bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
290 The impact of ‘the medication non-adherence’ in patients with cardiovascular disease: causes, outcomes, and interventions. Review of the literature
Authors: Giordano Vincenza , Cardillo Luca 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
The adherence of the pharmacological prescriptions, for patients affected by cardiovascular chronic diseases is one of the most difficult challenges and it’s very important for the clinical efficiency of the therapy. A weak medication adherence or the non-adherence is associated with an increase in health care interventions, an increase in mortality and morbidity, and they can negatively affect the citizens and the sustainability health care system. It’s very important to pay attention to this adhesion and it is a discussed topic in the cardiovascular field. Identify the causes of medication weak adherence and/or medication non-adherence used in cardiovascular diseases and determine the resulting unfavorable clinical outcomes and possible solutions to reduce this phenomenon.

Methods and results
A systematic search was carried out using databases such as PUBMED and CINAHL. The inclusion criteria established, so that an article could be used, was the relevance to the topic. From the studies analyzed for the preparation of the review, it is clear that the main causes of weak adherence and/or non-adherence to drug are the long duration of the therapies, the patient’s age, and the complexity of the therapy. All this leads to unfavorable outcomes for the patient, thus determining an increase in the number of outpatient visits with the risk of hospitalization or re-hospitalization, up to an increase in mortality and/or morbidity.

Conclusions
The medication weak adherence or the medication non-adherence is a crucial element in the cardiovascular field that requires intervention to reduce adverse outcomes. The methods to reduce this phenomenon include health education, the interaction between patient and professionals, medical deprescribing, and the use of electronic control devices which, in recent years, have proved to be perfect allies in adherence.
38 Transcatheter tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair in patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation and previous mitraclip treatment: when four orifices are better than two
Authors: Cacia Michele Antonio , Mongiardo Annalisa , Spaccarotella Carmen Anna Maria , Boccuto Fabiola , Serratore Serena , Aquila Iolanda , Mascaro Giuseppina , Indolfi Ciro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
An 82 years old woman was admitted to our Division for worsening dyspnoea. Her past medical history showed: arterial hypertension, chronic atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulation, a non-critical single-vessel coronary artery disease, previous mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair through 2 Mitraclip NTR. After an initial improvement in clinical symptoms following Mitraclip implantation, the patient was admitted several times for acute decompensated heart failure. Haematological exams at admission were normal, exception of NTproBNP (1909 pg/mL). The ECG documented atrial fibrillation with normal ventricular rate. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated mid-range heart failure (EF 45–50%) with D-shape morphology of the left ventricle. Colour-doppler analysis shows presence of Mitraclip devices in place with mild residual insufficiency, dilation of the right side, torrential tricuspid regurgitation (tTR) with estimated pulmonary arterial pressure of 45 mmHg. Preprocedural transesophageal echocardiography confirmed these findings showing dilation of the tricuspid annulus with two large regurgitating jets.
After positioning Amplatzer Superstiff guide in superior vena cava through guide catheter TSGC0202, a Triclip XT was placed in commissural region between anterior and septal leaflets. A two-grade reduction in tricuspid regurgitation (TR) grade from torrential (5+) to moderate (3+) was achieved without significant transvalvular gradient. The patient was successful discharged after 2 days, asymptomatic and in good clinical conditions. A great reduction in NTproBNP values at discharge was observed (1612 pg/mL). We report a case of successful tricuspid transcatheter repair in patient with chronic decompensated heart failure and previous Mitraclip treatment. The clinical impact of TR reduction is probably due to a positive right ventricular (RV) remodelling, with a reduction in RV size. RV dysfunction and its implications (liver, renal, and haemostatic consequences) are definitely a matter of concern for fragile patients with TR. In fact, many patients with severe TR have a reduced RV function. The reduction in volume and pressure overload of the right heart side, the progressive anatomic and functional reverse of the RV disfunction, may lead to a significant clinical benefit and to a lower hospitalizations rates also through to an important improvement of the left ventricular function as a consequence of the reduction in pressure overload.
657 Right ventricle systolic function and RV-PA coupling in patients with severe aortic stenosis and the early impact of TAVI
Authors: Lillo Rosa , Graziani Francesca , Ingrasciotta Gessica , Przbybylek Bianca , Iannaccone Giulia , Locorotondo Gabriella , Pedicino Daniela , Aurigemma Cristina , Romagnoli Enrico , Trani Carlo , Lanza Gaetano Antonio , Lombardo Antonella , Burzotta Francesco , Massetti Massimo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Few data are available on the prevalence of right ventricle (RV) systolic dysfunction, assessed including RV strain, and RV to pulmonary artery (PA) coupling in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) submitted to TAVI and the early effect of the procedure.

