Evaluation of the Growth of Central Pulmonary Arteries Following Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stenting in Patients with Duct Dependent Pulmonary Circulation.

Pulmonary arteries' (PAs) growth can be promoted by stenting of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This may result in better angle between the PDA and the PAs, allowing improved growth. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effect of PDA stenting on the growth of the pulmonary arteries by comparing their dimensions pre-stenting to their dimensions in the pre-second stage operations in patients with congenital heart diseases-duct-dependent pulmonary (CHD-DDP) circulation. Between January 2015 and December 2016, 58 neonates with CHD-DDP circulation underwent transcatheter PDA stenting and had evaluation of PAs growth before the second stage. Various parameters [Pre-branching right and left pulmonary artery (RPA, LPA) diameters, their Z scores, LPA/RPA ratio, McGoon's ratio and Nakata index] were recorded and compared pre-stenting and pre-second stage. The evaluation was done using catheterization or multislice computed tomography (MSCT). PDA stenting was successful in 49 patients out of 58 (84.5%) patients with an age of 13.5 ± 10.4 days and a weight of 2.9 ± 0.5 kg. Twenty-two (44.9%) patients had complex CHD-DDP, 14 (28.6%) patients had PA/IVS and 13 (26.5%) patients had PA/VSD. Pre-second stage RPA, LPA diameters and their Z scores increased significantly (RPA increased from 0.36 ± 0.05 cm to 0.60 ± 0.11 cm, P < 0.001, RPA Z-score increased from - 1.29 ± 0.91 to 0.81 ± 0.18, P < 0.001; LPA increased from 0.34 ± 0.06 cm to 0.58 ± 0.10 cm, P < 0.001, LPA Z-score increased from - 1.17 ± 0.86 to 0.97 ± 0.48, P < 0.001). McGoon's ratio increased significantly from 1.20 ± 0.11 to 1.61 ± 0.15 (P < 0.001). Nakata index increased from 105.94 ± 33.53 to 183.48 ± 40.58 mm2/m2 (P < 0.001). However, LPA/RPA ratio did not change (0.96 ± 0.05 and 0.98 ± 0.16, P = 0.288). PDA stenting is effective in promoting the global and the individual pulmonary artery growth in congenital heart diseases with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation. In this study, we presented our experience with this approach in 2 tertiary care centers in the DELTA region of Egypt. PDA stenting, generally, showed symmetric growth of the pulmonary arteries with comparable results to the international figures.

Acute heart failure with and without acute coronary syndrome: clinical correlates and prognostic impact (From the HEARTS registry).

BACKGROUND: Little is know about the outcomes of acute heart failure (AHF) with acute coronary syndrome (ACS-AHF), compared to those without ACS (NACS-AHF). METHODS: We conducted a prospective registry of AHF patients involving 18 hospitals in Saudi Arabia between October 2009 and December 2010. In this sub-study, we compared the clinical correlates, management and hospital course, as well as short, and long-term outcomes between AHF patients with and without ACS. RESULTS: Of the 2609 AHF patients enrolled, 27.8 % presented with ACS. Compared to NACS-AHF patients, ACS-AHF patients were more likely to be old males (Mean age = 62.7 vs. 60.8 years, p = 0.003, and 73.8 % vs. 62.7 %, p < 0.001, respectively), and to present with De-novo heart failure (56.6 % vs. 28.1 %, p < 0.001). Additionally they were more likely to have history of ischemic heart disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and less likely to have chronic kidney disease (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The prevalence of severe LV systolic dysfunction (EF < 30 %) was higher in ACS-AHF patients. During hospital stay, ACS-AHF patients were more likely to develop shock (p < 0.001), recurrent heart failure (p = 0.02) and needed more mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001). ß blockers and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors were used more often in ACS-AHF patients (p = 0.001 and, p = 0.004 respectively). ACS- AHF patients underwent more coronary angiography and had higher prevalence of multi-vessel coronary artery disease (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The unadjusted hospital and one-month mortality were higher in ACS-AHF patients (OR = 1.6 (1.2-2.2), p = 0.003 and 1.4 (1.0-1.9), p = 0.026 respectively). A significant interaction existed between the level of left ventricular ejection fraction and ACS-AHF status. After adjustment, ACS-AHF status was only significantly associated with hospital mortality (OR = 1.6 (1.1-2.4), p = 0.019). The three-years survival following hospital discharge was not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: AHF patients presenting with ACS had worse hospital prognosis, and an equivalent long-term survival compared to AHF patients without ACS. These findings underscore the importance of timely recognition and management of AHF patients with concomitant ACS given their distinct presentation and underlying pathophysiology compared to other AHF patients.

