bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
478 Clinical outcomes of patients at very high stroke risk undergoing watchman implantation
Authors: Magnocavallo Michele , Rocca Domenico Giovanni Della , Lavalle Carlo , Carola Gianni , Mohanty Sa , Trivedi Chintan , Bassiouny Mohamed , Al-Ahmad Amin , Burkhardt David J , Gallinghouse Joseph G , Sanchez Javier E , Horton Rodney P , Natale Andrea , Chimenti Cristina 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the Watchman device is an effective alternative to oral anticoagulation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation at high thromboembolic risk. We sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of LAAO for stroke and bleeding prevention in patients at very high stroke risk.

Methods and results
Data were extracted from a prospective database of 488 AF patients who underwent LAA closure with a Watchman device. Periprocedural complications, thromboembolic (TE), and bleeding event rates among patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 5 were reported. Predicted annual rates of TE or major bleeding events were compared to the annualized observed risk of the population. Overall, 209 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc ≥5 (CHA2DS2-VASc: 6.0 ± 1.0; HAS-BLED: 3.7 ± 1.1) were included in the study. The mean age was 78 ± 6 years and 52.2% (n = 109) were males. Watchman implantation was successful in all patients. Overall procedure-related complication rate was 3.3% (n = 7). Two major complications were observed (1.0%): one pericardial tamponade requiring surgery and one major bleeding event at 3 days post-procedure. The incidence of minor complications was 2.3% (n = 5). Specifically, two patients experienced a pericardial effusion that required drainage and three had a groin hematoma. During a mean follow-up duration of 12 ± 5 months (193 pt/years), six TE events (2.9%/annualized rate: 3.1%) were documented after a median of 6.3 months (IQR: 2.2–9.6). Based on the estimated annual TE risk according to the CHA2DS2-VASc score (8.5%), the % risk reduction after LAAO was 63.5%. Four major bleeding events [1.9% (median time to event: 2.1 months; IQR: 1.0–3.4)] and five minor bleeding events occurred (2.5%) during follow-up. Compared to the expected rate of bleeding events as assessed by the HAS-BLED of the population (8.03%), LAAO led to a 42% reduction of bleeding risk.

Conclusions
In a population at very high TE risk, LAAO with the Watchman device was a safe and effective approach, and led to a 63.5% of stroke risk.
59 Anxiety and palpitations in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and the added value of remote monitoring (RM) in the COVID-19 pandemic: an Italian single-centre experience
Authors: Strisciuglio Teresa , Ammirati Giuseppe , Pergola Valerio , Addeo Lucio , Rapacciuolo Antonio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Mood disorders are common in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The COVID-19 pandemic may have further undermined their emotional well being exacerbating physical symptoms such as palpitations. We investigated the occurrence of anxiety and palpitations in CIEDs patients during the pandemic. In those with remote monitoring (RM) available, we evaluated whether these symptoms were associated with arrhythmic events.

Methods and results
The generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) 7-items questionnaire and the frequency of palpitations were assessed by telephonic interview. Overall 152 CIEDs patients agreed to be interviewed (119 males, age 69 ± 14 years). The RM was available in 54/152 (36%). Thirty-seven (24%) and 43 (28%) patients had anxiety and palpitations, respectively, and 23 (15%) patients had both. Women were more likely to have symptoms than men (50% vs. 20%; P &lt; 0.01 for anxiety and 53% vs. 24%; P &lt; 0.01 for palpitations). Among patients with palpitations the RM was available in 17/43 (40%) and revealed true arrhythmic events in 7/17 (41%) patients: eight non-sustained ventricular tachycardias (NSVT), two supra-ventricular tachycardias (SVT), four sustained ventricular tachycardias (VT). The RM enabled to detect in six patients a device malfunctioning: in two increased impedance in the shock lead, in three increased capture threshold for the LV lead and in one the battery reached the end of life.