Methods
We performed standard and speckle tracking echocardiography in 80 patients with severe AS the day before TAVI and within 48 h after TAVI. In all patients we measured TAPSE/PASP (cut-off for RV-PA uncoupling 0.31) and in 60/80 we were able to analyse RV global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS) and RV free wall strain (RV-FWS).

Results
RV-FAC and TAPSE were impaired in 8.3% while RV-GLS and RV-FWS in 45% and 33% before TAVI. TAPSE/PASP&lt;0.31 was documented in 7/80 patients (8.7%) before TAVI. These subjects differed from patients with TAPSE/PASP&gt;0.31 for: enlarged left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (P&lt;0.001), worst LVEF (P&lt;0.001) and RVFAC (P&lt;0.001), worst RV-GLS and RW-FWS (P=0.01 and P=0.03) and bigger right atrium (RA) area (P&lt;0.001). After TAVI, RV systolic function did not improve while PASP significantly decreased (P=0.005) driving the improvement of TAPSE/PASP (P=0.01). Patients with TAPSE/PASP improvement (51%) differed from the others for worst pre-TAVI diastolic function (E/e’ P=0.045), RV-FAC (P=0.042), RV-GLS (P=0.049) and RA area (P=0.02).

Conclusions
RV-GLS unveils RV systolic dysfunction in as much as 45% of patients with AS vs. only 8.3% revealed by conventional echocardiography. RV systolic function does not significantly improve early after TAVI while RV-PA coupling does. Patients with lower TAPSE/PASP at baseline have worst LV and RV systolic function as well as larger RA. Patients who improve TAPSE/PASP after TAVI are those with worst diastolic function, RV systolic function and larger RA at baseline.
365 Combining mechanisms of prosthetic valve dysfunction
Authors: Menè Roberto , Tomaselli Michele , Gavazzoni Mara , Maisano Francesco , Parati Gianfranco , Giannattasio Cristina , Badano Luigi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A 32-year-old female was referred to our outpatient clinic for exertional dyspnoea that had worsened in the preceding months. She had a history of mitral and aortic valve replacement with bileaflet mechanical prosthesis (St. Jude Master n. 25 and Medtronic Open Pivot n. 16, respectively) for rheumatic heart disease. A recent echocardiography showed borderline-high trans-aortic gradients (mean 26 mmHg, peak 42 mmHg). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed abnormal aortic transprosthetic flow (peak velocity 442 cm/s, mean gradient 48 mmHg). Continuous Wave Doppler signal was rounded with a long acceleration time (108 ms). Effective orifice area (EOA) was 0.8 cmq (index EOA 0.48 cmq/mq) and Doppler Velocity Index 0.28. Further investigations revealed no signs of infections but suboptimal anticoagulation (INR 2.5). Transesophageal 3D echocardiography was suggestive for hypomobility of the prosthetic leaflets and the presence of an isoechoic mass encircling the ventricular side of the aortic prosthesis compatible with pannus overgrowth. Cardiac CT confirmed the presence of a symmetrical reduction in the systolic opening of both leaflets. The patient underwent a redo of aortic valve replacement that confirmed the presence of an asymmetric subprosthetic pannus overgrowing on the previously implanted surgical pledgets. After pannus debritment a St. Jude Regent n. 21 was implanted. The patient experienced complete symptomatic resolution. We presented the case of a prosthetic aortic valve dysfunction due to a combination of patient-prosthesis mismatch and pannus overgrowth. In our patient, as assessed in the old echocardiographic examinations, the presence of mildly elevated transprosthetic gradients was suggestive for prosthesis undersizing related to body surface area. In this scenario, subvalvular pannus formation caused significant changes in prosthetic valve transvalvular flow dynamic leading to prosthesis dysfunction. This case emphasises the crucial role of echocardiographic follow up in detection of causes of prosthetic heart valve dysfunction and how optimal valve sizing is paramount in aortic valve replacement.
699 Incidence of COPD in primary and secondary outcomes in patients undergoing a TAVI
Authors: Alkhoury Elie , Prandi Francesca Romana , Pensabene Giulia , Di Luozzo Marco , Marchei Massimo , Macrini Massimiliano , Romeo Francesco , Muscoli Saverio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
The association between severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in-hospital mortality (IHM) as well as incidence of post-procedural intubation and length of in-hospital stay (LOHS) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transfemoral (TF) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still unclear. We evaluated the impact of severe COPD on IHM, post-procedural tracheal intubation and LOHS in patients with severe AS undergoing TF TAVI.

