An investigator-sponsored pragmatic randomized controlled trial of AntiCoagulation vs AcetylSalicylic Acid after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Rationale and design of ACASA-TAVI.

BACKGROUND: The optimal antithrombotic therapy after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is unknown. Bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) is associated with adverse outcomes and may be prevented by anticoagulation therapy. A dedicated randomized trial comparing monotherapy NOAC to single antiplatelet therapy has not been performed previously. We hypothesize that therapy with any anti-factor Xa NOAC will reduce BVD compared to antiplatelet therapy, without compromising safety. METHODS: ACASA-TAVI is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint, all-comers trial comparing a monotherapy anti-factor Xa NOAC strategy (intervention arm) with a single antiplatelet therapy strategy (control arm) after successful TAVI. Three-hundred and sixty patients without indication for oral anticoagulation will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either apixaban 5 mg twice per day, edoxaban 60 mg daily, or rivaroxaban 20 mg daily for 12 months followed by acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg daily indefinitely, or to acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg daily indefinitely. The 2 co-primary outcomes are (1) incidence of Hypo-Attenuated Leaflet Thickening (HALT) on 4-dimensional cardiac CT at 12 months, and (2) a Safety Composite of VARC-3 bleeding events, thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction and stroke), and death from any cause, at 12 months. RESULTS: The first 100 patients had a mean age of 74 ± 3.6 years, 33% were female, the average body-mass index was 27.9 ± 4.4 kg/m2, and 15% were smokers. A balloon-expanded valve was used in 82% and a self-expandable valve in 18%. CONCLUSIONS: The trial is planned, initiated, funded, and conducted without industry involvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05035277.

Reduced exercise capacity is associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction in long-term survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.

PURPOSE: Exercise intolerance is a common complication in survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The aim of this study was to determine if cardiac function measured with echocardiography is associated with exercise capacity measured with cardio-pulmonary exercise tests in long-term survivors treated in their youth with allo-HSCT. METHODS: The study included 96 patients, of which 54.2% were female, aged 34.9 ± 11.6 years and 17.7 ± 9.3 years after allo-HSCT. Reduced exercise capacity was defined as <85% of predicted-peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak ). Linear regression was used in the prediction of VO2peak (ml/kg/min). Receiver operating characteristic evaluated the accuracy of predicting reduced exercise capacity. RESULTS: VO2peak was 36.2 ± 7.7 ml/kg/min and 43 (44.8%) had reduced exercise capacity. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 55.4 ± 5.9% and global longitudinal strain (GLS) was -17.6% ± 2.0%. Left and right ventricular functions were significantly lower in survivors with reduced exercise capacity. Increased body mass index, lower physical activity score, reduced pulmonary function (by forced expiratory volume in 1-s) and reduced left ventricular systolic function (by GLS) were significant independent predictors for reduced VO2peak . GLS was superior to other echocardiographical indices for identifying reduced exercise capacity (area under curve = 0.64, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular systolic dysfunction measured by GLS is associated with reduced exercise capacity in long-term allo-HSCT survivors.

Disease progression rate is a strong predictor of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with cardiac laminopathies: a primary prevention cohort study.

AIMS: Cardiac disease progression prior to first ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in LMNA genotype-positive patients is not described. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a primary prevention cohort study, including consecutive LMNA genotype-positive patients from our centre. Patients underwent repeated clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic examinations. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic disease progression as a predictor of first-time VA was evaluated by generalized estimation equation analyses. Threshold values at transition to an arrhythmic phenotype were assessed by threshold regression analyses. We included 94 LMNA genotype-positive patients without previous VA (age 38 ± 15 years, 32% probands, 53% females). Nineteen (20%) patients experienced VA during 4.6 (interquartile range 2.1-7.3) years follow up, at mean age 50 ± 11 years. We analysed 536 echocardiographic and 261 electrocardiogram examinations. Individual patient disease progression was associated with VA [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-1.6 per 5% reduction, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi) OR 1.2 (95% CI 1.1-1.3) per 5 mL/m2 increase, PR interval OR 1.2 (95% CI 1.1-1.4) per 10 ms increase]. Threshold values for transition to an arrhythmic phenotype were LVEF 44%, LVEDVi 77 mL/m2, and PR interval 280 ms. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of first-time VA was 20% during 4.6 years follow up in LMNA genotype-positive patients. Individual patient disease progression by ECG and echocardiography were strong predictors of VA, indicating that disease progression rate may have additional value to absolute measurements when considering primary preventive ICD. Threshold values of LVEF <44%, LVEDVi >77 mL/m2, and PR interval >280 ms indicated transition to a more arrhythmogenic phenotype.

