bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of a new index of myocardial strain for the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Conci Santorio N , Santorio P T , Conci N B , Krieger J E , Rochitte C E , Soares Junior J , Kairalla R A , Arimura F E , Fernandes F , Hotta V T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The diagnosis of cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis is challenging and often expensive.

Purpose
The aim of this study is to assess whether a new strain index proposed by the authors has incremental value in the evaluation of cardiac involvement, compared to the use of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS).

Methods
This is a single-center, non-blinded, pilot cross-sectional study. Patients of both genders, &gt;18 years old, with confirmed diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis according to the Heart Rhythm Society criteria, and controls consisting of individuals diagnosed with systemic sarcoidosis without cardiac involvement, were included. Patients with obesity grade 2 or higher , moderate or severe primary heart valve disease, myocardial diseases of other etiologies, established coronary artery disease, and inadequate acoustic window were excluded. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography, with subsequent measurements performed on a workstation. The following LV indexes were evaluated: GLS and the new proposed index, calculated by the ratio between LVEF and the sum of the two segments with the lowest absolute strain values. ROC curves were calculated for both parameters using an online dedicated software, with determination of the optimal cutoff point for both variables, corresponding to the point of highest sensitivity and specificity. Confidence intervals were established by the DeLong method, and curves were compared using the Bonferroni method. A two-tailed p value of 0.05 was considered significant.

Results
Twenty patients with cardiac involvement and twenty patients without cardiac involvement were evaluated. The results of the variables are presented in table 1.

Conclusions
The new index showed a larger area under the curve compared to isolated GLS, as well as higher sensitivity and specificity for the identified cutoff point, although without statistical significance, possibly due to the small sample size. Further studies are needed for subsequent validation of this innovative index.
Serial troponin sampling over 60-minutes allows early distinction between myocardial infarction and chronic myocardial injury in patients presenting to emergency departments
Authors: Vimalaratnam G , Middleton P M , Ferguson I M C , Juergens C P , Idris H I , Alazrag W A , French J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
High-sensitivity cardiac troponins (hs-cTn) are key clinical biomarkers in the assessment and diagnosis of patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes presenting to Emergency Departments (ED). These tests facilitate rapid triage through 0h/1h blood sampling regimens. Most patients will not have myocardial infarction (MI) diagnosed, having either hs-cTn levels below the upper reference limit (URL) or stable elevations. The latter group of complex, often multimorbid, patients is termed chronic myocardial injury (CMI) according to the 4th Universal Definition of MI (4thUDMI). These patients have long-term morbidity and mortality rates higher than those with type 1 MI. Early distinction of CMI from MI remains challenging with debate regarding optimal hs-cTnT delta cut-offs; both 3ng/L and 5ng/L over one-hour have been proposed.

Methods and Results
We prospectively collected 0-, 30- and 60-minutes (+/- 5 min) hs-cTnT samples from 185 patients presenting to Liverpool Hospital ED (Sydney, Australia) between March and August 2023. Diagnoses were adjudicated according to the 4thUDMI as follows: 16 (8.6%) MI ruled-in, 66 (35.7%) CMI and 103 (55.7%) MI ruled-out. Linear regression was used to calculate individual hs-cTnT slopes for each patient. Between CMI and MI, each 1 ng/L/hour increase in the slope of hs-cTnT resulted in a two-fold (95% CI: 1.5 to 2.9) greater likelihood of MI being diagnosed (P &lt; 0.001). A stable hs-cTnT trajectory was observed in CMI, which ranged between 0 and 3 ng/L/hour in all patients with an initial hs-cTnT level ≤ 50 ng/L. Chronic myocardial injury patients with an initial hs-cTnT level &gt; 50ng/L (n=12), exhibited more kinetic slopes ranging up to 8ng/L/hour (P &lt;0.001). Unexpectedly, three MI patients had a non-linear slope, of whom two patients would not have displayed a significant rise had the additional 30-minute sample not been collected. These outlying patients presented at 9-12 hours and over 12 hours from symptom onset.

