Long-Term Mortality in Patients With Severe Hypercholesterolemia Phenotype From a Racial and Ethnically Diverse US Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Tools for mortality prediction in patients with the severe hypercholesterolemia phenotype (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥190 mg/dL) are limited and restricted to specific racial and ethnic cohorts. We sought to evaluate the predictors of long-term mortality in a large racially and ethnically diverse US patient cohort with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥190 mg/dL. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥190 mg/dL seeking care at Montefiore from 2010 through 2020. Patients <18 years of age or with previous malignancy were excluded. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Analyses were stratified by age, sex, and race and ethnicity. Patients were stratified by primary and secondary prevention. Cox regression analyses were used to adjust for demographic, clinical, and treatment variables. RESULTS: A total of 18 740 patients were included (37% non-Hispanic Black, 30% Hispanic, 12% non-Hispanic White, and 2% non-Hispanic Asian patients). The mean age was 53.9 years, and median follow-up was 5.2 years. Both high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and body mass index extremes were associated with higher mortality in univariate analyses. In adjusted models, higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels were associated with an increased 9-year mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.08 [95% CI, 1.05-1.11] and 1.04 [95% CI, 1.02-1.06] per 20-mg/dL increase, respectively). Clinical factors associated with higher mortality included male sex (adjusted HR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.08-1.58]), older age (adjusted HR, 1.19 per 5-year increase [95% CI, 1.15-1.23]), hypertension (adjusted HR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.57-2.57]), chronic kidney disease (adjusted HR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.36-2.09]), diabetes (adjusted HR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.50-2.15]), heart failure (adjusted HR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.16-1.95]), myocardial infarction (adjusted HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.05-1.90]), and body mass index <20 kg/m2 (adjusted HR, 3.36 [95% CI, 2.29-4.93]). A significant survival benefit was conferred by lipid-lowering therapy (adjusted HR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.42-0.77]). In the primary prevention group, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 mg/dL was independently associated with higher mortality (adjusted HR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.06-2.09]). Temporal trend analyses showed a reduction in statin use over time (P<0.001). In the most recent time period (2019-2020), 56% of patients on primary prevention and 85% of those on secondary prevention were on statin therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In a large, diverse cohort of US patients with the severe hypercholesterolemia phenotype, we identified several patient characteristics associated with increased 9-year all-cause mortality and observed a decrease in statin use over time, in particular for primary prevention. Our results support efforts geared toward early recognition and consistent treatment for patients with severe hypercholesterolemia.

Combination of computed tomography angiography with coronary artery calcium score for improved diagnosis of coronary artery disease: a collaborative meta-analysis of stable chest pain patients referred for invasive coronary angiography.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has higher diagnostic accuracy than coronary artery calcium (CAC) score for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain, while the added diagnostic value of combining CCTA with CAC is unknown. We investigated whether combining coronary CCTA with CAC score can improve the diagnosis of obstructive CAD compared with CCTA alone. METHODS: A total of 2315 patients (858 women, 37%) aged 61.1 ± 10.2 from 29 original studies were included to build two CAD prediction models based on either CCTA alone or CCTA combined with the CAC score. CAD was defined as at least 50% coronary diameter stenosis on invasive coronary angiography. Models were built by using generalized linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept set for the original study. The two CAD prediction models were compared by the likelihood ratio test, while their diagnostic performance was compared using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC). Net benefit (benefit of true positive versus harm of false positive) was assessed by decision curve analysis. RESULTS: CAD prevalence was 43.5% (1007/2315). Combining CCTA with CAC improved CAD diagnosis compared with CCTA alone (AUC: 87% [95% CI: 86 to 89%] vs. 80% [95% CI: 78 to 82%]; p < 0.001), likelihood ratio test 236.3, df: 1, p < 0.001, showing a higher net benefit across almost all threshold probabilities. CONCLUSION: Adding the CAC score to CCTA findings in patients with stable chest pain improves the diagnostic performance in detecting CAD and the net benefit compared with CCTA alone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: CAC scoring CT performed before coronary CTA and included in the diagnostic model can improve obstructive CAD diagnosis, especially when CCTA is non-diagnostic. KEY POINTS: • The combination of coronary artery calcium with coronary computed tomography angiography showed significantly higher AUC (87%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 86 to 89%) for diagnosis of coronary artery disease compared to coronary computed tomography angiography alone (80%, 95% CI: 78 to 82%, p < 0.001). • Diagnostic improvement was mostly seen in patients with non-diagnostic C. • The improvement in diagnostic performance and the net benefit was consistent across age groups, chest pain types, and genders.