Myocardial electrophysiological and mechanical changes caused by moderate hypothermia-A clinical study.

Moderate hypothermia has been used to improve outcomes in comatose out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors during the past two decades, although the effects remain controversial. We have recently shown in an experimental study that myocardial electrophysiological and mechanical relationships were altered during moderate hypothermia. Electromechanical window positivity increased, and electrical dispersion of repolarization decreased, both of which are changes associated with decreased arrhythmogenicity in clinical conditions. Mechanical dispersion, a parameter also linked to arrhythmic risk, remained unaltered. Whether corresponding electrophysiological and mechanical changes occur in humans during moderate hypothermia, has not been previously explored. Twenty patients with normal left ventricular function were included. Measurements were obtained at 36 and 32°C prior to ascending aortic repair while on partial cardiopulmonary bypass and at 36°C after repair. Registrations were performed in the presence of both spontaneous and comparable paced heart rate during standardized loading conditions. The following electrical and mechanical parameters were explored: (1) Electromechanical window, measured as time difference between mechanical and electrical systole, (2) dispersion of repolarization from ECG T-wave, and (3) mechanical dispersion, measured as segmental variation in time to peak echocardiographic strain. At moderate hypothermia, mechanical systolic prolongation (425 ± 43-588 ± 67 ms, p < 0.001) exceeded electrical systolic prolongation (397 ± 49-497 ± 79 ms, p < 0.001), whereby, electromechanical window positivity increased (29 ± 30-86 ± 50 ms, p < 0.001). Dispersion of repolarization and mechanical dispersion remained unchanged. Corresponding electrophysiological and mechanical relationships were present at comparable paced heart rates. After rewarming, the increased electromechanical window was reversed in the presence of both spontaneous and paced heart rates. Moderate hypothermia increased electromechanical window positivity, while dispersion of repolarization and mechanical dispersion remained unchanged. This impact of hypothermia may be clinically relevant for selected groups of patients after cardiac arrest.

Early results after aortic annuloplasty with a complete external Dacron band.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the early results of our initial experience with aortic annuloplasty using a complete external Dacron band in the setting of type Ic or type II aortic regurgitation (AR). METHODS: From May 2017 to August 2019, 16 patients (88% bicuspid aortic valves, no patients with connective tissue disorders) underwent aortic annuloplasty with an external complete Dacron band. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was 100% complete. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up averaged 24.4 ± 9.3 and 15.1 ±  8.3 months, respectively. RESULTS: Mean cardiopulmonary and cross-clamp times were 105 ± 15 (72-127) and 86 ± 15 (51-113) min, respectively. Early and late mortality was 0%, with no incidents of endocarditis or cerebrovascular events during the follow-up. Two patients were re-operated during the follow-up, one due recurrent aortic regurgitation (12 months after the first operation) yielding a freedom from reoperation due to AR at 1 year and 3 years of 100% ± 0% and 93.3% ± 5.7%, respectively. Based on the latest echocardiogram, five patients had either none or trivial AR, six had mild AR, and three had mild-to-moderate AR. CONCLUSIONS: The early clinical and echocardiographic results after using a complete external Dacron band are promising; however, more data and longer follow-up are needed to determine its role in annular management during aortic valve repair.

