COVID-19 and Heart Transplant: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in many challenges in patient care, especially among high-risk populations such as heart transplant recipients. Patients with heart transplant experience a significantly higher mortality rate with COVID-19 infection, and management is based on extrapolation from clinical trials done on nontransplant patients and from clinical experience. Here we report 4 cases of patients with heart transplant who presented with COVID-19 infection in late 2020. Patients presented with symptoms similar to those seen in the general population. All 4 patients were admitted to the hospital, and they were all treated with dexamethasone. In addition, 2 patients received remdesivir. Immunosuppressive medications were adjusted to maintain adequate levels of immunosuppression but at the same time allow for an adequate immune response against the infection. All patients were discharged alive from the hospital. We then performed a literature review on studies that included heart transplant patients who developed the infection and developed suggestions for a standardized management approach, which we share in this article.

Clinical implications of inducible left ventricular outflow tract obstruction among patients undergoing liver transplant evaluation.

Introduction: Patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) have a hyperdynamic state due to decreased systemic vascular resistance and increased cardiac output. Preoperative evaluation with dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is used to risk-stratify patients prior to liver transplant. We sought to identify the impact of inducible left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) on DSE on post-operative liver transplant outcomes. Methods: Patients with ESLD who underwent liver transplant at Cleveland Clinic between January 2007 and August 2016 were identified. Pre-operative DSE data, and post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) data were extracted. Patients with inducible LVOTO were compared to those without LVOTO. Results: Of the 515 patients identified who underwent DSE prior to liver transplant, 165 (30%) were female, and 95 (18%) had LVOTO. There were no major differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. In the LVOTO group, rest gradients were 10.8 ± 3 mm Hg while peak gradients were 90 ± 48.2 mm Hg. No significant differences in ICU length of stay or duration of mechanical ventilation between both groups were noted. There were 21 deaths at 30 days. There were 2 (2.1%) deaths in the LVOTO group, versus 19 (4.5%) deaths in the non LVOTO group (p = 0.28). Higher Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores predicted longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. Conclusion: Inducible LVOTO on DSE does not adversely affect the short-term outcomes post liver transplant. Presence of inducible LVOTO should not be the mere reason to deny liver transplant among patients with ESLD.

Genomic and Proteomic Study of the Inflammatory Pathway in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Cardiometabolic Syndrome.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) have been linked to inflammation and fibrosis. However, it is still unknown which inflammatory cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of AF. Furthermore, cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance/glucose intolerance are also associated with inflammation and increased level of cytokines and adipokines. We hypothesized that the inflammatory immune response is exacerbated in patients with both AF and CMS compared to either AF or CMS alone. We investigated inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic markers as well as cytokine genetic profiles in patients with lone AF and CMS. CMS, lone AF patients, patients with both lone AF and CMS, and control patients were recruited. Genetic polymorphisms in inflammatory and fibrotic markers were assessed. Serum levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were tested along with other inflammatory markers including platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-HDL ratio (MHR) in three groups of AF+CMS, AF, and CMS patients. There was a trend in the CTGF levels for statistical significance between the AF and AF+CMS group (P = 0.084). Genotyping showed high percentages of patients in all groups with high secretor genotypes of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P = 0.037). Genotyping of IFN-γ and IL-10 at high level showed an increase in expression in the AF + CMS group compared to AF and CMS alone suggesting an imbalance between the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines which is exacerbated by AF. Serum cytokine inflammatory cytokine levels showed that IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17F, and IL-22 were significant between the AF, AF+CMS, and CMS patients. Combination of both CMS and AF may be associated with a higher degree of inflammation than what is seen in either CMS or AF alone. Thus, the identification of a biomarker capable of identifying metabolic syndrome associated with disease will help in identification of a therapeutic target in treating this devastating disease.

Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Without Left Atrial Appendage Imaging in Patients Treated With Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

BACKGROUND: Many centers continue to routinely perform transesophageal echocardiograms before atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). One study suggested that the procedures could be done without transesophageal echocardiogram but used intracardiac echocardiography imaging of the appendage from the right ventricular outflow. This study aimed to assess the safety of ablation for AF without transesophageal echocardiogram screening or intracardiac echocardiography imaging of the appendage in DOAC compliant patients. METHODS: All patients undergoing AF ablation at the Cleveland Clinic (2011-2018) were enrolled in a prospectively maintained data registry. All consecutive patients presenting with AF or atrial flutter on DOAC were included. Periprocedural thromboembolic complications were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 900 patients were included. Their median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2 (interquartile range 1-3). All were on DOACs (333 rivaroxaban, 285 dabigatran, 281 apixaban, and 1 edoxaban). Thromboembolic complications occurred in 4 patients (0.3%): 2 ischemic strokes, 1 transient ischemic attack without residual deficit, and 1 splenic infarct; all with no further complications. Bleeding complications occurred in 5 patients (0.4%): 2 pericardial effusions (1 intraoperative, 1 after 30 days, both drained), 3 groin hematomas (1 of them due to needing heparin for venous thrombosis, none required interventions). No patients required emergent surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: In DOAC compliant patients who present for ablation in AF/atrial flutter, the procedures could be performed without transesophageal echocardiogram screening or intracardiac echocardiography imaging of the appendage; with low risk of complications.

Catheter Ablation in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock and Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of data regarding radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with cardiogenic shock and concomitant VT refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs on mechanical support. METHODS: Patients undergoing VT ablation at our center were enrolled in a prospectively maintained registry and screened for the current study (2010-2017). RESULTS: All 21 consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock and concomitant refractory ventricular arrhythmia undergoing bailout ablation due to inability to wean off mechanical support were included. Median age was 61 years, 86% were men, median left ventricular ejection fraction was 20%, 81% had ischemic cardiomyopathy, and PAINESD score was 18±5. The type of mechanical support in place before the procedure was intra-aortic balloon pump in 14 patients (67%), Impella CP in 2, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in 2, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and intra-aortic balloon pump in 2, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Impella CP in 1. Endocardial voltage maps showed myocardial scar in 19 patients (90%). The clinical VTs were inducible in 13 patients (62%), whereas 6 patients had premature ventricular contraction-induced ventricular fibrillation/VT (29%), and VT could not be induced in 2 patients (9%). Activation mapping was possible in all 13 with inducible clinical VTs. Substrate modification was performed in 15 patients with scar (79%). After ablation and scar modification, the arrhythmia was noninducible in 19 patients (91%). Seventeen (81%) were eventually weaned off mechanical support successfully, but 6 (29%) died during the index admission from persistent cardiogenic shock. Patients who had ventricular arrhythmia and cardiogenic shock on presentation had a trend toward lower in-hospital mortality compared with those who presented with cardiogenic shock and later developed ventricular arrhythmia. CONCLUSIONS: Bailout ablation for refractory ventricular arrhythmia in cardiogenic shock allowed successful weaning from mechanical support in a large proportion of patients. Mortality remains high, but the majority of patients were discharged home and survived beyond 1 year.