Does Coronary Plaque Morphology Matter Beyond Plaque Burden?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Imaging of adverse coronary plaque features by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has advanced greatly and at a fast pace. We aim to describe the evolution, present and future in plaque analysis, and its value in comparison to plaque burden. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently, it has been demonstrated that in addition to plaque burden, quantitative and qualitative assessment of coronary plaque by CCTA can improve the prediction of future major adverse cardiovascular events in diverse coronary artery disease scenarios. The detection of high-risk non-obstructive coronary plaque can lead to higher use of preventive medical therapies such as statins and aspirin, help identify culprit plaque, and differentiate between myocardial infarction types. Even more, over traditional plaque burden, plaque analysis including pericoronary inflammation can potentially be useful tools for tracking disease progression and response to medical therapy. The identification of the higher risk phenotypes with plaque burden, plaque characteristics, or ideally both can allow the allocation of targeted therapies and potentially monitor response. Further observational data are now required to investigate these key issues in diverse populations, followed by rigorous randomized controlled trials.

Multimodality Imaging in Aortic Stenosis: Beyond the Valve - Focusing on the Myocardium.

Current guidelines of aortic stenosis (AS) management focus on valve parameters, LV systolic dysfunction, and symptoms; however, emerging data suggest that there may be benefit of aortic valve replacement before it becomes severe by present criteria. Myocardial assessment using novel multimodality imaging techniques exhibits subclinical myocardial injury and remodeling at various stages before guideline-directed interventions, which predicts adverse outcomes. This raises the question of whether implementing serial myocardial assessment should become part of the standard appraisal, thereby identifying high-risk patients aiming to minimize adverse outcomes.

Computed tomography angiography versus Agatston score for diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients with stable chest pain: individual patient data meta-analysis of the international COME-CCT Consortium.

OBJECTIVES: There is conflicting evidence about the comparative diagnostic accuracy of the Agatston score versus computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). PURPOSE: To determine whether CTA is superior to the Agatston score in the diagnosis of CAD. METHODS: In total 2452 patients with stable chest pain and a clinical indication for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for suspected CAD were included by the Collaborative Meta-analysis of Cardiac CT (COME-CCT) Consortium. An Agatston score of > 400 was considered positive, and obstructive CAD defined as at least 50% coronary diameter stenosis on ICA was used as the reference standard. RESULTS: Obstructive CAD was diagnosed in 44.9% of patients (1100/2452). The median Agatston score was 74. Diagnostic accuracy of CTA for the detection of obstructive CAD (81.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.5 to 84.1%) was significantly higher than that of the Agatston score (68.8%, 95% CI: 64.2 to 73.1%, p < 0.001). Among patients with an Agatston score of zero, 17% (101/600) had obstructive CAD. Diagnostic accuracy of CTA was not significantly different in patients with low to intermediate (1 to < 100, 100-400) versus moderate to high Agatston scores (401-1000, > 1000). CONCLUSIONS: Results in our international cohort show CTA to have significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than the Agatston score in patients with stable chest pain, suspected CAD, and a clinical indication for ICA. Diagnostic performance of CTA is not affected by a higher Agatston score while an Agatston score of zero does not reliably exclude obstructive CAD. KEY POINTS: • CTA showed significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (81.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.5 to 84.1%) for diagnosis of coronary artery disease when compared to the Agatston score (68.8%, 95% CI: 64.2 to 73.1%, p < 0.001). • Diagnostic performance of CTA was not affected by increased amount of calcium and was not significantly different in patients with low to intermediate (1 to <100, 100-400) versus moderate to high Agatston scores (401-1000, > 1000). • Seventeen percent of patients with an Agatston score of zero showed obstructive coronary artery disease by invasive angiography showing absence of coronary artery calcium cannot reliably exclude coronary artery disease.