Left Ventricular Function Changes Induced by Moderate Hypothermia Are Rapidly Reversed After Rewarming-A Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVES: Targeted temperature management (32-36°C) is used for neuroprotection in cardiac arrest survivors. The isolated effects of hypothermia on myocardial function, as used in clinical practice, remain unclear. Based on experimental results, we hypothesized that hypothermia would reversibly impair diastolic function with less tolerance to increased heart rate in patients with uninsulted hearts. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study, from June 2015 to May 2018. SETTING: Cardiothoracic surgery operation room, Oslo University Hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty patients with left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 55%, undergoing ascending aorta graft-replacement connected to cardiopulmonary bypass were included. INTERVENTIONS: Left ventricular function was assessed during reduced cardiopulmonary bypass support at 36°C, 32°C prior to graft-replacement, and at 36°C postsurgery. Electrocardiogram, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic recordings were made at spontaneous heart rate and 90 beats per minute at comparable loading conditions. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hypothermia decreased spontaneous heart rate, and R-R interval was prolonged (862 ± 170 to 1,156 ± 254 ms, p < 0.001). Although systolic and diastolic fractions of R-R interval were preserved (0.43 ± 0.07 and 0.57 ± 0.07), isovolumic relaxation time increased and diastolic filling time was shortened. Filling pattern changed from early to late filling. Systolic function was preserved with unchanged myocardial strain and stroke volume index, but cardiac index was reduced with maintained mixed venous oxygen saturation. At increased heart rate, systolic fraction exceeded diastolic fraction (0.53 ± 0.05 and 0.47 ± 0.05) with diastolic impairment. Strain and stroke volume index were reduced, the latter to 65% of stroke volume index at spontaneous heart rate. Cardiac index decreased, but mixed venous oxygen saturation was maintained. After rewarming, myocardial function was restored. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with normal left ventricular function, hypothermia impaired diastolic function. At increased heart rate, systolic function was subsequently reduced due to impeded filling. Changes in left ventricular function were rapidly reversed after rewarming.

Impaired right ventricular function in long-term survivors of allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.

AIMS: Survivors of allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to describe right ventricular (RV) systolic function and risk factors for RV dysfunction in long-term survivors of allo-HSCT performed in their youth. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cohort included 103 survivors (53% female), aged (mean±SD) 17.6±9.5 years at allo-HSCT, with a follow-up time of 17.2±5.5 years. Anthracyclines were used as first-line therapy for 44.7% of the survivors. The RV was evaluated with echocardiography, and found survivors to have reduced RV function in comparison to a group of healthy control subjects: Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, (TAPSE, 20.8±3.7 mm vs 24.6±3.8 mm, p<0.001), RV peak systolic velocity (RV-s', 11.2±2.3 cm/s vs 12.3±2.3 cm/s, p=0.001), fractional area change (FAC, 41.0±5.2% vs 42.2±5.1%, p=0.047) and RV free-wall strain (RVFWS, -27.1±4.2% vs -28.5±3.3%, p=0.043). RV systolic dysfunction (RVSD) was diagnosed in 14 (13.6%), and was strongly associated with progressive left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). High dosages of anthracyclines were associated with greater reductions in RV and LV function. Multivariable linear regressions confirmed global longitudinal strain to be a significant independent predictor for reduced RV function. CONCLUSION: Impaired RV function was found in long-term survivors of allo-HSCT who were treated in their youth. This was associated with progressive left ventricle dysfunction, and pretransplant therapies with anthracyclines. The occurrence of RVSD was less frequent and was milder than coexisting LVSD in this cohort.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: Association With Exercise Exposure, Genetic Basis, and Prognosis.

Background Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is characterized by biventricular dysfunction, exercise intolerance, and high risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. Predisposing factors for left ventricular (LV) disease manifestation and its prognostic implication in AC are poorly described. We aimed to assess the associations of exercise exposure and genotype with LV dysfunction in AC, and to explore the impact of LV disease progression on adverse arrhythmic outcome. Methods and Results We included 168 patients with AC (50% probands, 45% women, 40±16 years old) with 715 echocardiographic exams (4.1±1.7 exams/patient, follow-up 7.6 [interquartile range (IQR), 5.4-10.9] years) and complete exercise and genetic data in a longitudinal study. LV function by global longitudinal strain was -18.8% [IQR, -19.2% to -18.3%] at presentation and was worse in patients with greater exercise exposure (global longitudinal strain worsening, 0.09% [IQR, 0.01%-0.17%] per 5 MET-hours/week, P=0.02). LV function by global longitudinal strain worsened, with 0.08% [IQR, 0.05%-0.12%] per year; (P<0.001), and progression was most evident in patients with desmoplakin genotype (P for interaction <0.001). Deterioration of LV function predicted incident ventricular tachyarrhythmia (aborted cardiac arrest, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.1 [IQR, 1.0-1.3] per 1% worsening by global longitudinal strain; P=0.02, adjusted for time and previous arrhythmic events). Conclusions Greater exercise exposure was associated with worse LV function at first visit of patients with AC but did not significantly affect the rate of LV progression during follow-up. Progression of LV dysfunction was most pronounced in patients with desmoplakin genotypes. Deterioration of LV function during follow-up predicted subsequent ventricular tachyarrhythmia and should be considered in risk stratification.