Conclusion
This study offers a novel characterisation of CMI, which has not previously been investigated in an unselected ED cohort using three serial samples over one hour. It validates a hs-cTnT delta of 3ng/L/hour in the recent ESC guidelines. However, there is a need for greater characterisation of short-term hs-cTn variability for more personalised MI risk stratification and to guide more targeted observation and further investigation of CMI patients.
Frequency of periprocedural myocardial injury and infarction stratified by cardiac troponin I and T
Authors: Chenniganahosahalli Revaiah P , Tsung-Ying T , Wlodarczak A , Lemoine J , Mollmann H , Sabate M , Wykrzykowska J , Muramatsu T , Onuma Y , Serruys P W 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
There are different definitions of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PPMI) both in terms of thresholds for cardiac biomarkers and the ancillary criteria for myocardial ischemia. Cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) are used interchangeably to diagnose PPMI.

Objectives
This study evaluated the frequency of periprocedural myocardial injury and infarction as defined by the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI), the Academic Research Consortium-2 (ARC-2), and the 4th Universal definition of MI (4UDMI) stratified using cTnT versus cTnI, among patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and unstable angina.

Results
Among 830 patients, PPMI rates according to the SCAI, ARC2 and 4UDMI criteria were 4.34%, 2.05%, and 4.94% respectively, with higher rates seen for all definitions when using cTnI versus cTnT (SCAI: 9.84% vs. 1.91%, p&lt;0.001; ARC 2: 3.15% vs. 1.56%, p=0.136; and 4UDMI 5.91% vs. 4.51%, p=0.391). Minor and major periprocedural myocardial injury was respectively observed in 58.31% and 27.10% of patients, with rates of both significantly higher when using cTnI versus cTnT (Minor: 69.29% vs. 53.47%, p&lt;0.001, Major: 49.21% vs. 17.36%, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions
Among patients with CCS and unstable angina, PPMIs defined by SCAI occurred more frequently when using cTnI as opposed to cTnT, whereas the type of troponin had no impact on the incidence of PPMIs according to the ARC-2 and 4UDMI
The gut-microbiome derived phenylacetylglutamine predicts adverse events in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Allemann M , Saeedi S S , Lee P , Thomas A , Kraler S , Wenzl F , Balbi C , Camici G , Beer J H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Introduction
The gut microbiota-derived metabolite phenylacetylglutamine (PAG) is associated with incident cardiovascular events(1). Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) present a major health challenge, especially as population ages(2). Data from our group show increased PAG levels during aging in humans. However, the predictive potential of PAG for mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients (pts) with ACS is unknown.

Purpose
Here, we investigated the potential of PAG to predict ischemic and fatal events in pts with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We also compared the predictive potential of PAG to another relevant gut-microbiota derived metabolite involved in CVD, namely Trimethylaminoxyde, (TMAO), and we evaluated their cumulative risk potential.

Methods
A total of 1’848 patients were enrolled in Cohort I of the SPUM-ACS study – a multi-center prospective ACS cohort study from Switzerland. Overall survival and incident MACE after 1 year follow-up were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimates and compared by log-rank test after patient stratification into PAG tertiles. Uni- and multivariable Cox-regression models were fit to calculate the hazard ratios for 1-year MACE in a crude model and adjusted model (adjusted for established confounders). Healthy controls served as additional controls. PAG plasma levels were quantified using LC-HRMS.

Results
The median PAG plasma level in the healthy control group was 1.76µM, whereas for the whole ACS patient population it was 1.92µM (Table 1). Pts in the third PAG tertile had a two times higher MACE rate and a four times higher mortality rate compared to pts in the first PAG tertile (p&lt;0.001). (Table 2). PAG levels were significantly higher in pts who presented with MACE (2.63µM) or died (3.1µM) within the 1-year follow-up compared to the healthy control subjects (p&lt;0.0001) (Figure 1A). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that plasma PAG levels were positively associated with age (r=0.43, p&lt;0.0001), while a negative association with eGFR was observed (r=-0.51, p&lt;0.0001) (Figure 1B). KM estimates indicated that pts in the highest PAG tertile had significantly higher 1-year MACE risk relative to those with low levels (Figure 1C; p&lt;0.001 log rank). Following multivariable adjustment, PAG remained an independent predictor for MACE at 1-year follow-up with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.8 (95% CI, 1.1–3.2, p=0.048) (Figure 1D). KM estimates of both, high levels of PAG and high levels of TMAO together, indicate that the combination of these two detrimental metabolites leads to an even higher risk of 1-year MACE relative to lower levels (Figure 1E).