2023 National Heart Center/Saudi Heart Association Focused Update of the 2019 Saudi Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure.

Background: The burden of cardiovascular diseases is undeniable in local populations, who have high mortality rates and a young age of disease onset. A systematic review of emerging evidence and update of the Saudi Heart Association (SHA) 2019 heart failure (HF) guidelines was therefore undertaken. Methodology: A panel of expert cardiologists reviewed recommendations of the 2019 guidelines following the Saudi Heart Association methodology for guideline recommendations. When needed, the panel provided updated and new recommendations endorsed by the national heart council that are appropriate for clinical practice and local resources in Saudi Arabia. Recommendations and conclusion: The focused update describes the appropriate use of clinical assessment as well as invasive and non-invasive modalities for the classification and diagnosis of HF. The prevention of HF was emphasized by expanding on both primary and secondary prevention approaches. Pharmacological treatment of HF was supplemented with recommendations on newer therapies, such as SGLT-2 inhibitors. Recommendations were also provided on the management of patients with cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular co-morbidities, with a focus on cardio-oncology and pregnancy. Updated clinical algorithms were included in support of HF management in both the acute and chronic settings. The implementation of this focused update on HF management in clinical practice is expected to lead to improved patient outcomes by providing evidence-based comprehensive guidance for practitioners in Saudi Arabia.

Morbidity and mortality of acute heart failure patients stratified by mitral regurgitation in the Arabian Gulf: Observations from the Gulf acute heart failure registry (Gulf CARE).

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) stratified by mitral regurgitation (MR) in the Arabian Gulf. Patients from the Gulf CARE registry were identified from 47 hospitals in seven Arabian Gulf countries (Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia) from February to November 2012. The cohort was stratified into two groups based on the presence of MR. Univariable and multivariable statistical analyses were performed. The population cohort included 5005 consecutive patients presenting with AHF, of whom 1491 (29.8 %) had concomitant MR. The mean age of patients with AHF and concomitant MR was 59.2 ± 14.9 years, and 63.1 % (n = 2886) were male. A total of 58.6 % (n = 2683) had heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (HFrEF), 21.0 % (n = 961) had HF with mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF), and 20.4 % (n = 932) had HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Patients with MR had a lower haemoglobin (Hb) level (12.4 vs. 12.7 g/dL; p < 0.001), and a higher prevalence of left atrial enlargement (80.2 % vs. 55.1 %; p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (9.7 % vs. 7.3 %; p = 0.006) and atrial fibrillation (7.6 % vs. 5.6 %; p = 0.006), and HFrEF (71.0 % vs. 52.6 %; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that MR was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality at 1-year and 3-month HF rehospitalization [1-year all-cause mortality, adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.40; 95 % confidence interval (Cl): 1.13-1.74; p = 0.002; 3-month HF rehospitalization, aOR, 1.26; 95 % Cl: 1.06-1.49; p = 0.009]. In an Arabian Gulf cohort with AHF, concomitant MR was associated with an increased risk of 1-year mortality and 3-months HF rehospitalization.

Embolisation of the Coronary Arterial Tree with Thick Contrast Material during Coronary Angiography.