Association of adoption of transradial access for percutaneous coronary intervention in ST elevation myocardial infarction with door-to-balloon time.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study adoption of transradial primary percutaneous coronary intervention (TR-PPCI) for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) ("radial first" approach) and its association with door-to-balloon time (D2BT). BACKGROUND: TR-PPCI for STEMI is underutilized in the United States due to concerns about prolonging D2BT. Whether operators and hospitals adopting a radial first approach in STEMI incur prolonged D2BT is unknown. METHODS: In 1,272 consecutive cases of STEMI with PPCI at our hospital from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2016, we studied TR-PPCI adoption and its association with D2BT including a propensity matched analysis of similar risk TR-PPCI and trans-femoral primary PCI (TF-PPCI) patients. RESULTS: With major increases in hospital-level TR-PPCI (hospital TR-PPCI rate: 2.6% in 2011 to 79.4% in 2016, p-trend<.001) and operator-level TR-PPCI (mean operator TR-PPCI rate: 2.9% in 2011 to 81.1% in 2016, p-trend = .005), median hospital level D2BT decreased from 102 min [81, 142] in 2011 to 84 min [60, 105] in 2016 (p-trend<.001). TF crossover (10.3%; n = 57) was not associated with unadjusted D2BT (TR-PPCI success 91 min [72, 112] vs. TF crossover 99 min [70, 115], p = .432) or D2BT adjusted for study year and presenting location (7.2% longer D2BT with TF crossover, 95% CI: -4.0% to +18.5%, p = .208). Among 273 propensity-matched pairs, unadjusted D2BT (TR-PPCI 98 [78, 117] min vs. TF-PPCI 101 [76, 132] min, p = .304), and D2BT adjusted for study year and presenting location (5.0% shorter D2BT with TR-PPCI, 95% CI: -12.4% to +2.4%, p = .188) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: TR-PPCI can be successfully implemented without compromising D2BT performance.

Transvenous Lead Extraction in Patients With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). BACKGROUND: ARVC is an increasingly diagnosed cardiomyopathy that often requires device implantation to prevent sudden death. Little is known about TLE in this setting, which has potential challenges and risks, primarily due to right ventricular (RV) wall thinning and fragility. METHODS: All consecutive patients with ARVC who underwent TLE at our institution between 1996 and 2016 were included. When extraction tools were used, sheaths were advanced to the RV with countertraction at the lead tip. Success and complications were defined in concordance with Heart Rhythm Society guidelines. RESULTS: Twenty-two TLE procedures in patients with ARVC involved extraction of 27 leads (22 defibrillators and 5 pacemakers). TLEs were performed due to evidence of lead malfunction (n = 17; 77%) or device infection (n = 5; 23%). Twenty-four leads (89%) were RV, and 3 leads (11%) were right atrial. The median age of the oldest extracted lead was 1,691 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 1,168 to 2,726 days). Specialized extraction tools were required in 20 procedures (91%). None required the use of a snare or a femoral workstation. The median procedural and fluoroscopic times were 152 min (IQR: 129 to 185 min) and 11 min (IQR: 6 to 18 min), respectively. Complete procedural success with removal of all leads was achieved in all cases. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: In a high-volume center, TLE in patients with ARVC was associated with a high success rate and a low rate of complications when guideline-established techniques and tools were used.

Incremental Prognostic Value of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy, Transradial Access, and Door-to-Balloon Time on Outcomes in ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Systems to improve ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care have traditionally focused on improving door-to-balloon time. However, prompt guideline-directed medical therapy and transradial primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are also associated with reduced STEMI mortality. The incremental prognostic value of each facet of STEMI care on clinical outcomes within a STEMI system of care is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We implemented systems-based strategies at our hospital to improve 3 STEMI care metrics: (1) prompt guideline-directed medical therapy before sheath insertion for PCI, (2) use of transradial primary PCI, and (3) door-to-balloon time. We assessed the incremental association of metrics achieved with in-hospital adverse events and 30-day mortality. Of 1272 consecutive patients with STEMI treated with PCI at our hospital (January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2016), the percentage with achievement of zero, 1, 2, or 3 STEMI care metrics was 7.1%, 24.1%, 43.8%, and 25.1%; and 30-day mortality was 15.6%, 8.6%, 3.6%, and 3.2%, respectively (log-rank P<0.001). After adjusting for known clinical predictors of STEMI in-hospital mortality, achievement of at least 2 STEMI care metrics was associated with significantly reduced in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16-0.96; P=0.041). Each metric provided incremental prognostic value when modeled in stepwise order of their occurrence in clinical practice (final model C statistic, 0.677; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prompt guideline-directed medical therapy before sheath insertion for PCI, transradial primary PCI, and door-to-balloon time add incremental prognostic value in STEMI care. Expanding STEMI systems of care from a singular focus on door-to-balloon time to a comprehensive focus on multifaceted STEMI care offers an opportunity to further improve STEMI outcomes.