Oral Anticoagulation and Adverse Outcomes after Ischemic Stroke in Heart Failure Patients without Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The safety and effectiveness of oral anticoagulation (OAC) after an ischemic stroke in older patients with heart failure (HF) without atrial fibrillation remains uncertain. METHODS: Utilizing Get With The Guidelines Stroke national clinical registry data linked to Medicare claims from 2009-2014, we assessed the outcomes of eligible patients with a history of HF who were initiated on OAC during a hospitalization for an acute ischemic stroke. The cumulative incidences of adverse events were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratios were compared between patients discharged on or off OAC. RESULTS: A total of 8,261 patients from 1,370 sites were discharged alive after an acute ischemic stroke and met eligibility criteria. Of those, 747 (9.0%) were initiated on OAC.  Patients on OAC were younger (77.2±8.0 vs. 80.5±8.9 years, p<0.01). After adjustment for clinical covariates, the likelihood of 1 year mortality was higher in those on OAC (aHR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.05-1.41, p<0.01), while no significant differences were noted for ICH (aHR: 1.34, 95% CI 0.69-2.59, p=0.38) and recurrent ischemic stroke (aHR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.54-1.15, p = 0.21).  The likelihood of all-cause bleeding (aHR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.29-1.96, p<0.01) and all-cause re-hospitalization (aHR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.27, p = 0.02) was higher for those on OAC. CONCLUSION: Initiation of OAC after an ischemic stroke in older patients with HF in the absence of atrial fibrillation is associated with death, bleeding and re-hospitalization without an associated reduction in recurrent ischemic stroke. If validated, these findings raise caution for prescribing OAC to such patients.

Oral anticoagulation after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and the associated risk of thromboembolic events and intracranial hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: We sought to examine whether continuing oral anticoagulation (OAC) after catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with improved outcomes. OAC reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with AF. However, the continuation of OAC following the blanking period of CA is controversial due to conflicting published data. METHODS: A systematic review of Medline, Cochrane, and Embase was performed for studies comparing patients who were continued on OAC (ON-OAC) vs those in which OAC was discontinued (OFF-OAC). CHA2 DS2 VASc score had to be available for the classification of patients into high- or low-risk cohorts (CHA2 DS2 VASc ≥ 2 and ≤ 1, respectively). The primary efficacy outcome was thromboembolic events (TE). Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was the primary safety outcome. RESULTS: Five studies comprising 3956 patients were included (mean age, 61.1 ± 2.9 years; 72.4% male, CHA2 DS2 VASc ≤ 1 50.1%; CHA2 DS2 VASc ≥ 2 49.9%). After a mean follow-up of 39.6 ± 11.7 months, OAC-continuation was associated with a significant decrease in risk of TE in the high-risk cohort (CHA2 DS2 VASc ≥ 2) (risk ratio [RR] 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.82, P = .01) with a RR reduction of 59%. ICH was significantly higher in the ON-OAC group (RR, 5.78; 95% CI, 1.33-25.08; P = .02). No significant benefit was observed in the low-risk cohort ON-OAC after the blanking period. CONCLUSION: Continuation of OAC after CA of AF with CHA2 DS2 VASc ≥ 2 is associated with a significant decreased TE risk and a favorable net clinical benefit in spite of ICH being significantly increased in the ON-OAC group. Continued OAC offers no benefit with CHA2 DS2 VASC ≤ 1.