Patients with infective endocarditis referred to Division of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases at Oslo University Hospital between 2014 and 2017.

Objectives. Infective endocarditis has potential for severe complications and high mortality. The number of patients with prosthetic valves has risen, and an increase in incidence of infective endocarditis has been suggested. We aimed to examine the epidemiology, etiology, treatment and outcome of patients admitted to Division of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases at Oslo University Hospital, and explore changes in incidence over the last four years. Design. We conducted a retrospective study including all patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Oslo, Norway, and diagnosed with infective endocarditis according to ICD-10 between 2014 and 2017. Results. Two hundred and ninety-one patients ≥18 years were included (61.3 ± 13.8 years, 75.6% men). 36.4% had previous valve surgery and this proportion decreased during the period. The aortic valve was most commonly affected (51.9%). Streptococci were the most frequent microorganisms (35.1%), while staphylococci accounted for 26.8%. 81.8% were treated surgically, at a median of 6.5 (0-120) days after admission. Hemodynamic changes or instability was the primary surgical indication (51.5%). One-year mortality was 20.6%. Surgery within a week after admission resulted in poorer 1-year prognosis than surgery after one week. Also, surgically treated patients who died were significantly older than those who survived. Conclusions. In this cohort, streptococci were the most common causative microorganism. Approximately, one-third of the patients had prosthetic valves. Mortality remains high, underscoring the need for continuous medical awareness. A high number of streptococcus infections in this cohort suggest dental origin.

Index of microvascular resistance to assess the effect of rosuvastatin on microvascular function in women with chest pain and no obstructive coronary artery disease: A double-blind randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Many women undergoing coronary angiography for chest pain have no or only minimal coronary artery disease (CAD). However, despite the lack of obstructive CAD, they still have an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Pleiotropic effects of statins may influence microvascular function, but if statins improve microvascular function in unselected chest pain patients is not well studied. This study assessed microvascular function by using the thermodilution-derived test "the index of microvascular resistance" (IMR) with the aim of determining the (i) IMR level in women with chest pain and non-obstructive CAD and if (ii) IMR is modified by high-dose statin treatment in these patients. Additional objectives were to identify the influence of statins on the health status as assessed with generic health questionnaires and on biomarkers of endothelial activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a randomized, double-blind, single-center trial comparing 6 months of rosuvastatin treatment with placebo. In total, 66 women without obstructive CAD were included. Mean age was 52.7 years and 55.5 years in the placebo and rosuvastatin group, respectively. Microvascular function was assessed using the IMR, health status was assessed using the SF-36 and EQ-5D questionnaires, and biochemical values were assessed at baseline and 6 months later. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In the placebo group IMR was 14.6 (SD 5.7) at baseline and 14.4 (SD 6.5) at follow-up. In the rosuvastatin group IMR was 16.5 (SD 7.5) at baseline and 14.2 (SD 5.8) at follow-up. IMR did not differ significantly between the two study groups at follow-up controlled for preintervention values. C-reactive protein (CRP) was comparable between the groups at baseline, while at follow-up CRP was significantly lower in the rosuvastatin group compared to placebo [0.6 (±0.5) mg/L vs. 2.6 (±3.0) mg/L; p = 0.002]. Whereas rosuvastatin treatment for 6 months attenuated CRP levels, it did not improve microvascular function as assessed by IMR (Clinical Trials.gov NCT01582165, EUDRACT 2011-002630-39.3tcAZ).