Conclusions
Patients with CIEDs were likely to experience anxiety and palpitations during the COVID-19 outbreak and the RM has been pivotal to ascertain the occurrence of arrhythmic events and device malfunctioning in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients as well.
287 Acute and late echocardiographic and cardiac MRI findings in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Authors: Sirico Domenico , Basso Alessia , Reffo Elena , Cavaliere Annachiara , Castaldi Biagio , Sabatino Jolanda , Meneghel Alessandra , Martini Giorgia , Da Dalt Liviana , Zulian Francesco , Di Salvo Giovanni 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a severe condition affecting children previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2. The aim of our study was to describe the acute and late cardiac abnormalities in patients with MIS-C, evaluated by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and cardiac MRI (CMR).

Methods and results
Twenty-three (13 M, 10 F) patients with confirmed MIS-C diagnosis were recruited. All children underwent standard TTE, STE with analysis of LV global longitudinal strain (GLS). Seventeen (75%) were evaluated with CMR. All children received standard therapy. During follow-up echocardiography and CMR were repeated. Mean age was 8.1 ± 4 years. The majority (78.2%) was Caucasian. Cardiovascular symptoms were present in 10 (43.5%). Nine children (39.1%) shared Kawasaki Disease-like symptoms. Four patients (17.4%) needed ICU admission and three required inotropic support. Short-term survival was 100%. All patients showed a hyperinflammatory state. Tn-I was abnormal (&gt;34 ng/l) in 15 patients (65.2%), BNP was elevated in 20 (86.9%). Median time to STE evaluation was 8 days and to CMR 18 days since fever onset. Mean LVEF and RVEF were, respectively, 59 ± 10% and 45 ± 7%. Coronary dilation was observed in six (26.1%) patients. STE showed reduced mean LVGLS (−17 ± 4.3%). LVEF on CMR was 60 ± 13%, LGE with non-ischaemic pattern was evident in 6/17 patients (35.2%). Median time to follow-up was 49 days for echocardiography and 200 days for CMR since disease onset. STE showed improvement of LVGLS (−18.8 ± 2.2%), while CMR displayed persistence of LGE in two patients and reduction or absence in two of the six patients previously diagnosed.

Conclusions
The elevation of myocardial necrosis markers, the myocardial injury testified by reduced LVGLS and the presence of LGE on CMR in about a quarter of the patients support the hypothesis of a post-viral immune-mediated myocarditis-like pathogenesis of MIS-C. Early follow-up shows improvement of STE and CMR findings corroborating the evidence of excellent short-term survival.
590 ACE-I and ARBS do not influence the chest CT presentation and 1-year survival of COVID-19 patients: Italian multicentre registry
Authors: Birtolo Lucia Ilaria , Infusino Fabio , Depaoli Alessandro , Cimino Sara , Prosperi Silvia , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Colaiacomo Maria Chiara , Andreoli Chiara , Forleo Giovanni Battista , Schiavone Marco , Valentina Lario Chiara , Monosilio Sara , Ricci Paolo , Catalano Carlo , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , D’Ettorre Gabriella , Galardo Gioacchino , Pugliese Francesco , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Maestrini Viviana , Mancone Massimo , Fedele Francesco 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
A possible interference between ACE-i or ARBs with ACE-2 receptor and SARS-CoV-2 pathway has been raised. Despite data have shown no clinical impact of therapy with ACE-I or ARBs on COVID-19, these drugs are often discontinued upon hospitalization or diagnosis. To evaluate the effects of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and prior outpatient therapy with RAAS inhibitors on the chest CT severity score performed within 24 h of diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (before stopping medications or starting specific therapy for COVID-19) and on 1-year survival.