Case report and systematic review of pulmonary embolism mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: To study trends in the clinical presentation, electrocardiograms, and diagnostic imaging in patients with pulmonary embolism presenting as ST segment elevation. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search for all reported cases of pulmonary embolism mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Pre-specified data such as clinical presentation, electrocardiogram changes, transthoracic echocardiographic findings, cardiac biomarkers, diagnostic imaging, therapy, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: We identified a total of 34 case reports. There were 23 males. Mean age of the population was 56.5 ± 15.5 years. Patients presented with dyspnea (76.4%), chest pain (63.6%), and tachycardia (71.4%). All patients presented with ST-elevations, with the most common location being in the anterior-septal distribution, lead V3 (74%), V2 (71%), V1 (62%) and V4 (47%). ST-segment elevations in the inferior distribution were present in lead II (12%), III (18%), and aVF (21%). Presentation was least likely in the lateral distribution. Troponin was elevated in 78.9% of cases. Right ventricular strain was the most common echocardiographic finding. Over 80% of patients had findings consistent with elevated right ventricular pressure, with 50% reported RV dilatation and 20% RV hypokinesis. The most commonly used imaging modality was contrast-enhanced pulmonary angiography. There was a greater incidence of bilateral compared to unilateral pulmonary emboli (72.4% vs. 10%). About 65% patients received anticoagulation and 36.3% were treated with thrombolytics. Forty-six percent of patients required intensive care and 18.7% intubation. Overall mortality was 25.8%. CONCLUSIONS: A review of the literature reveals that in patients presenting with pulmonary embolism, electrocardiogram findings of ST-segment elevations will occur predominantly in the anterior-septal distribution.

Pharmacologic inhibition of the enzymatic effects of tissue transglutaminase reduces cardiac fibrosis and attenuates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy following pressure overload.

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is a multifunctional protein with a wide range of enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions. We have recently demonstrated that tTG expression is upregulated in the pressure-overloaded myocardium and exerts fibrogenic actions promoting diastolic dysfunction, while preventing chamber dilation. Our current investigation dissects the in vivo and in vitro roles of the enzymatic effects of tTG on fibrotic remodeling in pressure-overloaded myocardium. Using a mouse model of transverse aortic constriction, we demonstrated perivascular and interstitial tTG activation in the remodeling pressure-overloaded heart. tTG inhibition through administration of the selective small molecule tTG inhibitor ERW1041E attenuated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis in the pressure-overloaded heart, without affecting chamber dimensions and ejection fraction. In vivo, tTG inhibition markedly reduced myocardial collagen mRNA and protein levels and attenuated transcription of fibrosis-associated genes. In contrast, addition of exogenous recombinant tTG to fibroblast-populated collagen pads had no significant effects on collagen transcription, and instead increased synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)1 through transamidase-independent actions. However, enzymatic effects of matrix-bound tTG increased the thickness of pericellular collagen in fibroblast-populated pads. tTG exerts distinct enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions in the remodeling pressure-overloaded heart. The enzymatic effects of tTG are fibrogenic and promote diastolic dysfunction, but do not directly modulate the pro-fibrotic transcriptional program of fibroblasts. Targeting transamidase-dependent actions of tTG may be a promising therapeutic strategy in patients with heart failure and fibrosis-associated diastolic dysfunction.