Non-familial cardiomyopathies in Lebanon: exome sequencing results for five idiopathic cases.

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyopathies affect more than 0.5% of the general population. They are associated with high risk of sudden cardiac death, which can result from either heart failure or electrical abnormalities. Although different mechanisms underlie the various types of cardiomyopathies, a principal pathology is common to all and is usually at the level of the cardiac muscle. With a relatively high incidence rate in most countries, and a subsequent major health burden on both the families and governments, cardiomyopathies are gaining more attention by researchers and pharmaceutical companies as well as health government bodies. In Lebanon, there is no official data about the spectrum of the diseases in terms of their respective prevalence, clinical, or genetic profiles. METHODS: We used exome sequencing to unravel the genetic basis of idiopathic cases of cardiomyopathies in Lebanon, a relatively small country with high rates of consanguineous marriages. RESULTS: Five cases were diagnosed with different forms of cardiomyopathies, and exome sequencing revealed the presence of already documented or novel mutations in known genes in three cases: LMNA for an Emery Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy case, PKP2 for an arrhythmogenic right ventricle dysplasia case, and MYPN for a dilated cardiomyopathy case. Interestingly two brothers with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have a novel missense variation in NPR1, the gene encoding the natriuretic peptides receptor type I, not reported previously to be causing cardiomyopathies. CONCLUSION: Our results unravel novel mutations in known genes implicated in cardiomyopathies in Lebanon. Changes in clinical management however, require genetic profiling of a larger cohort of patients.

Swine Atrioventricular Node Ablation Using Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Methods and In Vivo Feasibility Investigation for Catheter-Free Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: Linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery delivered to cardiac arrhythmogenic foci could be a promising catheter-free ablation modality. We tested the feasibility of in vivo atrioventricular (AV) node ablation in swine using stereotactic radiosurgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: Five Large White breed swine (weight 40-75 kg; 4 females) were studied. Single-chamber St Jude pacemakers were implanted in each pig. The pigs were placed under general anesthesia, and coronary/cardiac computed tomography simulation scans were performed to localize the AV node. Cone beam computed tomography was used for target positioning. Stereotactic radiosurgery doses ranging from 35 to 40 Gy were delivered by a linear accelerator to the AV node, and the pigs were followed up with weekly pacemaker interrogations to observe for potential electrocardiographic changes. Once changes were observed, the pigs were euthanized, and pathology specimens of various tissues, including the AV node and tissues surrounding the AV node, were taken to study the effects of radiation. All 5 pigs had disturbances of AV conduction with progressive transition into complete heart block. Macroscopic inspection did not reveal damage to the myocardium, and pigs had preserved systolic function on echocardiography. Immunostaining revealed fibrosis in the target region of the AV node, whereas no fibrosis was detected in the nontargeted regions. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter-free radioablation using linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery is feasible in an intact swine model.

Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease.

With improved surgical techniques and medical management for patients with congenital heart diseases, more patients are living longer and well into adulthood. This improved survival comes with a price of increased morbidity, mainly secondary to increased risk of tachyarrhythmias. One of the major arrhythmias commonly encountered in this subset of cardiac patients is AF. Similar to the general population, the risk of AF increases with advancing age, and is mainly secondary to the abnormal anatomy, abnormal pressure and volume parameters in the hearts of these patients and to the increased scarring and inflammation seen in the left atrium following multiple surgical procedures. Catheter ablation for AF has been shown to be a very effective treatment modality in patients with refractory AF. However, data and guidelines regarding catheter ablation in patients with congenital heart disease are not well established. This review will shed light on the procedural techniques, success rates and complications of AF catheter ablation in patients with different types of CHD, including atrial septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, persistent left superior vena cava, heterotaxy syndrome and atrial isomerism, and Ebstein anomaly.