Conclusion
PAG is a novel and independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with ACS. This study indicates the role of the gut-microbiome and its metabolites in predicting ischemic and fatal outcomes of pts with established CVD.
Novel scoring system specific for patients treated with micro-axial percutaneous left ventricular assist device
Authors: Mierke J , Baron D , Nowack T , Schuster M C , Sveric K , Hoellriegel R , Winzer E , Jellinghaus S , Woitek F , Haussig S , Linke A , Mangner N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiogenic shock (CS) is characterized by high mortality. The impact of micro-axial percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (ma-pLVAD) remains unclear. Nevertheless, the utilization of these devices increased lately which binds considerable resources. Accurate prognosis assessment is crucial for physicians to identify patients who may benefit from the device upfront.

Purpose
We developed a novel scoring system predicting 30-day all-cause mortality specifically for CS patients treated with ma-pLVAD.

Methods
Data were collected from an ongoing Impella registry including more than 830 patients since 2014. Among them, 460 patients received a ma-pLVAD in CS. Based on 53 clinically relevant parameters univariate logistic regressions on 30-day-mortality were performed. Subsequently, parameters with a p-value &lt; 0.1 were included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis (MLRA) using backwards selection by likelihood ratio. The remaining continuous parameters underwent a correlation and regression tree analysis (CART) to define the optimal thresholds and MLRA was performed on all the selected parameters for calculation of odds ratios. These were used for score building. All-cause mortality was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method. Area under the curve (AUC) based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was estimated to determine the predictive value of the novel score for 30-day-mortality. Validation was performed on a timely independent cohort of CS patients treated with ma-pLVAD.

Results
Patients were 68±1 years old with predominance of male gender (74.4% [n=342]). CS was mainly caused by acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (60% [n=276]). A cardio-pulmonary resuscitation before ma-pLVAD was performed in 49.0% [n=215]. Initial serum lactate was 8.6±0.3 mmol/l. All-cause mortality at 30 days was 65.1±2.2% (Fig. 1A). A model of 6 parameters resulted after first MLRA with following odds ratios provided in Tab. 1A. CART analysis revealed optimal thresholds for age with 68 a [Gini-coefficient (G)=0.1], for initial serum lactate with 6.5 mmol/l [G=0.042], thrombocytes with 210 Gpt/l [G=0.021], and mean arterial pressure (MAP) with 70 and 90 mmHg [G1=0.027; G2=0.008]. Results of MLRA on the 6 parameters including the determined thresholds are given in Tab. 1B. A 0 to 17 point risk score resulted by using the odds ratios (Tab. 1C). ROC analysis indicated strong predictive capability for 30-day mortality (ROC AUC [95% CI] 0.767 [0.722-0.811]; p&lt;0.001, Fig. 1B), with discrimination details provided in Tab. 1D. In the validation cohort, the score demonstrated favorable performance (ROC AUC [95% CI] 0.793 [0.607-0.979]; p=0.016; n=24).

Conclusion
We developed an internally validated, clinically feasible scoring system to estimate 30-day-mortality of CS patients treated with ma-pLVAD. Further studies are mandatory for external validation.
Sex differences in the long-term outcomes of moderate rheumatic mitral stenosis
Authors: Kim D , Cho I , Kim I , Lim H , Son J , Shim C , Ha J , Hong G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
There are limited data on the sex differences in the long-term outcomes of moderate mitral stenosis (MS).

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate sex differences in long-term outcomes of moderate AS.

Methods
From the Multicenter mitrAl STEnosis with Rheumatic etiology (MASTER) registry of 3,140 patients, we included patients with moderate MS (1.5 &lt; mitral valve area ≤ 2.0 cm2) between January 2000 and December 2021 who had not undergone previous percutaneous of surgical treatment of MS. Primary outcomes were a composite of all-cause death, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, ischemic stroke, and mitral valve intervention. We analyzed clinical and echocardiographic variables based on sex.