Comparison of local versus general anesthesia in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is typically performed under general anesthesia (GA). However, there is increasing data supporting the safety of performing TAVR under local anesthesia/conscious sedation (LA). We performed a meta-analysis to gain better understanding of the safety and efficacy of LA versus GA in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR. METHODS AND RESULTS: We comprehensively searched EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Effect sizes were summarized using risk ratios (RRs) difference of the mean (DM), and 95% CIs (confidence intervals) for dichotomous and continuous variables respectively. Twenty-six studies and 10,572 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The use of LA for TAVR was associated with lower overall 30-day mortality (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57-0.93; P = 0.01), use of inotropic/vasopressor drugs (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.72; P < 0.001), hospital length of stay (LOS) (DM, -2.09; 95% CI, -3.02 to -1.16; P < 0.001), intensive care unit LOS (DM, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.04; P = 0.01), procedure time (DM, -25.02; 95% CI, -32.70 to -17.35; P < 0.001); and fluoroscopy time (DM, -1.63; 95% CI, -3.02 to -0.24; P = 0.02). No differences were observed between LA and GA for stroke, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, permanent pacemaker implantation, acute kidney injury, paravalvular leak, vascular complications, major bleeding, procedural success, conduction abnormalities, and annular rupture. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that use of LA for TAVR is associated with a lower 30-day mortality, shorter procedure time, fluoroscopy time, ICU LOS, hospital length of stay, and reduced need for inotropic support.

Clinical impact of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in primary prevention of total mortality in non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy: results from a meta-analysis of prospective randomized clinical trials.

Aim: Primary prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have demonstrated a clear all-cause mortality benefit in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, with less compelling evidence supporting its use in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the role of ICD for reduction in total mortality in NICM patients. Methods and results: An electronic search on PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases was performed to identify the RCTs evaluating the role of prophylactic ICD placement in NICM patients. Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio (RR) fixed-effects model was used to summarize data across treatment arms. Random-effects model was used if heterogeneity (I2) ≥ 25. Patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (CRT-P) were included in the control group. Six RCTs, with a total of 3128 patients and a mean follow-up period of 48 ± 22 months comparing ICD with medical therapy in NICM were included in this analysis. There was a significant reduction in all-cause mortality in the ICD group compared with the medical therapy group [RR 0.79, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.68-0.92; P = 0.002]. No publication bias was noted. Conclusion: Currently available evidence demonstrates that the use of ICD provides a clear and significant reduction in all-cause mortality among patients with NICM.

Starfish in the heart: Congenital anomaly of the papillary muscles.

Most common congenital anatomical abnormalities of the subvalvular apparatus (papillary muscles and chordae tendineae) are parachute or parachute like mitral valve. This is more commonly reported among the pediatric population as they develop heart failure symptoms shortly after birth. Reports of adult cases are rare and incidental. Multimodality imaging has an important role in evaluating such anatomical abnormalities, and identification of possible related complications. We are describing a rare atypical variant of parachute like mitral valve.

Three-dimensional echocardiography demonstrates a skewered left ventricular thrombus in a patient with a heart transplant.

A left ventricular (LV) false tendon is a frequently visualized structure in echocardiography with unclear clinical significance. We present the case of a false tendon serving as a nidus for thrombus in a post-orthotopic heart transplantation patient. Three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) was utilized to visualize a LV mass and facilitate its identification as a thrombus as well as the surrounding structures. Using datasets from 3DTTE, the lack of ventricular wall attachment and circumferential formation of the thrombus around the false tendon was identified. Serial imaging demonstrated resolution of the thrombus with anticoagulation.

Increased risk of stroke and mortality following new-onset atrial fibrillation during hospitalization.

AIMS: The outcome of patients who develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) during hospitalization is unknown, and the management of this patient population is not specifically addressed by current guidelines. We investigated the incidence of death and inhospital stroke among a large cohort of hospitalized inpatients who developed new-onset AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients ≥50 years of age admitted to a tertiary academic medical centre (20 April 2005 to 31 December 2011; n = 84 919) were studied. Demographic variables were compared among patients categorized as having new-onset, pre-existing, or no AF. A propensity-matched analysis was employed to compare outcomes by generalized estimating equations. Primary endpoints were all-cause 30-day and 1-year mortality and inhospital stroke. New-onset AF occurred in 1749 (2.1%) hospitalized patients. Among patients with new-onset AF, mortality at 30 days and 1 year was higher compared with patients without AF (at 30 days: OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.72-3.02, P < 0.0001; at 1 year: RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.36-1.73, P < 0.0001), and compared with patients with pre-existing AF at 30 days (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.06-2.17, P = 0.02) -an effect that persisted as non-significant trend at 1 year (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.98-1.34, P = 0.09). Risk of inhospital stroke was higher in patients with new-onset AF compared with patients without AF (OR 4.53, 95% CI 1.36-15.11, P = 0.02). Among patients with new-onset AF, the CHA2DS2-Vasc score correlated with incidence of inhospital stroke. CONCLUSION: New-onset AF among hospitalized inpatients is independently associated with an increased incidence of stroke and mortality.