Single-centre first experience with transapical transcatheter mitral valve replacement with an apical tether: factors influencing screening outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement has recently been introduced as an alternative treatment option for severe mitral regurgitation. We present our single-centre first experience with screening and implantation outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with mitral regurgitation grades 3 and 4 were screened based on study inclusion/exclusion criteria, echocardiography and computed tomography imaging. All patients were evaluated by the centre's Heart Team, followed by the Tendyne's internal screening process. Patients who failed the screening criteria were considered for alternative treatments. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients screened for transcatheter mitral valve replacement, 14 patients failed screening and 11 patients passed. The patients who failed screening were more often older, were women and were smaller in stature than those who passed screening. The main reason for patients to fail screening changed during the study from large annular dimensions to a small predicted neo-left ventricular outflow tract. Eight of the 11 patients who passed screening were treated using the Tendyne device, and 3 patients required alternate treatments due to urgency including 1 MitraClip procedure and 2 surgical repairs. Of the 14 patients who failed the screening, 5 patients had open surgery (4 patients received mitral valve repair and 1 mitral valve replacement). All 8 patients who underwent the Tendyne procedure were successfully treated without mortality during the observation time. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is an effective and safe treatment for well-selected patients with symptomatic mitral regurgitation. For patients who fail the screening process, the MitraClip procedure or open surgical valve repair are feasible.

Age-dependent morbidity and mortality outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: This study addressed the assumption of increased morbidity and mortality after surgical aortic valve replacement in patients older than 80 years with severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: This prospective study was performed in consecutive patients referred for aortic valve replacement. The age-dependent change in cognitive and physical function, quality of life and rehospitalization and complication rates during the following year and 5-year all-cause mortality were documented. RESULTS: A total of 351 patients underwent surgical aortic valve replacement. The death risk at 5 years was 10%, 20% and 34% in patients aged <70 years, 70-79 years and ≥80 years, respectively. Patients aged 70-79 years and ≥80 years had a hazard ratio of 1.88 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.92-3.83, P = 0.08] and 2.90 [95% CI 1.42-5.92, P = 0.003] for mortality, respectively, when compared with patients aged <70 years. The length of stay and rehospitalization rate during the following year were similar between the groups. Patients ≥80 years of age experienced more delirium and infections, whereas the risks of new pacemaker, transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke, myocardial infarction and heart failure were comparable between the age groups. All groups exhibited reduced New York Heart Association class, improved physical quality of life and unchanged mental scores without any clinically significant Mini Mental Status reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients (≥80 years of age) have important gains in health measures and satisfactory 5-year survival with an acceptable complications rate during the year following surgery. Active respiratory mobilization and the removal of an indwelling urethra catheter can prevent adverse effects, and measures should be taken to prevent delirium and confusion in elderly patients. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01794832).

Catheter-based left atrial appendage closure. / Kateterbasert lukking av venstre atriums aurikkel.

BAKGRUNN: Atrieflimmer er en vanlig tilstand i befolkningen og gir økt risiko for hjerneslag. Antikoagulasjonsbehandling er effektivt for å forebygge tromboembolisme ved atrieflimmer, men av ulike grunner blir mange atrieflimmerpasienter med indikasjon for antikoagulasjonsbehandling ikke behandlet. Kateterbasert lukking av venstre atriums aurikkel er en ny metode for å forebygge hjerneslag ved atrieflimmer. MATERIALE OG METODE: I perioden september 2014-april 2016 gjennomgikk 27 pasienter med atrieflimmer og høy risiko for hjerneslag forsøk på kateterbasert lukking av venstre atriums aurikkel ved Oslo universitetssykehus. Antikoagulasjonsbehandling var vurdert som kontraindisert hos 26 av pasientene. Vi presenterer resultater fra prosedyre, ekkokardiografikontroller og kliniske hendelser i oppfølgingsperioden på ett år. RESULTATER: Aurikkelplugg ble vellykket implantert hos 26 pasienter. To pasienter fikk komplikasjoner i forbindelse med prosedyren: En fikk hjerneslag og en fikk transfusjonskrevende lyskeblødning. En pasient fikk hjertetamponade fem måneder etter prosedyren. En pasient som grunnet anatomisk vanskelige forhold ikke fikk implantert aurikkelplugg, døde av hjerneslag i oppfølgingsperioden. Tre pasienter hadde klinisk transitorisk iskemisk anfall (TIA). Det var ingen forekomst av intrakranial eller gastrointestinal blødning. FORTOLKNING: Kateterbasert lukking av venstre atriums aurikkel er gjennomførbart, men innebærer risiko for komplikasjoner og bør forbeholdes pasienter med høy risiko for hjerneslag og kontraindikasjon mot antikoagulasjonsbehandling.