Methods and results
This is a multicentre, prospective, observational study. All admitted patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection who performed chest CT within 24 h of arrival were consecutively enrolled from 1 March to 1 June 2020. A severity score was attributed to Chest CT by two radiologists in blind to the patient’s clinical information and a cut-off value of 19.5 was considered to define severe radiological pneumonia. A 1-year telephone follow-up was performed in order to evaluate the determinants of 1-year survival. 590 patients with a mean age of 63 ± 14 years were included. Seventy-three (12.4%) patients were treated with ACE-I, 85 (14.4%) with ARBs and 62 (10.5%) with CCB. Cox regression analysis showed that male gender (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: from 1.02 to 2.07; P = 0.035), diabetes (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: from 1.03 to 2.7; P = 0.037), age (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: from 1.008 to 1.033; P = 0.001), and obesity (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: from 1.3 to 6.7; P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with a severe CT score. Of note, while prior outpatient therapy with ACE-I and ARBs was not independently associated with severe CT score, therapy with CCB was independently associated with a severe CT score (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: from 1.05 to 3.4, P = 0.033). Severe chest CT severity score (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: from 1.02 to 1.08; P &lt; 0.001), P/F ratio (OR: 0.998; 95% CI: from 0.994 to 0.998; P &lt; 0.001), and older age (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: from 1.03 to 1.1; P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with mortality at 1-year follow-up. Neither ACE-I, ARBs, and CCB were associated with mortality at 1 year follow-up.

Conclusions
ACE-I and ARBs do not influence the chest CT presentation of COVID-19 patients at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, ACE-I and ARBs do not influence 1-year survival of COVID-19 survivors.
216 The ‘inflammatory perfect storm’: a case of COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by pulmonary embolism
Authors: Colangelo Maria , Colangelo Lidia , Paone Paola , Ceravolo Roberto 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
The inflammatory ‘cytokine storm’ that distinguishes COVID-19 pneumonia is associated with a state of systemic hypercoagulability, which leads to thrombotic complications on the venous, arterial, and microvascular side. Indeed, in patients with COVID-19, systemic inflammation, coagulation activation, hypoxemia, and immobilization expose a high risk of pulmonary embolism, which significantly worsens the prognosis of these patients.

Methods and results
In this report, we discuss the case of a 71-year-old female, with no prior medical history, admitted to the emergency department for syncope, dyspnoea, and fever started 48 h earlier. At presentation, ear temperature was 37 °C, oxygen saturation was 96% on oxygen therapy (6 l/min), the patient appeared hypertensive (160/80 mmHg) and tachycardic (114 b.p.m.). Laboratory tests revealed normal white blood cells count (10 000/μl) and increased C reactive protein (5.60 mg/dl), troponin I (0.417 ng/ml), and d-dimer levels (15743 ng/ml). Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia at HR of 120/min, normal atrioventricular conduction time, new onset right bundle branch block, and inverted T waves on DIII. Considering the symptoms, CTPA was performed, revealing massive acute bilateral pulmonary embolism with peripheral ground glass opacities. Those findings were suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia. Indeed, the patient was positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by pulmonary embolism was made. Treatments included oxygen, subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin (LWMH), and corticosteroids have been administrated according to current international guidelines. Since no haemodynamic instability was observed during hospitalization the patient was discharged on Warfarin therapy for 6 months.

Conclusions
In COVID-19 patients treated in a hospital the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) is very high. Patients with COVID-19 infection have respiratory symptoms, which often may not be distinguishable from pulmonary embolism symptoms. So, unexpected respiratory worsening, signs of right ventricular dysfunction on transthoracic echocardiogram, and ECG changes should lead to suspicion of the co-presence of pulmonary embolism. This case report shows how COVID-19 infection can be strongly associated with thrombotic complications. For this reason, the guidelines recommend anticoagulation at standard prophylactic doses in all patients admitted with COVID-19 infection.
618 Clinical conditions and echocariographic parameters associated with mortality in COVID-19
Authors: Silverio Angelo , Di Maio Marco , Scudiero Fernando , Russo Vincenzo , Esposito Luca , Rispoli Antonella , Giano Angelo , Bellino Michele , Alfano Antonia , Citro Rodolfo , Vecchione Carmine , Galasso Gennaro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recently recognized viral infective disease which can be complicated by acute respiratory stress syndrome (ARDS) and cardiovascular complications including severe arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, myocarditis, and pulmonary embolism. The aim of the present study was to identify the clinical conditions and echocardiographic parameters associated with in-hospital mortality in COVID-19.

