymptomatic and with pulmonary systolic pressure (PSP) ≤45 mmHg on exercise echo test (ET), with PMR, in sinus rhythm, with ejection fraction (EF) ≥65% and GLS &lt;−19.5% were enrolled into the study along with 23 healthy subjects matched by age and sex and followed up for 1 year. Comprehensive echocardiography (EchoCG) was performed with offline analysis including MW and AS by one experienced specialist. GW index (GWI) was obtained from pressure-strain loops derived from speckle tracking analysis multiplied by brachial systolic blood pressure.Global constructive work (GCW) as the sum of positive work due to myocardial shortening during systole and negative work due to lengthening during isovolumic relaxation, global wasted work (GWW) aa energy loss by myocardial lengthening in systole and shortening in isovolumic relaxation, and GW efficiency (GWE) as the percentage ratio of constructive work to the sum of constructive work and wasted work were obtained by the dedicated software.

Results
13 (22%) patients with PMR became symptomatic or increase PSP &gt;50 mmHg on ET in 1 year follow up. EF, GLS, AS and GWI did not differ between symptomatic patients and those who remained asymptomatic during follow up, however these patients had significantly lower values of GCW, and higher values of GWW (EF 68.3±6.1% vs 69.2±6.5%, p=NS; GLS –22.4±2.3% vs 23.1±3.2%, p=NS, GWI 2452±161 mmHg% vs 2479±147 mmHg%, p=NS; GCW 1875±119 mmHg% vs 2321±124 mmHg%, p&lt;0.01; GWW 118±9 mmHg% vs 88±7 mmHg%, p&lt;0.03; GWE 93±8% vs 96±9%, p=NS; AS −32.5±5.4% vs −34.3±6.1%, p=NS;). Patients with subsequent symptoms development had significantly lower values of GCW and higher values of GWW. Among all parameters GCW was the predictor of MR clinical course worsening (AUC 0.769).

Conclusion
MR GCW is able to predict clinical course of patients with PMR beyond known conventional parameters.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): City Hall resources
TAVI for low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis: impact on outcome
Authors: Oikonomou G , Simopoulou C , Drakopoulou M , Synetos A , Latsios G , Stathogiannis K , Toskas P , Karmpalioti M , Apostolos A , Soulaidopoulos S , Toutouzas K , Tsioufis K 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Several factors have been identified as predictors of events after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) but the impact of transaortic flow (F) and mean transaortic gradient (MG) upon outcomes is controversial. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic role of low FL and low MG after TAVI.

Methods
Patients with severe and symptomatic aortic stenosis [effective orifice area (EOA) ≤1cm2], referred for TAVR at our institution were consecutively enrolled. Given the aim of this analysis, patients were divided according to F and MG into four groups: 1) LF-LG Patients with low flow (SVi &lt;35ml/m2) and low mean gradient (MG &lt;40mmHg), 2) NF-LG Patients with normal flow (SVi ≥35ml/m2) and low mean gradient (MG &lt;40mmHg), 3) LF-HG Patients with low flow (SVi &lt;35ml/m2) and high mean gradient (MG ≥40mmHg) and 4) NF-HG patients with normal flow (SVi ≥35ml/m2) and high mean gradient (MG ≥40mmHg). Prospectively collected demographic, laboratory and echocardiographic data were retrospectively analyzed. One-year outcomes were compared between the 4 groups of patients. Primary clinical endpoint was all-cause mortality at long term follow up, as defined by the criteria proposed by the Valve Academic Research Consortium2.