A 58-year male was referred to our centre with an acute inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). During the primary percutaneous coronary intervention, he suddenly collapsed with severe hypotension and severe bradycardia. The symptoms were attributed to an accidental embolisation of his left coronary system with the thick contrast material. When the remaining contrast in the bottle was investigated, it contained abnormally thick contrast material. This is a rare case of contrast embolisation, which is completely preventable but fatal, if undetected. Key Words: Coronary angiography, Contrast material, Contrast embolisation.

Heart Failure in the Middle East Arab Countries: Current and Future Perspectives.

For many years, data about heart failure (HF) was only limited to Western countries but in the last few years, well designed heart failure registries have been conducted in many developing countries. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current status regarding the epidemiology and management of heart failure in Middle East Arab countries (MEACs) by analysis of the results of the latest HF registries performed in these countries and to anticipate future perspectives, quality initiatives and areas of research and development. Data has shown that the average age of affected individuals is at least 10 years younger than their Western counterparts. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction was generally under-represented in these registries to less than 30% of the whole population of heart failure. Coronary artery disease (CAD) constitutes about 55% of causes of heart failure in this region in comparison to about 70% in Western countries. An area that needs development is the investment in establishing specialized heart failure programs to cut the circle of non-compliance and repeated HF admissions to the hospitals. Advances in heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support will continue to slow down and we are not expecting major changes in the near future but on the other hand, implantation of electronic devices like ICD and CRT is expected to increase significantly in the coming years in these countries.

Health Care Delivery for Heart Failure Patients During The COVID-19 Pandemic; A Consensus of The Saudi Heart Failure Working Group (SAUDI-HF).

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to global and national rapid health system changes to treat the affected patients and prevent the spread of the virus. The social distancing, redirecting resources, and nationwide lockdown led to the cancellation of non-urgent hospital visits and interruption of continuity of care for patients with chronic cardiac conditions such as heart failure (HF). This consensus document addresses the domains of health care delivery that are affected by the pandemic. It explains the current situation of health care delivery to heart failure patients and further recommendation on how to overcome this. Thus, maintaining quality and continuity of care to the HF population.

The Prognostic Impact of Pulse Pressure in Acute Heart Failure: Insights from the HEARTS Registry.