Methods and results
This is a multicentre retrospective observational study including seven Italian centres. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from 1 March to 22 April 2020, were included into the study population. The association between baseline variables and the risk of in-hospital mortality was assessed through multivariable logistic regression and competing risk analyses. Out of 1401 patients admitted at the participating centres with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, 226 (16.1%) underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and were included in the present analysis. The mean age was 68.9 ± 13.9 years and male sex was reported in 141 patients (62.4%). Admission in intensive care unit was required for 72 patients (31.9%); in-hospital death occurred in 68 patients (30.1%). At multivariable analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, P &lt; 0.001), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE, P &lt; 0.001), and ARDS (P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. At competing risk analysis, we found a significantly higher risk of mortality in patients with ARDS vs. those without ARDS (HR: 7.66; CI: 3.95–14.8), in patients with TAPSE ≤ 17 mm vs. those with TAPSE &gt; 17 mm (HR: 5.08; CI: 3.15–8.19), and in patients with LVEF ≤ 50% vs. those with LVEF &gt; 50% (HR: 4.06; CI: 2.50–6.59) (Figure).

Conclusions
TTE might be a useful tool in risk stratification of patients with COVID-19. In particular, reduced LVEF as well as reduced TAPSE may help to identify patients at higher risk of death during hospitalization. Our preliminary findings need to be confirmed in larger, prospective studies.
622 Long term prognostic impact of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Silverio Angelo , Scudiero Fernando , Di Maio Marco , Russo Vincenzo , Cancro Francesco Paolo , Esposito Luca , Sordillo Martina , Muraca Iacopo , Citro Rodolfo , Parodi Guido , Vecchione Carmine , Galasso Gennaro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
The characteristics and clinical course of hospitalized patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been widely described, while long-term data are still poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome and its association with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Methods and results
This was a retrospective multicentre study of consecutive COVID-19 patients hospitalized at seven Italian Hospitals from 28 February to 20 April 2020. The study population was divided into two groups according to echocardiographic evidence of RV dysfunction defined by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) value &lt;17 mm in accordance with the current guidelines. The primary study outcome was 1-year mortality. The study population consisted of 224 patients (mean age 69 ± 14, male sex 62%); RV dysfunction was diagnosed in 63 cases (28%). Patients with RV dysfunction were older (75 vs. 67 years, P &lt; 0.001) and showed a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (27% vs. 11%, P = 0.003), heart failure (5% vs. 22%; P &lt; 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (13% vs. 38%; P &lt; 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (12% vs. 39%; P &lt; 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower in patients with RV dysfunction that in those without (55% vs. 50%; P &lt; 0.001). The rate of mortality at 1-year was significantly higher in patients with RV dysfunction as compared with those without (67% vs. 28%; P ≤ 0.001). After propensity score matching, patients with RV dysfunction showed a significantly lower long-term survival than patients without RV dysfunction (62% vs. 29%, P &lt; 0.001). At multivariable Cox regression analysis, TAPSE, LVEF and acute respiratory distress syndrome during the hospitalization were independently associated with 1-year mortality (Table).