Morbidity outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with mild to moderate operative risk, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is still the preferred treatment for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Aiming to broaden the knowledge of postsurgical outcomes, this study reports a broad set of morbidity outcomes following surgical intervention. METHODS: Our cohort comprised 442 patients referred for severe AS; 351 had undergone SAVR, with the remainder (91) not operated on. All patients were evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), were assigned a New York Heart Association class (NYHA) and Canadian Cardiovascular Society class (CCS), with additional scores for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)) and myocardial remodelling (at inclusion and at 1-year follow-up). Adverse events and mortality were recorded. RESULTS: Three-year survival after SAVR was 90.0%. SAVR was associated with an improved NYHA class, CCS score and HRQoL, and provoked reverse ventricular remodelling. The 6MWT decreased, while the risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (death, non-fatal stroke/transient ischaemic attack or myocardial infarction) and all-cause hospitalisation (incidence rate per 100 patient-years) were 13.5 and 62.4, respectively. The proportion of cognitive disability measured by MMSE increased after SAVR from 3.2% to 8.8% (p=0.005). Proportion of patients living independently at home, having attained NYHA class I, was met by 49.1% at 1 year. Unoperated individuals had a poor prognosis in terms of any outcome. CONCLUSION: This study provides knowledge of outcomes beyond what is known about the mortality benefit after SAVR to provide insight into the morbidity burden of modern-day SAVR.

Comparison of patients with early-phase arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and right ventricular outflow tract ventricular tachycardia.

AIMS: Differentiation between early-phase arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT)-ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be challenging, and correct diagnosis is important. We compared electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters and morphological right ventricular (RV) abnormalities and investigated if ECG and cardiac imaging can help to discriminate early-phase ARVC from RVOT-VT patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 44 consecutive RVOT-VT (47 ± 14 years) and 121 ARVC patients (42 ± 17 years). Of the ARVC patients, 77 had definite ARVC and 44 had early-phase ARVC disease. All underwent clinical examination, ECG, and Holter monitoring. Frequency of premature ventricular complexes (PVC) was expressed as percent per total beats/24 h (%PVC), and PVC configuration was recorded. By echocardiography, we assessed indexed RV basal diameter (RVD), indexed RVOT diameter, and RV and left ventricular (LV) function. RV mechanical dispersion (RVMD), reflecting RV contraction heterogeneity, was assessed by speckle-tracking strain echocardiography. RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Patients with early-phase ARVC had lower %PVC by Holter and PVC more frequently originated from the RV lateral free wall (both P < 0.001). RVD was larger (21 ± 3 vs. 19 ± 2 mm, P < 0.01), RVMD was more pronounced (22 ± 15 vs. 15 ± 13 ms, P = 0.03), and RVEF by CMR was decreased (41 ± 8 vs. 49 ± 4%, P < 0.001) in early-phase ARVC vs. RVOT-VT patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with early-phase ARVC had structural abnormalities with lower RVEF, increased RVD, and pronounced RVMD in addition to lower %PVC by Holter compared with RVOT-VT patients. These parameters can help correct diagnosis in patients with unclear phenotypes.

Validity of standard gamble utilities in patients referred for aortic valve replacement.

PURPOSE: Standard gamble (SG) is the preferred method of assessing preferences in situations with uncertainty and risk, which makes it relevant to patients considered for aortic valve replacement (AVR). The present study assesses SG preferences in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS: All patients >18 years old with severe AS referred for AVR to our institution were invited to enroll in the study. The SG was administered by a clinical research nurse. The SF-36, EQ-5D 3L, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and AS symptoms were administered by self-completed questionnaire. We hypothesized that SG utilities would have low-to-moderate correlations with physical and mental aspects of health based on our pathophysiological understanding of severe AS. No correlations were expected with echocardiographic measures of the aortic valve. RESULTS: The response rate for SG was 98 %. SG moderately correlated with physical aspects of SF-36 (PCS, role-physical, vitality), health transition, AS symptoms, and EQ-VAS (ρ S = 0.31-0.39, p < 0.001) and had low correlation with mental aspects of SF-36 and EQ-5D (ρ S = 0.17-0.28, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between SG and HADS, echocardiographic measures, age, gender, or education level (ρ S = 0.01-0.06). CONCLUSIONS: SG is an acceptable and feasible method of assessing preferences in patients with severe AS that has evidence for validity. The inclusion of uncertainty lends the SG face validity in this population as a direct approach to assessing preferences and basis for QALY calculations.