BACKGROUND: Low pulse pressure predicts long-term mortality in chronic heart failure, but its prognostic value in acute heart failure is less understood. The present study was designed to examine the prognostic value of pulse pressure in acute heart failure. METHODS: Pulse pressure was tested for its impact on short- and long-term mortality in all patients admitted with acute heart failure from October 2009 to December 2010 in eighteen tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia (n = 2609). All comparisons were based on the median value (50 mmHg). Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was defined as less than 40%. RESULTS: Low pulse pressure was associated with increased short-term mortality in the overall population (OR = 1.61; 95 CI 1.17, 2.22; P 0.004 and OR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.13, 2.01; P = 0.005, for hospital and thirty-day mortality, respectively), and short-term and two-year mortality in the reduced ejection fraction group (OR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.19, 2.74; P = 0.005, OR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.17, 2.45; P = 0.006, and OR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.02, 1.61; P = 0.030 for hospital, thirty-day, and two-year mortality, respectively). This effect remained after adjustment for relevant clinical variables; however, pulse pressure lost its predictive power both for short-term and long-term mortality after the incorporation of systolic blood pressure in the model. Conversely, low pulse pressure was an independent predictor of improved survival at two and three years in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (OR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.24, 0.78, P = 0.005 and OR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.28, 0.88; P = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSION: In acute heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the prognostic value of low pulse pressure was dependent on systolic blood pressure. However, it inversely correlated with long-term survival in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Impact of diabetes on mortality and rehospitalization in acute heart failure patients stratified by ejection fraction.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to determine the impact of diabetes mellitus on all-cause mortality and rehospitalization rates at 3 months and at 1 year in patients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF) stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed consecutive patients admitted to 47 hospitals in seven Middle Eastern countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain) with AHF from February to November 2012 with AHF who were enrolled in Gulf CARE, a multinational registry of patients with heart failure (HF). AHF patients were stratified into three groups: HF patients with reduced (EF) (HFrEF) (<40%), HF with mid-range EF (HFmrEF) (40-49%), and HF patients with preserved EF (HFpEF) (≥50%). Analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. The mean age of the cohort was 59 ± 15 years (ranging from 18 to 99 years), and 63% (n = 2887) of the patients were males. A total of 2258 (49%) AHF patients had diabetes mellitus. The mean EF was 37 ± 14%. A reduced EF was observed in 2683 patients (59%), whereas 962 patients (21%) had mid-range and 932 patients (20%) had preserved EF. Multivariable analyses demonstrated no significant differences in all-cause mortality between diabetics and non-diabetics in all the three types of HF; at 3 months follow-up: HFrEF [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94-1.80; P = 0.119], HFmrEF (aOR, 0.98; 95% CI: 0.51-1.87; P = 0.952), and HFpEF (aOR, 0.69; 95% CI: 0.38-1.26; P = 0.225); and at 12-months follow-up: HFrEF (aOR, 1.25; 95% CI: 0.97-1.62; P = 0.080), HFmrEF (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI: 0.68-1.68; P = 0.783), and HFpEF (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI: 0.67-1.72; P = 0.779). There were also no significant differences in rehospitalization rates between diabetics and non-diabetics in all the three types of HF; at 3 months follow-up: HFrEF (aOR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.74-1.19; P = 0.581), HFmrEF (aOR, 0.82; 95% CI: 0.53-1.26; P = 0.369), and HFpEF (aOR, 1.06; 95% CI: 0.64-1.78; P = 0.812); and at 12-months follow-up: HFrEF (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI: 0.73-1.17; P = 0.524), HFmrEF (aOR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.56-1.17; P = 0.257), and HFpEF (aOR, 1.29; 95% CI: 0.82-2.05; P = 0.271). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in 3 and 12 months all-cause mortality as well as rehospitalization rates between diabetics and non-diabetic patients in all the three types of AHF patients stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction.

Mortality and Morbidity in HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF Patients with Diabetes in the Middle East.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to estimate the mortality and morbidity in diabetic acute heart failure (AHF) patients stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction. METHODS: We analyzed the data of patients with AHF from seven Middle Eastern countries (Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia) from February to November 2012, who were enrolled in a multinational registry of patients with heart failure (HF). RESULTS: A total of 2258 AHF patients had diabetes mellitus. The mean age was 63.0±11.0 years (ranging from 18 to 99 years), and 60.3% (n = 1362) of the patients were males. The mean ejection fraction (EF) was 37.0±13.0%. HF with reduced EF (< 40%) (HFrEF) was observed in 1268 patients (56.2%), whereas 515 patients (22.8%) had mid-range (40-49%) (HFmrEF) and 475 patients (21.0%) had preserved EF (3 50%) (HFpEF). The overall cumulative all-cause mortalities at three- and 12-months follow-up were 11.8% (n = 266) and 20.7% (n = 467), respectively. Those with HFpEF were associated with lower three-months cumulative all-cause mortality compared to those with HFrEF (7.6% vs. 5.9%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.31-0.95; p = 0.031), but not significantly different when compared to those with HFmrEF (aOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.53-1.40; p = 0.554). There were largely no significant differences among the groups with regards to the 12-months all-cause cumulative mortality (11% vs. 11% vs. 10%; p = 0.984). There were also no significant differences in re-hospitalization rates between the three HF groups not only at three months (23% vs. 20% vs. 22%; p = 0.520), but at one-year follow-up (28% vs. 30% vs. 32%; p = 0.335). CONCLUSIONS: Three-month cumulative all-cause mortality was high in diabetic HFrEF patients when compared to those with HFpEF. However, there were no significant differences in mortality at one-year follow-up between the HF groups. There were also no significant differences in re-hospitalization rates between the HF groups not only at three months but also at one-year follow-up in the Middle East.