Methods
We retrospectively analysed a total of 550 consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI in our centre between 2011 and 2021. We divided the patients in Group 1 (affected by severe COPD) and Group 2 (without COPD). We further divided the patients affected by COPD into Subgroup A (on COPD medical treatment) and Subgroup B (without COPD medical treatment).

Results
A total of 550 patients who underwent TF TAVI were included in this analysis. 38.55% (n=212) had a diagnosis of COPD (Group 1) and 61.45% (n=338) were not affected by COPD (Group 2). In Group 1, 29.38% (n=62) of patients were receiving medical treatment for COPD (Subgroup A), while 70.6% (n=149) were not on COPD medications (Subgroup B). The mean age was 81.83±6.67 in Group 1 vs. 81.33±7.21 in Group 2 (P=0.45), and 82.12±7.6 in Subgroup A vs. 82.14±6.82 in Subgroup B (P=0.98). The gender distribution showed 127 (45%) men in Group 1 vs. 96 (50%) men in Group 2 (P=0. 33), and 21 (42%) men in Subgroup 1 vs. 75 (53%) men in Subgroup B (P=0.28). The mean EUROSCOREII was 8.26±7.03 in Group 1 vs. 6.81± 7.57 in Group 2, P= 0.11, and 7.24±5.49 in Subgroup A vs. 9.30±7.5 in Subgroup B, P=0.52. There was no difference observed for in-hospital mortality between Group 1 and Group 2 (0.04% vs. 0.05%; P=0.6) and between Subgroup A and Subgroup B (0.04% vs. 0.04%; P=0.7). Similarly, the incidence of post-procedural intubation was comparable between Group 1 and Group 2 (0.06% vs. 0.03%; P=0.18), and between Subgroup A and Subgroup B (0.08% vs. 0.05%; P=0.78). Finally, also the mean length of in-hospital stay was similar between Group 1 and Group 2 (10±4.46 days vs. 9.68± 5.02 days; P=0.47), and between Subgroup A and Subgroup B (10.36±4.24 days vs. 9.87±4.54 days; P=0.5).