Conclusions
RV dysfunction is a relatively common finding in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and is independently associated with an higher risk of mortality at one-year follow-up.
407 Phenotypic heterogeneity of COVID-19 pneumonia: clinical and phatophysiologic relevance of the vascular phenotype
Authors: Bertini Matteo , D’Aniello Emanuele , Di Ienno Luca , Gibiino Federico , Tavazzi Guido , Volta Carlo Alberto , Contoli Marco , Papi Alberto , Campo Gianluca , Ferrari Roberto , Rapezzi Claudio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Recent data support the existence of a distinctive ‘vascular’ phenotype with the involvement of both pulmonary parenchyma and its circulation in COVID-19 pneumonia. Its prompt identification is important for the accurate management of COVID-19 patients. The aim is to analyse the pro and contra of the different modalities to identify the ‘vascular’ phenotype. Chest computed tomography scan and angiogram may quantify both parenchyma and vascular damage, but the presence of thrombosis of pulmonary micro-circulation may be missed. Increased d-dimer concentration confirms a thrombotic state, but it cannot localize the thrombus. An elevation of troponin concentration nonspecifically reflects cardiac injury. Echocardiogram and electrocardiogram provide specific signs of right ventricular pressure overload. This is particularly relevant for the ‘vascular’ phenotype which does not necessarily represent the result of thromboembolic venous complications but, more frequently, it is the result of pulmonary microcirculation thrombosis in situ and needs immediate therapeutic action.
394 Incidence and prevalence of acute myocarditis and pericarditis prior to and during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Licordari Roberto , Grigoratos Chrysanthos , Todiere Giancarlo , Barison Andrea , Micari Antonio , Di Bella Gianluca , Aquaro Giovanni Donato 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Myocarditis and pericarditis have been proposed to account for a proportion of cardiac injury during SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reasonable to expect an increasing trend in incidence of this acute inflammatory cardiac diseases. To examine the incidence and prevalence of inflammatory heart disorders prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods and results
This is a retrospective cohort study examining the incidence and prevalence of acute inflammatory heart diseases (myocarditis, pericarditis) in provinces of Pisa, Lucca and Livorno (total population of 11421285 inhabitants) in two time-intervals: (i) prior to (PRECOVID, from 1 June 2018 to 31 May 2019) and (ii) during the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID, from 1 June 2020 to May 2021). Overall 259 cases of inflammatory heart disease (myocarditis and/or pericarditis) occurred in the areas of interest. The annual incidence was of 11.3 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. Particularly, 138 cases occurred in the PRECOVID, and 121 in the COVID period. The annual incidence of inflammatory heart disease was not significantly different (12.1/100 000 in PRECOVID vs. 10.3/100 000 in COVID; P = 0.22). The annual incidence of acute myocarditis was significantly higher in PRECOVID than in the COVID: respectively, 8.1/100 000/year vs. 5.9/100 000 year (P = 0.047), consisting in a net reduction of 27% of cases. Particularly the incidence of myocarditis was significantly lower in COVID than in PRECOVID in the class of age 18–24 (P = 0.048) (Figure). The annual incidence of pericarditis was not significantly different (4.03/100 000 vs. 4.47/100 000; P = 0.61).

Conclusions
Despite a possible etiologic role of SARS-CoV-2 and an expectable increased incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis, data suggest a decrease of acute myocarditis and a stable incidence pericarditis and both diseases.
301 Long term sequelae after COVID-19: the different impact on the right and left ventricles
Authors: Pelà Giovanna , Aiello Marina , Goldoni Matteo , Cavalli Chiara , Perrino Felice , Mantovanelli Luca , Frizzelli Annalisa , Letizia Davide Maria , Tagliaferri Sara , Pizzi Valentina , Mori Pier Anselmo , Majori Maria , Sverzellati Nicola , Corradi Massimo , Chetta Alfredo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Most patients who had COVID-19 are still symptomatic after many months post infection, but the long-term outcomes are not yet well-defined. The aim of our prospective/retrospective study was to define the cardiac sequelae of COVID-19 infection.

Methods and results
This monocentric cohort study included 160 consecutive patients (64 females, 60 + 12 years) who had been discharged from the ward or from the outpatient clinic after a diagnosis of COVID-19 and subsequently referred for a follow-up visit. Clinical features as well as lab and instrumental data about the acute phase of the disease, such as haemodynamic instability (HI), cardiac biomarkers, d-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), high resolution CT (HRCT) score along with information about the follow-up visit, including ECG and Conventional and Doppler Tissue Echocardiographic (DTE) parameters, were recorded. The median follow-up time after symptom onset was 5 months. At follow-up visit, the majority of the patients reported dyspnoea and asthenia. Moreover, echocardiography showed morpho-functional changes of both right (RV) and left (LV) ventricles, such as RV dilation, increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation, and by-ventricular systolic–diastolic dysfunction. When examined using multivariate analysis, independent of age, sex, and co-morbidities, RV and LV changes were significantly associated (P &lt; 0.05) with HRCT score and HI and with CRP, respectively.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that COVID-19 may impact RV and LV differently. Notably, the extent of the pneumonia and HI may affect RV, whereas the inflammatory status may influence LV. A long-term follow-up is warranted to refine and customize the most appropriate therapeutic strategies.