Results
In total 255 patients undergoing TAVI at our institution were included in our study: 35 (13.7%) patients with LF-LG, 17 (6.7%) with NF-LG, 108 (42.4%) with LF-HG and 95 (37.3%) with NF-HG. There was a statistically significant difference in gender distribution between the groups with most females being represented in the NF-HG group (64.2%) vs the LF-LG (31.4%), the NF-LG (47.1%) or the LF-HG group (50.9%) (p=0.008). Moreover, LF-LG patients were younger than NF-LG, LF-HG or NF-HG patients (ANOVA, p=0.037). There was a greater prevalence of prior myocardial infarction (MI) in the LF-LG group (34.5%) vs 20% in the NF-LG, 16.1% in the LF-HG and 20.2% in the NF-HG group (p=0.005). At 1 year follow up there were no statistically significant differences in major vascular complication, major bleeding complication or permanent pacemaker implantation rates between the groups, (all p&gt;0.05). At a median follow up of 36 months IQR (17, 56) all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the LF-LG group as opposed to the NF-LG, LF-HG and NF-HG groups (77.41% vs 60% vs 55.67% vs 46.15% respectively, p=0.005). These results were confirmed by multivariate logistic regression analysis, as the combination of low flow and low mean gradient emerged as the strongest long term all cause mortality predictor (HR: 5.39, 95% confidence intervals: 1.72–16.83; p=0.004)

Conclusion
Combination of low flow and low mean transaortic gradient portends a worse prognosis after TAVI.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Clinical and health status outcomes in nonagenarians undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair
Authors: Chen K C , Patil R P , Arora Y A , Kapila A K , Rothenberg M R , Nores M N , Chait R C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) has emerged as an effective treatment in patients with mitral regurgitation due to degenerative valve disease and increased surgical risk. However, nonagenarians were excluded from the original TMVR trials and there is paucity of data.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and health status outcomes in nonagenarians undergoing TMVR.

Methods
This is a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent TMVR at a community hospital between June 2012 and December 2019. Baseline clinical characteristics and post-operative outcomes were collected and compared. This cohort of patients was stratified into three groups, age &lt;80 (n=57), 80–89 (n=150) and ≥90 (n=40). Clinical outcomes assessed were procedural complications and 30-day and 1-year mortality. Health status was assessed using the 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary score (KCCQ-OS) at baseline and at 1-month and 12-month follow-up.

Results
Overall there was no significant difference in procedural complications between the three groups (Table 1). Although not statistically significant, nonagenarians had higher rates of stroke (0% vs 0.6% vs 5%, p=0.053). 30-day and 1-year mortality were similar (p=0.796 and p=0.599). At baseline, there was significance difference in KCCQ-OS between three groups (27.0±20.8 vs 45.3±26.4 vs 41.1±26.2, p=0.ehab724.16483). However, there were no difference in KCCQ-OS at 1-month or 12-months (p=0.731 and p=0.561).

Conclusion
In our single center retrospective study, nonagenarians who underwent TMVR had similar clinical and health status outcomes compared to other age groups. TMVR appeared to be a safe and effective procedure in this patient population.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in severe aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pinto G , Villaschi A , Sanz-Sanchez J , Fazzari F , Regazzoli D , Mangieri A , Pini D , Bragato R M , Colombo A , Reimers B , Condorelli G , Stefanini G G , Chiarito M , Cannata F 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are typical degenerative diseases of the elderly. According to recent studies, up to 16% of patients referred to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have a concomitant diagnosis of CA. Until recently, TAVR in patients with CA and AS has been considered futile, following the results of small observational studies. However, few studies recently suggested a beneficial impact of TAVR in patients with AS and CA as compared with medical therapy alone.

Purpose
To clarify the efficacy and safety profile of TAVR in CA-AS patients.

Methods
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating the risk of mortality after TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared with medical therapy. Moreover, we performed a systematic review and descriptive meta-analysis of studies reporting outcomes and complication rates of TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared with patients with AS alone.

Results
We identified 4 observational studies reporting data on mortality in CA-AS patients treated with either TAVR or medical therapy. Mortality was significantly lower in patients undergoing TAVR (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.73, I2=0%, NNT=2.6) as compared with medical therapy. A sensitivity analysis with hazard ratio as effect estimate showed consistent results. Then, we identified 4 observational studies reporting data on mortality, re-hospitalizations and periprocedural complications of TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared with patients with AS alone. We found higher rates of mortality, cardiovascular hospitalization and need for permanent pacemaker implantation in CA-AS patients as compared to lone AS patients undergoing TAVR. Conversely, no differences were found in terms of stroke, acute kidney injury and vascular complications.