Mitral valve analysis using a novel 3D holographic display: a feasibility study of 3D ultrasound data converted to a holographic screen.

The aim of the present study was to test the feasibility of analyzing 3D ultrasound data on a novel holographic display. An increasing number of mini-invasive procedures for mitral valve repair require more effective visualization to improve patient safety and speed of procedures. A novel 3D holographic display has been developed and may have the potential to guide interventional cardiac procedures in the near future. Forty patients with degenerative mitral valve disease were analyzed. All had complete 2D transthoracic (TTE) and transoesophageal (TEE) echocardiographic examinations. In addition, 3D TTE of the mitral valve was obtained and recordings were converted from the echo machine to the holographic screen. Visual inspection of the mitral valve during surgery or TEE served as the gold standard. 240 segments were analyzed by 2 independent observers. A total of 53 segments were prolapsing. The majority included P2 (31), the remaining located at A2 (8), A3 (6), P3 (5), P1 (2) and A1 (1). The sensitivity and specificity of the 3D display was 87 and 99 %, respectively (observer I), and for observer II 85 and 97 %, respectively. The accuracies and precisions were 96.7 and 97.9 %, respectively, (observer I), 94.3 and 88.2 % (observer II), and inter-observer agreement was 0.954 with Cohen's Kappa 0.86. We were able to convert 3D ultrasound data to the holographic display. A very high accuracy and precision was shown, demonstrating the feasibility of analyzing 3D echo of the mitral valve on the holographic screen.

Long axis strain by MRI and echocardiography in a postmyocardial infarct population.

PURPOSE: To compare long axis strain (LAS) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography in a postinfarct patient population. Long axis left ventricle (LV) function is a sensitive index of incipient heart failure by echocardiography, but is less well established in MRI. LAS is an index of global LV function, which is easily assessed in cine loops provided by most cardiac MRI protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 116 patients (57 ± 9 years) were studied the same day using echocardiography and MRI 7.4 ± 4.1 months after a first myocardial infarction. LV length was measured in end diastole and end systole in conventional cine images with a temporal resolution of 50 msec or less, and LAS (%) was calculated as the change in LV length, relative to end diastole. Infarct mass was assessed by contrast-enhanced MRI. RESULTS: LAS was progressively reduced in patients with larger infarcts, and demonstrated good correlations with infarct mass (r = 0.55, P < 0.01). There was a good agreement between LAS assessed by echocardiography and MRI (r = 0.77, P < 0.01), and between LAS by MRI and speckle tracking strain by echocardiography (r = 0.74, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: LAS is an index that allows measurement of LV long axis function by conventional cine MRI.

Tetradecylthioacetic acid increases fat metabolism and improves cardiac function in experimental heart failure.

Changes in myocardial metabolism, including a shift from fatty acid to glucose utilization and changes in fatty acid availability and composition are characteristics of heart failure development. Tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) is a fatty acid analogue lacking the ability to undergo mitochondrial ß-oxidation. TTA promotes hepatic proliferation of mitochondria and peroxisomes and also decreases serum triglycerides and cholesterol in animals. We investigated the effect of TTA, in combination with a high-fat or regular diet, in a rat model of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. TTA had a beneficial effect on cardiac function in post-myocardial infarction heart failure without affecting myocardial remodeling. These effects of TTA on myocardial function were accompanied by decreased free fatty acids in plasma, increased myocardial proportion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a decreased proportion of n-6 PUFA. Myocardial enzyme gene expression during TTA treatment suggested that the increase in n-3 PUFA could reflect increased n-3 PUFA synthesis and inadequately increased n-3 PUFA ß-oxidation. Based on our data, it is unlikely that the changes are secondary to alterations in other tissues as plasma and liver showed an opposite pattern with decreased n-3 PUFA during TTA treatment. The present study suggests that TTA may improve myocardial function in heart failure, potentially involving its ability to decrease the availability of FFA and increase the myocardial proportion of n-3 PUFA.