Conclusions
In patients with severe aortic stenosis treated with transfemoral TAVI, the presence of severe COPD does not affect in-hospital mortality, incidence of post-procedural intubation and length of in-hospital stay. COPD medications do not impact any of the outcomes evaluated. Therefore, TF TAVI is a safe procedure also for patients affected by severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that are not on COPD medications.
227 Myocardial work evaluation in severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Sperlongano Simona , Renon Francesca , Del Giudice Carmen , Iannuzzi Angela , Bocchetti Marco , D'aquino Marco Malvezzi Caracciolo , Liccardo Biagio , Scognamiglio Gabriella , Salerno Gemma , Ciccarelli Giovanni , Bianchi Renato , Tartaglione Donato , Bigazzi Maurizio Cappelli , Golino Paolo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Myocardial work (MW) is a novel echocardiographic technique which assesses left ventricular (LV) performance through LV pressure-strain loops. MW corrects speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)-derived parameters for afterload using non-invasive systolic blood pressure (SBP) as a surrogate for LV systolic pressure. In patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), the corrected MW (cMW) has been proposed, consisting in adding the mean aortic gradient in SBP. This method revealed to be feasible and reliable, demonstrating good correlation with invasively measured LV systolic pressure.

To evaluate myocardial performance of patients with severe AS, before and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), by MW indices.

Methods
patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI were included. Transthoracic, standard echocardiography and STE were performed the day before the procedure and within 2 days after. MW was calculated by combining STE-derived indices with non-invasively estimated LV systolic pressure.

Results
30 patients (79±5 years old, 56% females) with severe AS (mean gradient 47±14 mmHg, aortic valve area 0.6±0.1 cm2), and eligible for TAVI were enrolled. Baseline global longitudinal strain was impaired (GLS −15±4%), in presence of normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF 57±10%). Corrected global work index and global constructive work were preserved at baseline and markedly decreased after TAVI (cGWI 2322±791 vs. 1710±505 mmHg%, P=0.001; cGCW 2774±803 vs. 2083±536 mmHg%, P=0.0007). Corrected global wasted work and global work efficiency were respectively higher and lower than reference values existing in literature, and no significant changes were observed after TAVI (cGWW 276±174 vs. 277±165 mmHg%, P=0.974; cGWE 89±5 vs. 87±5%, P=0.177). A significant inverse correlation was found between baseline cGWI and left atrial volume index (r = −0.5, P=0.03).

Conclusions
Patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved LVEF show a good LV performance before and after TAVI, with a significant decrease in MW indices after TAVI, because of the reduced afterload due to AS treatment. The negative correlation between left atrial volume and cGWI may reflect the extent of myocardial damage in AS. However, further studies with larger sample size and appropriate follow-up are needed to evaluate the role of MW in prognosis and risk stratification of this subset of patients.
681 Ventricular fibrosis affects diastolic function and atrial remodelling long-term after aortic valve replacement for aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Tadiello Enrico , Trento Laura , Setti Martina , De Conti Giorgia , Onorati Francesco , Faggian Giuseppe , Zamboni Mauro , Rossi Andrea , Benfari Giovanni , Ribichini Flavio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Aortic stenosis (AS) is characterized both by progressive valve narrowing and left ventricular remodelling response. Myocardial fibrosis has significant functional consequences and is the key pathological process driving left ventricular decompensation. Furthermore, studies suggest that myocardial fibrosis is irreversible, despite surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The study aims to define the association between myocardial fibrosis and long-term diastolic and atrial function after SAVR, which are both markers of poor clinical outcomes.

Methods
We evaluated patients with isolated AS and no-coronary artery disease referred for SAVR in 2015. All of them received a biological valve and a left ventricular biopsy was performed at the time of surgery. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluation was performed before surgery and after about 6 years, including fully automated 2D speckle tracking analysis software (TomTec). Atrial function was evaluated with PALS, PACS, and LAVi/septal a’ TDI.

Results
Nineteen patients completed the follow-up and formed the study cohort, age 72 ± 6 years, 42% female, ejection fraction 63 ± 6.4%, mean fibrosis 26.4 ± 12.7%. Significant myocardial fibrosis (&gt; 33%) was found in 13/19 patients (68%). Although similar at baseline, after 5.6±0.5 years, PACS was significantly higher in patients with low myocardial fibrosis (13.7±4.2 vs. 8.0±3.8, P=0.01), the same trends were observed for PALS (24.1±7.9 vs. 17.0±6.6, P=0.07) and LAVi/septal a’TDI (5.4±1.3 vs. 7.4±2.8, P=0.06). The diastolic profile at long term follow-up was also significantly worsened in patients with LV fibrosis: E/A 0.9±0.3 vs. 1.3±0.4 P= 0.03 and E/e’ 10.6±3.3 vs. 16.6±4.5 P=0.01).