Conclusions
Our analysis rejects the idea of futility of TAVR in CA-AS patients showing a clear survival benefit of CA-AS patients undergoing TAVR as compared with medical therapy. Moreover, these patients may undergo TAVR with an acceptable procedural risk, that is substantially comparable to lone AS patients, except for a higher incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Relative prevalence and outcomes of low gradient severe aortic stenosis in routine clinical practice
Authors: Snir A , Ng M K , Playford D , Strange G , Stewart S , Celermajer D S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The prevalence and outcomes of low-gradient severe aortic stenosis (AS), in particular low-flow low-gradient (LFLG) severe AS, have not been well characterized.

Objectives
We sought to delineate the relative prevalence and outcomes of patients with low-gradient severe AS in routine clinical cardiology practice.

Methods
Data were derived from the National Echocardiography Database of Australia (NEDA), a national multicentre clinical registry with data linkage to mortality. A total of 192,060 adults with native aortic valve profiling from 2000–2019 were identified, of whom 12,013 (6.3%) had severe AS (aged 75.3±13.1 years, 53.5% men). Severe AS subtypes were determined using standard echocardiographic criteria. All-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality were assessed on an adjusted basis (age and sex) in 8,162 patients with classifiable severe AS subtypes, during mean follow-up of 88±45 months. Additionally, rates of recorded Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) during follow-up were compared between AS groups.

Results
5,601 patients (47%) had high-gradient and 6,412 patients (53%) had low-gradient severe AS. In the low-gradient group, Stroke Volume Index data was recorded in 2,741 patients; 1,750 (64%) had LFLG and 991 (36%) had normal-flow low-gradient (NFLG). For LFLG patients, 1,570 had LV ejection fraction recorded; 959 (61%) had paradoxical LFLG and 651 (39%) had classical LFLG. Adjusted 5-year cardiovascular mortality rates were 28% in high-gradient, 24% in NFLG, 27% in paradoxical LFLG and 50% in classical LFLG patients (p&lt;0.001). Rates of recorded AVR per mean follow-up years were 5.2% for high-gradient, 4.0% for NFLG, 3.1% for classical LFLG and 2.4% for paradoxical LFLG severe AS (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions
Approximately half the subjects with echocardiographic features of severe AS in routine clinical practice have low-gradient haemodynamics, associated with long-term mortality comparable to or worse than high-gradient severe AS. The poorest survival was associated with classical LFLG severe AS.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Summary illustration5 year mortality curves
Prevalence, echocardiographic profile and clinical outcomes of patients with paradoxical low-gradient rheumatic mitral stenosis
Authors: Ngiam N , Chew N W S , Sia C H , Stassen J , Marsan N A , Poh K K , Kong W K F , Bax J J , Delgado V 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) has been conventionally defined by the mitral valve area (MVA), and associated with an elevated mean pressure gradient (PG) across the valve. However, there may be discrepancies between MVA and PG. We compared the clinical and echocardiographic parameters, as well asoutcomes of those with consistent (normal-gradient, NG) versus discrepant (Low-gradient, LG) grading between MVA and PG.

Methods
Consecutive patients (n=452) with index echocardiographic diagnosis of rheumatic MS (MVA &lt;1.5cm2) were examined. Patients were matched by MVA and divided based on mean PG (LG &lt;10mmHg or HG ≥10mmHg). The groups were compared using appropriate univariable, multivariable and survival analyses. Patients were followed up prospectively for clinical outcomes (admission for congestive heart failure, stroke or death).

Results
There were 226 patients (50.0%) with LGMS despite MVA&lt;1.5cm2. They had similar age and body mass index. The LG group had higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (62.4% vs 45.1%, p&lt;0.001), hypertension (31.4% vs 18.8%, p&lt;0.001) and lower heart rate during echocardiography (74.3±16.6 vs 82.5±20.2 beats per minute, p&lt;0.001). LG MS patients had lower incidence of adverse events (log-rank 4.62, p=0.032). On multivariable Cox regression adjusting for age, left ventricular ejection fraction, MVA, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and mitral valve procedure, LG MS remained protective for adverse events (adjusted HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38–0.89, p=0.013).

Conclusions
There was significant prevalence of paradoxical LG MS. Despite similar MVA, these patients had lower PASP and had fewer adverse outcomes on follow-up.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Dr Jan Stassen is supported by an ESC Training Grant (Appehab724.169164741)