Spanish Results of the Second European Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Survey (CRT-Survey II).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We describe the results for Spain of the Second European Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Survey (CRT-Survey II) and compare them with those of the other participating countries. METHODS: We included patients undergoing CRT device implantation between October 2015 and December 2016 in 36 participating Spanish centers. We registered the patients' baseline characteristics, implant procedure data, and short-term follow-up information until hospital discharge. RESULTS: Implant success was achieved in 95.9%. The median [interquartile range] annual implantation rate by center was significantly lower in Spain than in the other participating countries: 30 implants/y [21-50] vs 55 implants/y [33-100]; P=.00003. In Spanish centers, there was a lower proportion of patients ≥ 75 years (27.9% vs 32.4%; P=.0071), a higher proportion in New York Heart Association functional class II (46.9% vs 36.9%; P <.00001), and a higher percentage with electrocardiographic criteria of left bundle branch block (82.9% vs 74.6%; P <.00001). The mean length of hospital stay was significantly lower in Spanish centers (5.8±8.5 days vs 6.4±11.6; P <.00001). Spanish patients were more likely to receive a quadripolar LV lead (74% vs 56%; P <.00001) and to be followed up by remote monitoring (55.8% vs 27.7%; P <.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The CRT-Survey II shows that, compared with other participating countries, fewer patients in Spain aged ≥ 75 years received a CRT device, while more patients were in New York Heart Association functional class II and had left bundle branch block. In addition, the length of hospital stay was shorter, and there was greater use of quadripolar LV leads and remote CRT monitoring.

Colchicine Administered in the First Episode of Acute Idiopathic Pericarditis: A Randomized Multicenter Open-label Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of information about the real benefit of colchicine administration in the first episode of acute idiopathic pericarditis (AIP). The main objective of the present study was to assess the real efficacy of colchicine in patients with AIP who did not receive corticosteroids. METHODS: Randomized multicenter open-label study. Patients with a first episode of AIP (not secondary to cardiac injury or connective tissue disease) were randomized into 2 groups: group A received conventional anti-inflammatory treatment plus colchicine for 3 months, and group B received conventional anti-inflammatory treatment only. None of the patients received corticosteroids. The primary endpoint was the appearance of recurrent episodes of pericarditis. The secondary endpoint was the time to first recurrence. Follow-up was extended to 24 months. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients (83.6% men, age 44±18.3 years) were randomized to group A (n=59) and group B (n=51). No differences were found in baseline demographics or in the clinical features of the index episode or in the type of anti-inflammatory treatment administered in both groups. The follow-up was completed by 102 patients (92.7%). No differences were found in the rate of recurrent pericarditis between groups (12 patients [10.9%]; group A vs group B, 13.5% vs 7.8%; P=.34). The time to first recurrence (group A vs group B, 9.6±9.0 vs 8.3±10.5 months; P=.80) did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with a first episode of AIP who had not received corticosteroids, the addition of colchicine to conventional anti-inflammatory treatment does not seem to reduce the recurrence rate. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu. Identifier: EudraCT 2009-011258-16.

Marcadores angiográficos negativos en la intervención coronaria percutánea de las oclusiones totales crónicas / Negative angiographic markers in percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions

Resumen Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar variables angiográficas predictivas negativas y la presencia de la rama lateral en la proximidad de la capa distal de la oclusión en el resultado de la intervención coronaria percutánea de las oclusiones totales crónicas. Método: Las variables angiográficas potencialmente negativas fueron evaluadas retrospectivamente en 156 oclusiones totales crónicas sometidas a intervención coronaria percutánea. Se utilizó regresión logística binaria con una finalidad predictiva para identificar un modelo de variables que en su conjunto puedan predecir satisfactoriamente el resultado negativo de la intervención. Resultados: Las variables asociadas de forma independiente al fracaso de procedimiento fueron la enfermedad multivaso (odds ratio = 5,12; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,94-13,5; P = 0.001), la presencia de muñón ambiguo (odds ratio = 5,08; IC intervalo de confianza del 95%, 2,22- 11,63; P < 0.001), longitud de la oclusión ≥20 mm (odds ratio = 3,7; IC intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,37-9,97; P = 0.01) y la localización ostial de la oclusión (odds ratio = 6,53; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,67-25,63; P = 0.007). La rama lateral en la proximidad de la capa distal no permaneció en el modelo predictivo. Conclusión: La enfermedad multivaso, muñón ambiguo, una longitud ≥20 mm y la localización ostial son factores independientes y predictivos de un resultado desfavorable de la angioplastia. La rama lateral en la capa distal de la oclusión no se asoció al fracaso de la intervención. © 2017 Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. Este es un artículo Open Access bajo la licencia CC BY-NC-ND (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify negative angiographic predictive variables and the presence of a side branch close to the distal cap of the occlusion in the chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention outcome. Methods: Potential negative angiographic variables were retrospectively evaluated in 156 chronic total occlusions that had undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention. Binary logistic regression with predictive purpose was used to identify a model of variables which, all in all, could successfully predict a negative intervention result. Results: Variables independently associated with the procedural failure were multivessel disease (odds ratio = 5.12; 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.94-13.5; P = .001), ambiguous stump presence (odds ratio = 5.08; 95% CI; 2.22-11.63 P < .001), occlusion length ≥20 mm (odds ratio = 3.7; 95% CI; 1.37-9.97 P = .01), and ostial location (odds ratio = 6.53; 95% CI; 1.67-25.63; P = .007). Side branch at distal cap proximity did not remain in the predictive model. Conclusions: Multivessel disease, ambiguous stump, a length ≥20 mm, and an ostial location of a chronic total occlusion are independent predictive factors of an unfavourable angioplasty result. A side branch at occlusion distal cap was not associated with the procedural failure. © 2017 Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