Preliminary results of the acute Heart Failure registry in the DELTA region of Egypt (DELTA-HF): a database and a quality initiative project.

BACKGROUND: Data about heart failure in Egypt is scarce. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and diagnostic and treatment options in patients with acute heart failure in the Delta region of Egypt and to explore the gap in the management in comparison to the international guidelines. RESULTS: DELTA-HF is a prospective observational cohort registry for all consecutive patients with acute heart failure (AHF) who were admitted to three tertiary care cardiac centers distributed in the Delta region of Egypt. All patients were recruited in the period from April 2017 to May 2018, during which, data were collected and short-term follow-up was done. A total of 220 patients (65.5% were males with a median age of 61.5 years and 50.9% had acute decompensation on top of chronic heart failure) was enrolled in our registry. The risk factors for heart failure included rheumatic valvular heart disease (10.9%), smoking (65.3%), hypertension (48.2%), diabetes mellitus (42.7%), and coronary artery disease (28.2%). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was less than 40% in 62.6%. Etiologies of heart failure included ischemic heart disease (58.1%), valvular heart disease (16.3%), systemic hypertension (9.1%), and dilated non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (15.5%). Exacerbating factors included infections (28.1%), acute coronary syndromes (25.5%), non-compliance to HF medications (19.6%), and non-compliance to diet (23.2%) in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. None of our patients had been offered heart failure device therapy and only 50% were put on beta-blockers upon discharge. In-hospital, 30 days and 90 days all-cause mortality were 18.2%, 20.7%, and 26% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear gap in the management of patients with acute heart failure in the Delta region of Egypt with confirmed under-utilization of heart failure device therapy and under-prescription of guideline-directed medical therapies particularly beta-blockers. The short-term mortality is high if compared with Western and other local registries. This could be attributed mainly to the low-resource health care system in this region and the lack of formal heart failure management programs.

Saudi Heart Association (SHA) guidelines for the management of heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and negatively impacts quality of life, healthcare costs, and longevity. Although data on HF in the Arab population are scarce, recently developed regional registries are a step forward to evaluating the quality of current patient care and providing an overview of the clinical picture. Despite the burden of HF in Saudi Arabia, there are currently no standardized protocols or guidelines for the management of patients with acute or chronic heart failure. Therefore, the Heart Failure Expert Committee, comprising 13 local specialists representing both public and private sectors, has developed guidelines to address the needs and challenges for the diagnosis and treatment of HF in Saudi Arabia. The ultimate aim of these guidelines is to assist healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care and standardized clinical practice across Saudi Arabia.

Incidence and impact of cardiorenal anaemia syndrome on all-cause mortality in acute heart failure patients stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction in the Middle East.

AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the incidence and impact of cardiorenal anaemia syndrome (CRAS) on all-cause mortality in acute heart failure (AHF) patients stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) status in the Middle East. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were analysed from 4934 consecutive patients admitted to 47 hospitals in seven Middle Eastern countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain) with AHF from February to November 2012. CRAS was defined as AHF with estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min and low haemoglobin (<13 g/dL for men or <12 g/dL for women). Analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. The overall mean age of the cohort was 59 ± 15 years, 62% (n = 3081) were men, and 27% (n = 1319) had CRAS. Co-morbid conditions were common including hypertension (n = 3014; 61%), coronary artery disease (n = 2971; 60%), and diabetes mellitus (n = 2449; 50%). A total of 79% (n = 3576) of the patients had AHF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (LVEF < 50%). CRAS patients were associated with major bleeding (1.29% vs. 0.6%; P = 0.017), blood transfusion (10.1% vs. 3.0%; P < 0.001), higher re-admission rate for AHF at 3 months' follow-up (27.6% vs. 18.8%; P < 0.001) and at 12 months' follow-up (34.3% vs. 26.2%; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that patients with CRAS were associated with higher odds of all-cause mortality during hospital admission [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34-3.31; P = 0.001], at 3 months' follow-up (aOR, 1.48; 95% CI: 1.07-2.06; P = 0.018), and at 12 months' follow-up (aOR, 1.45; 95% CI: 1.12-1.87; P = 0.004). Stratified analyses showed that CRAS patients with HFrEF were associated with higher odds of all-cause mortality during hospital admission (aOR, 2.03; 95% CI: 1.20-3.45; P = 0.009) and at 12 months' follow-up (aOR, 1.42; 95% CI: 1.06-1.89; P = 0.019) but not at 3 months' follow-up (aOR, 1.43; 95% CI: 0.98-2.09; P = 0.063). However, in AHF patients with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 50%), CRAS was not associated with higher odds of all-cause mortality not only during hospital admission (aOR, 2.15; 95% CI: 0.84-5.55; P = 0.113) but also at 3 months' follow-up (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI: 0.93-3.76; P = 0.078) and at 12 months' follow-up (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI: 0.91-2.76; P = 0.101). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CRAS was 27%. CRAS was associated with higher odds of all-cause mortality in AHF patients in the Middle East, especially in those with HFrEF.

Endovascular repair of a leaking aortic-arch pseudoaneurysm using graft stent combined with chimney protection to left common carotid artery: Case report and review of literature.

Aortic pseudoaneurysm (PsA) is a rare but serious condition that has high mortality and morbidity rates if untreated. We report a rare case of leaking aortic-arch PsA repaired by thoracic endovascular aortic repair using graft stent with the chimney technique to protect the left common carotid artery. Unlike other cases in the literature, our case was unique, having leaking PsA not related to previous cardiac surgery or aortic dissection. The successful management of this patient using thoracic endovascular aortic repair combined with the chimney technique suggests that this approach may be an attractive therapeutic alternative to treat aortic-arch PsA.

Discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy for a month in a patient with HeartMate III continuous-flow left ventricular assist device without thromboembolic events.

The recommended anticoagulation regimen for continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) systems is warfarin and aspirin with a targeted international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0-3.0. Our patient is a 58-year-old male who underwent surgical HeartMate III continuous-flow LVAD implantation 3 months ago outside the country. The patient mistakenly stopped taking warfarin for 1 month prior to presenting to our center for a routine visit. Luckily, the patient was doing very well without any complication despite the fact that his INR was 1.0.

Endovascular repair of severe aortic coarctation, transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis, and percutaneous coronary intervention in an elderly patient with long term follow-up.

To the best of our knowledge, there have not been any reports of total transcatheter approach including stenting of severe coarctation of the aorta (CoA), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for concomitant severe aortic valve stenosis, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat significant coronary artery disease in a single patient. We report a 70-year-old female, who presented with uncontrolled hypertension and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and was found to have severe CoA, severe bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis, and significant proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery disease. In a multidisciplinary heart team meeting, we decided to perform an endovascular repair of both cardiac and vascular pathologies using a two-stage approach due to the significant comorbidities; mainly uncontrolled hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and severe calcifications of the ascending aorta. The procedures were successfully performed and the patient was asymptomatic 30 months later at follow-up and was without any significant gradients across the coarctation or the aortic valve.