Results
A total of 788 patients (mean 62.2 ± 12.9 years, women 74.5%) were followed over a mean duration of 7.0 ± 6.0 years. During follow-up, 287 patients (36.4%) experienced primary outcomes. Women (n=587) had more atrial fibrillation (AF) (p=0.022), higher left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) (p&lt;0.001), and smaller LV chamber (LV mass index; p&lt;0.001) compared to men. Primary outcomes did not differ for both sexes (p=0.285). However, on the analysis of both sexes according to right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), men with elevated RVSP had poorer outcomes (p&lt;0.001) but women did not differ (p=0.238) (Figure 1). On the multivariate Cox regression analysis, elevated RVSP was the only factor that was independently associated with poorer outcomes (hazard ratio [HR], 1.30 [95% CI, 1.10-1.05], p=0.005) in men. However, in women, several factors including older age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, p=0.012), presence of AF (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.66-3.48, p&lt;0.001), decreased LV EF (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-1.00, p=0.007), and higher mean diastolic pressure gradient (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.17, p=0.027) showed the independent association with poorer outcome, but not in RVSP (Figure 2).

Conclusions
In moderate MS, RVSP showed a significant prognostic role in men, but in women, various comorbidities other than that were associated with prognosis. Therefore, different follow-up strategy using specific parameters for each gender would be needed.
Temporal trends in antithrombotic therapy following transcatheter aortic valve implantation in denmark
Authors: Vistisen H , Graversen P L , Havers-Borgersen E , Strange J E , Oestergaard L , Butt J H , Dahl J S , Povlsen J A , Terkelsen C J , Freeman P , Nissen H , Koeber L , De Backer O , Fosboel E L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
A number of randomized clinical trials have examined the use of antithrombotic therapy after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and guidelines have changed over time. Yet, data from clinical practise patterns are lacking and it is important to evaluate adherence to guideline recommendations over time.

Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the temporal use of antithrombotic therapy after TAVI in Denmark.

Methods
A nationwide Danish cohort of patients undergoing first-time TAVI from 2008 to 2017 were identified from Danish nationwide registries. Patients were categorized into four groups according to data on prescription filling of antithrombotic therapy within a three-months period post-TAVI: i) No antithrombotic therapy, ii) single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), iii) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), or iv) anticoagulant therapy. The use of antithrombotic therapy post-TAVI was examined for each year from 2008 to 2017.

Results
We identified 3187 patients undergoing first-time TAVI, among whom 120 (3.8%) did not receive any antithrombotic therapy, 715 (22.4%) were prescribed SAPT, 1244 (39.0%) were on DAPT, and 1108 (34.8%) were treated with anticoagulant therapy at three months post-TAVI. Patients without antithrombotic therapy were more often men (64.2%) and were more likely to have a history of malignancy (23.3%) compared with the other treatment groups. Patients who received oral anticoagulation had a higher burden of atrial fibrillation (75.7%). The proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation remained stable over time. During the first decade of TAVI, there was a shift in the antithrombotic treatment pattern: no therapy was ranging from 1.1% to 6.6%, SAPT from 19.1% to 29.4%, while DAPT decreased from 51.0% to 31.2% and anticoagulant therapy increased from 21.6% to 39.8% (Figure 1).

Conclusion
During the first decade of TAVI, antithrombotic therapy patterns post-TAVI changed substantially, such that the use of dual antiplatelet therapy decreased over time, while the use of anticoagulant therapy increased. Since atrial fibrillation remained stable over time, the increase in anticoagulant therapy is most likely due to changes in guidelines for management of atrial fibrillation in 2010. These findings show the evolving treatment patterns in the first decade of TAVI, which reflects the recommendations from clinical trials and guidelines for the management of antithrombotic therapy for patients with TAVI.
First in-human study of 64Cu-DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT) in infective endocarditis: a prospective head-to-head comparison with 18-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Hadji-Turdeghal K , Fosboel M Ø , Hasbak P , Lofgren J , Rasmussen I B , Bundgaard H , Iversen K , Bruun N E , Moeller C H , Tuxen C , Johannesen H H , Koeber L , Kjaer A , Ripa R S , Fosboel E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe and potentially fatal condition, which can be challenging to diagnose. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) is proposed as a diagnostic tool in the ESC endocarditis guidelines, but holds limitations.