Conclusions
Myocardial fibrosis at the time of SAVR strongly influences long-term diastolic Doppler profile and atrial function with potentially harmful consequences on clinical status and ventricular performance.
241 Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cannata Francesco , Chiarito Mauro , Pinto Giuseppe , Villaschi Alessandro , Sanz-sanchez Jorge , Fazzari Fabio , Regazzoli Damiano , Mangieri Antonio , Bragato Renato M , Colombo Antonio , Reimers Bernhard , Condorelli Gianluigi , Stefanini Giulio G 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are typical diseases of the elderly. Up to 16% of older adults with severe AS referred to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have a concomitant diagnosis of CA. CA-AS population suffers from reduced functional capacity and worse prognosis than AS patients. As the prognostic impact of TAVR in patients with CA-AS has been historically questioned and in light of recently published evidence, we aim to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the efficacy and safety of TAVR in CA-AS patients.

Methods
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies: 1) evaluating mortality with TAVR as compared to medical therapy in CA-AS patients, and 2) reporting complications and clinical outcomes of TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared to patients with AS alone.

Results
A total of 8 observational studies were identified, 4 of which reporting mortality with TAVR and 4 reporting complications and clinical outcomes after TAVR of patients with CA-AS compared with AS alone patients. In patients with CA-AS, the risk of mortality was lower with TAVR as compared to medical therapy (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.73, I²=0%, P=0.001, number needed to treat=3). The safety profile of TAVR seems to be similar in patients with CA-AS as compared to those with AS alone, with comparable risks of stroke, vascular complications, life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury and 30-day mortality, although CA-AS was associated with a trend towards an increased risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.91–4.09, I2=0%, P=0.085). CA is associated with a numerically higher rate of long-term mortality and rehospitalizations following TAVR in patients with CA-AS as compared to those with AS alone.

Conclusions
TAVR is an effective and safe procedure in CA-AS patients, with a substantial survival benefit as compared to medical therapy, and a safety profile comparable to patients with AS alone except for a trend towards higher risk of permanent pacemaker implantation.
218 Coronary artery disease in athletes: a case report
Authors: Colangelo Lidia , Colangelo Maria , Gareri Clarice 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Despite the proven benefits of regular physical exercise, and although sportsmen are the paradigm of healthy individuals, the athletes population is not risk-free and can suffer severe clinical conditions including coronary artery disease (CAD) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Identification of athletes with higher cardiovascular risk is a crucial goal of pre-participation screening.

Methods and results
In this report, we discuss the case of a 79-year-old male. He was a cyclist, who performed a visit to the sports doctor to have issued a certificate for competitive fitness. He was dyslipidaemic, hypertensive, diabetic, and he reported no symptoms. The patient’s ECG revealed an advanced second-degree atrioventricular block. For this reason, he was admitted to the emergency department and he underwent urgent coronary angiography and a temporary Pacemaker. Indeed, a diagnosis of bivasal coronary artery disease was made, and for the first time the patient was subjected to angioplasty of the anterior descending branch and circumflex branch. Subsequently, for the persistence of bradyarrhythmia, he was subjected to a definitive Pacemaker implant.

Conclusions
The benefits of exercise in the overall population are multiple and indisputable, but in athletes with cardiovascular disease exercise can also be associated with adverse clinical events, including SCD. In veterans, a growing group of athletes, CAD is the most common cause of SCD. Detection of subclinical CAD should be the main objective of veteran athlete screening, since the performance of classical cardiovascular risk stratification based on clinical factors appears to be suboptimal.