Assessment of left and right atrial geometrical changes in patients with stable coronary artery disease: Left and right atrial strain and strain rate imaging study.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), there are several studies that assessed the left ventricular (LV) function by strain (S) and strain rate (SR) imaging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the function of both atria in patients with CAD using strain and strain rate imaging, and to correlate this with the severity of CAD. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single center case control study for 40 consecutive patients who presented to our department with chronic stable angina and were candidates for invasive coronary angiography. We enrolled patients from December 2013 to May 2014 and each patient was subjected to echocardiographic assessment of E/e' of mitral valve, left atrial volume index (LAVI), right atrial volume index (RAVI), and peak atrial longitudinal strain (es) and strain rate (SR) during LV systole. This was followed by invasive coronary angiography for assessment of the severity of CAD using Gensini score. Patients were classified according to angiographic results into 3 groups: Group I (Gensini score = zero), Group II (Gensini score > 0 and < 20) and Group III (Gensini score ≥ 20). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in either LA volumes (Vmin, Vmax) and distensibility with p value of 0.272, 0.126, and 0.243 respectively or RA volumes and distensibility with a p value of 0.671, 0.183, and 0.259 respectively. On the other hand, LA & RA systolic S and SR were significantly lower among CAD patients in comparison with the group of normal coronaries. Mean LA S and SR was decreased in group III than group II (15.97 ±â€¯3.73, 21.8 ±â€¯6.75 % and 1.11 ±â€¯0.30, 1.81 ±â€¯1.23 s-1) with p value of 0.005&0.041 respectively. RA systolic S and SR were significantly lower in the 2 groups with CAD than the group with normal coronaries with a p value of 0.001 and 0.002 respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with CAD and normal EF, borderline E/e' ratio and normal atrial size, there are decreased LA and RA systolic S and SR parameters with no effect on atrial volumes or distensibility. Accordingly, this could prove that atrial wall deformation occurs early in CAD even before any changes in atrial volumes or dimensions.

Clinical Presentation, Predictors, and Outcomes Among Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist (MRA)-Eligible Acute Heart Failure Patients in the Heart Function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS).

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) therapy is indicated after myocardial infarction in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) with an ejection fraction ≤40% and lacking contraindications. We analyzed clinical presentations, predictors, and outcomes of MRA-eligible patients within a prospective registry of patients with AHF from 18 hospitals in Saudi Arabia, from 2009 to 2010. For this subgroup, mortality rates were followed until 2013, and the clinical characteristics, management, predictors, and outcomes were compared between MRA-treated and non-MRA-treated patients. Of 2609 patients with AHF, 387 (14.8%) were MRA eligible, of which 146 (37.7%) were prescribed MRAs. Compared with non-MRA-treated patients, those prescribed MRAs more commonly exhibited non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, acute on chronic heart failure, past history of ischemic heart disease, and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction; were more commonly administered oral furosemide and digoxin; and had higher in-hospital recurrent congestive HF rates. Mortality did not significantly differ ( P > .05) between groups. In Saudi Arabia, 37.7% of eligible patients received MRA treatment, which is higher than that in developed countries. The lack of long-term survival benefit raises concerns about systematic problems, for example, proper follow-up and management after hospital discharge, warranting further investigation.

The prognostic impact of hyperglycemia on clinical outcomes of acute heart failure: Insights from the heart function assessment registry trial in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic impact of hyperglycemia (HG) in acute heart failure (AHF) is controversial. Our aim is to examine the impact of HG on short- and long-term survival in AHF patients. METHODS: Data from the Heart Function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS) for patients who had available random blood sugar (RBS) were analyzed. The enrollment period was from October 2009 to December 2010. Comparisons were performed according to the RBS levels on admission as either <11.1 mmol/L or ≥11.1 mmol/L. Primary outcomes were hospital adverse events and short- and long-term mortality rates. RESULTS: A total of 2511 patients were analyzed. Of those, 728 (29%) had HG. Compared to non-HG patients, hyperglycemics had higher rates of hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates (8.8% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.003, 10.4% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.007, and 21.8% vs. 18.4%; p = 0.04, respectively). There were no differences between the two groups in 2- or 3-year mortality rates. After adjustment for relevant confounders, HG remained an independent predictor for hospital and 30-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-2.42; p = 0.021, and OR = 1.55; 95% CI 1.07-2.25; p = 0.02, respectively]. CONCLUSION: HG on admission is independently associated with hospital and short-term mortality in AHF patients. Future research should focus on examining the impact of tight glycemic control on outcomes of AHF patients.