Purpose
To compare the tracer uptake between [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE and [18F]FDG in patients with IE, and to examine sensitivity and specificity in patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) or native valve endocarditis (NVE).

Methods
The CuDOS-study was a prospective study including 20 cases with IE (10 with PVE and 10 with NVE) and 20 controls. [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE and [18F]FDG PET/CT were performed in all participants. Scans were read blinded to clinical data. Tracer uptakes were measured as maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) in each heart valve. A visual interpretation of the presence or absence of IE was recorded for [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE and [18F]FDG, respectively.

Results
The median age of the cases and controls was 68 years [IQR 53-71] and 61 years [IQR 56-67], respectively. In cases and controls, 85% and 70% were men, respectively. [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE uptake (median SUVmax [IQR]) in patients with IE was higher than in controls (2.38 [1.87-2.90] vs. 1.43 [1.30-1.56], p&lt;0.001), although this difference was mainly driven by PVE-cases (2.99 [2.22-3.75] vs. 1.43 [1.30-1.56 (controls), p&lt;0.001) and to a lesser extent the NVE-cases (1.78 [1.22-2.33] vs. 1.43 [1.30-1.56 (controls), p=0.079), Figure 1. The sensitivity of [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE and [18F]FDG PET/CT in 20 cases and the 20 controls were comparable, and the specificity was 90% and 75%, respectively. The analysis of PVE versus the 20 controls showed equal sensitivity (80%) for [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE and [18F]FDG PET/CT and a specificity of 90% and 75%, respectively. The difference in the specificity between [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE and [18F]FDG was 15% [IQR -5.9-36%], p=0.38.

Conclusion
[64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT showed relevant uptake in the infected valve in patients with infective endocarditis. [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE had a numerically higher specificity than [18F]FDG in prosthetic valve endocarditis, although the difference was not statistically significant. Both tracers were limited in the detection of native valve endocarditis.Figure 1 [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE and [18F]FDG
Coronary CTA and CT-FFR in trans-catheter aortic valve implantation candidates: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Becker L , Peper J , Van Ginkel D J , Overduin D C , Van Es H W , Rensing B J M W , Timmers L , Ten Berg J M , Mohamed Hoesein F A A , Leiner T , Swaans M J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on diagnostic accuracy and other outcomes of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) in candidates for trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Background
Screening for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) with CCTA during TAVI work-up could prevent unnecessary invasive coronary angiography (ICA). This becomes increasingly relevant as the TAVI-population grows. CT-FFR improves CCTA accuracy in chest pain patients, but its reliability is unknown in the TAVI-population.

Methods
Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science were searched for studies regarding CCTA and/or CT-FFR in TAVI-candidates. Primary endpoint was correct identification and rule-out of obstructive CAD. Results were pooled in a meta-analysis.

Results
Twenty-four of the 29 included articles were part of the meta-analysis, reporting results for CCTA and CT-FFR in 3.494 and 797 patients respectively. Reference standard was anatomical severity of CAD in most studies. At patient-level, pooled CCTA sensitivity was 94.3% and specificity 74.8%. CT-FFR sensitivity was 91.5% and specificity 60.3% with strong variation between studies. CCTA correctly ruled out CAD in 52% of all patients, but 42% of positive CCTAs were false positives. CT-FFR correctly ruled out CAD in 47% of all patients included in this meta-analysis, but showed better accuracy than CCTA in studies that compared both. In these studies, sensitivity of CCTA versus CT-FFR was 70.7% versus 79.0% and specificity was 64.4% versus 92.9%.

Conclusions
Negative CCTA effectively rules-out CAD in the TAVI-population. Adding CCTA to TAVI work-up could lead to significant reduction in pre-TAVI ICA procedures, but the proportion of false-positives remains high. In studies performing a direct comparison, CT-FFR performed better than CCTA. This is not reflected in the CT-FFR meta-analysis. Therefore, diagnostic accuracy of CT-FFR and added value over CCTA in the TAVI-population remains unclear. Further research regarding validation and reliability is warranted.Meta-analysis of CCTA and CT-FFR