[Negative angiographic markers in percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions]. / Marcadores angiográficos negativos en la intervención coronaria percutánea de las oclusiones totales crónicas.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify negative angiographic predictive variables and the presence of a side branch close to the distal cap of the occlusion in the chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention outcome. METHODS: Potential negative angiographic variables were retrospectively evaluated in 156 chronic total occlusions that had undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention. Binary logistic regression with predictive purpose was used to identify a model of variables which, all in all, could successfully predict a negative intervention result. RESULTS: Variables independently associated with the procedural failure were multivessel disease (odds ratio=5.12; 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.94-13.5; P=.001), ambiguous stump presence (odds ratio=5.08; 95% CI; 2.22-11.63 P<.001), occlusion length ≥20mm (odds ratio=3.7; 95% CI; 1.37-9.97 P=.01), and ostial location (odds ratio=6.53; 95% CI; 1.67-25.63; P=.007). Side branch at distal cap proximity did not remain in the predictive model. CONCLUSIONS: Multivessel disease, ambiguous stump, a length ≥20mm, and an ostial location of a chronic total occlusion are independent predictive factors of an unfavourable angioplasty result. A side branch at occlusion distal cap was not associated with the procedural failure.

Percutaneous retrieval of a port-a-cath using a pigtail catheter combined with snaring technique.

We present a case of a 63-year-old woman who underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer through a port-a-cath inserted in left subclavian vein. The device was withdrawn one year later due to jugular vein thrombosis plus dysfunction of the device. A few years later a chest X-ray for scrutinizing dyspnea showed a catheter located in right heart chambers. Percutaneous retrieval via right subclavian vein was planned. Both catheter ends were impacted against heart structures and were not free to be easily captured by a snare. By using a pig-tail catheter we were able to seize the catheters loop portion and pull it back slightly. Once the catheter ends became free we seized one of the catheter's distal ends with a snare and successfully externalised it.

[Status of cardiac resynchronization therapy in Catalonia, Spain: Results of the prospective multicentric study TRC-CAT]. / Estado actual del tratamiento de resincronización cardiaca en Cataluña: resultados del estudio prospectivo multicéntrico TRC-CAT.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Results of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) have been extensively published. However, there is limited data in unselected populations. The objective of the study was to analyse the efficacy and safety of CRT in Catalonia. METHODS: A prospective study was performed of consecutive patients implanted with CRT over one year in 7 university hospitals in Catalonia, representing 90% of the implanted patients. Echocardiographic reverse remodelling was defined as 5 points improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and clinical responders were defined as patients with an increase>10% of six-minute walk test or one point of New York Heart Association functional class at 12 months. Patients were followed up for one year and hospital admissions and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients included in the study, 99% met the indications of the current CRT clinical guidelines and 68% received CRT with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The rate of complications was 12.5%. During follow-up 16 patients (8%) died. Fifty-two percent (104) of the population was considered to respond clinically and 62% (124) presented improved echocardiographic parameters. Compared to the year prior to implant, hospital admissions decreased by 82% (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: In an unselected population of Catalonia, we observe that CRT was effective and decreased the number of hospital admissions.

Pacemaker clinic: an opportunity to detect silent atrial fibrillation and improve antithrombotic treatment.