Transcatheter Valve-in-Valve Implantation: Failing Tricuspid Bioprosthesis in a Patient with Ebstein’s Anomaly.

Transcatheter valve-in-valve (VIV) implantation has been recently proposed as an alternative to surgical reoperative aortic valve replacement in patients with a failing aortic bioprosthesis. Experience with transcatheter VIV implantation at other valve positions is very limited. Herein is reported the case of an 18-year-old man with Ebstein's anomaly and severe tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation status after bioprosthetic valve replacement, who developed new dyspnea on exertion three years after the initial valve replacement. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a severely dilated right atrium and new TV stenosis with an immobile leaflet. The patient underwent successful VIV implantation of a 29-mm SAPIEN XT bioprosthetic valve, with resolution of symptoms and no residual TV regurgitation or stenosis at the two-year follow up. Video 1: Degenerative bioprosthetic tricuspid valve. TEE showing the degenerative bioprosthetic tricuspid valve, and color Doppler during systole showing severe tricuspid regurgitation. Video 2: Degenerative bioprosthetic tricuspid valve. Three-dimensional TEE showing stenosis with an immobile leaflet creating a coaptation defect, viewed from the right atrium. Video 3: Transcatheter VIV replacement with a 29-mm Edwards SAPIEN XT deployed within the tricuspid valve prosthesis. Final result after valve implantation, demonstrating a patent valve orifice, and appropriate apposition of transcatheter valve within a pre-existing surgical Carpentier-Edwards bioprosthetic valve, viewed from the right ventricle. Video 4: Transcatheter VIV replacement with a 29-mm Edwards SAPIEN XT deployed within the tricuspid valve prosthesis. Final result after valve implantation, demonstrating a patent valve orifice, and appropriate apposition of transcatheter valve within a pre-existing surgical Carpentier-Edwards bioprosthetic valve, viewed from the right atrium.

Cardiac sarcoidosis diagnosed by multimodality imaging.

A 66-year-old woman presented with frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and akinesis of the basal septum on echocardiography. Coronary angiography was normal. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed mid-wall enhancement. Positron emission tomography showed a perfusion defect at the same location using 13N-ammonia, but increased 18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. These findings supported the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. High-dose steroids initially reduced frequency of PVCs but had to be withdrawn due to severe side effects. An ICD was implanted. Our case demonstrates the utility of multimodality imaging to diagnose and guide management of this entity.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among law enforcement officers who responded to the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.

BACKGROUND: Law enforcement officers (LEOs) experience high rates of cardiovascular events compared with the general US population. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Data regarding MetS among LEOs are limited. METHODS: We sought to determine the prevalence of MetS and its associated risk factors as well as gender differences among LEOs who participated in the World Trade Center (WTC) Law Enforcement Cardiovascular Screening (LECS) Program from 2008 to 2010. We evaluated a total of 2,497 participants, 40 years and older, who responded to the 9/11 WTC attacks. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 27%, with abdominal obesity and hypertension being the most frequently occurring risk factors. MetS and its risk factors were significantly higher among male compared to female LEOs, except for reduced HDL-cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: MetS is a rising epidemic in the United States, and importantly, approximately one in four LEOs who worked at the WTC site after 9/11 are affected. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:752-760, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.