AIMS: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with pacemakers is high, and often passes unnoticed. Our aim was to assess the use of antithrombotic treatment in this group of patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients who came to our institution to have their pacemakers checked during the year 2008 were included in this study. The atrial activity was assessed by slowing down the paced frequency if necessary, and by the analysis of atrial electrograms in atrial-based pacemakers. The appropriateness of the antithrombotic treatment was evaluated by a cardiologist. Out of 585 patients, 216 (36.9%) displayed AF at some point during the 5.5-year monitoring period (1.5-11), although only 58 (9.9%) displayed it at the time of the implant. Of these 216, 58% were men, with an average age of 80 years (76-86 years). The pacemaker was implanted in response to an atrioventricular block (AVB) in 46.3% of the cases, sinoatrial node disorder in 24.1% of the cases, and slow AF in 25.9% of the cases. The CHADS2 score was 0 points in 4.2% (9) of the cases, 1 point in 19% (41) of the cases, and ≥ 2 points in 77% (173) of the cases. Despite this, only 58.3% of the cases received anticoagulant treatment. The existence of arrhythmia at the time of implantation [odds ratio (OR) = 4.25; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.72-10.51; P = 0.002] and the implantation of a pacemaker with atrioventricular synchronization (OR = 13.23; 95% CI, 2.89-60.56; P = 0.001) were associated with the use of anticoagulant treatment in those cases with CHADS2>2. CONCLUSION: Atrial fibrillation is common in patients fitted with pacemakers. Despite the high risk of embolism, an underuse of anticoagulant treatment was observed.

[Clinical characteristics and outcome of infective endocarditis in individuals of the general population managed at a teaching hospital without cardiac surgery facilities. Study of 120 cases]. / Características clínicas y evolución de la endocarditis infecciosa en una población general no seleccionada, atendida en un hospital docente que no dispone de cirugía cardiaca. Estudio de 120 casos.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical characteristics and management of infective endocarditis at a teaching hospital without cardiac surgery facilities. METHODS: Descriptive case-control study looking at trends. Risk factors, the occurrence of complications, the rate of referral for cardiac surgery, and the mortality rate were assessed. RESULTS: The study included 120 patients referred between 1990 and 2004, with a mean age of 50.8 (17.8) years (67.6% men). Disease incidence did not change throughout the study. Some 55% of infective endocarditis cases were from the ordinary general population, 25% were intravenous drug users, and 20% were of nosocomial origin. The number in the last category had increased over time. The most commonly isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus. Around 83% of patients presented with a severe complication, with cardiac failure and septic metastasis being the most common. The in-hospital mortality rate was 19.2%. Acute renal failure (odds ratio 6.7, 95% confidence interval, 1.9-24) and perivalvular abscess (odds ratio 9.2, 95% confidence interval, 1.6-54) were independent predictors of death. The introduction in 2002 of a multidisciplinary infective endocarditis team, which included a consultant cardiac surgeon, was associated with a significant increase in referrals for surgery, from 14.5% to 34.5% (P=.03), though in-hospital mortality was not significantly altered, decreasing from 20.9% to 13.8% (P=.4). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of acute renal failure and perivalvular abscess worsen the prognosis of infective endocarditis. The introduction of a multidisciplinary infective endocarditis team altered management of the disease and increased referrals for cardiac surgery.

Cardiovascular abnormalities in hyperthyroidism: a prospective Doppler echocardiographic study.

PURPOSE: We investigated the prevalence and clinical importance of cardiovascular abnormalities in patients with hyperthyroidism. METHODS: All consecutive patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism during a period of 24 months were included in the study. Medical history, complete physical examination results, electrocardiographic findings, laboratory determinations, and Doppler echocardiographic findings were obtained for all patients within 24 hours of diagnosis, and after euthyroidism had been achieved. Age- and sex-matched controls also were studied. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (mean [+/-SD] age, 52 +/- 20 years; range, 25 to 86 years; 72% women), and 39 age- and sex-matched controls, were included. Atrial fibrillation was present in 7 patients (18%). Moderate or severe mitral or tricuspid regurgitation, or both, were present in 9 patients (23%) and in only 1 control (3%; P= 0.01). Mean pulmonary arterial systolic pressure was 38 +/- 12 mm Hg (range, 17 to 64 mm Hg) in patients and 27 +/- 4 mm Hg (range, 19 to 37 mm Hg) in controls (P= 0.001). Sixteen patients (41%) and 1 control (3%) had pulmonary arterial systolic pressure >or=35 mm Hg. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was detected in 1 patient. After correction of hyperthyroidism, a significant decrease in pulmonary arterial systolic pressure was observed, and the levels became similar to those of controls. CONCLUSION: In patients with hyperthyroidism, there is a high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension and atrioventricular valve regurgitation. These abnormalities usually correct after treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of an incessant supraventricular tachycardia in a premature neonate.

A 32-week, premature neonate with incessant supraventricular tachycardia and hemodynamic compromise who failed to respond to antenatal and postnatal antiarrhythmic therapy underwent successful radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA) of a concealed left free-wall accessory pathway when the infant was 4-days-old and weighed only 1,840 grams. At follow-up performed 60 days after the procedure, the infant remained free of any drug, in sinus rhythm, and in normal hemodynamic condition.