Factors associated with patent foramen ovale-related stroke: SAFAS study.

BACKGROUND: Persistent foramen ovale (PFO) contributes to cryptogenic stroke and is associated with stroke recurrence, although the exact mechanism of ischemic events is not fully understood. Several biomarkers have been developed for the prediction of atrial fibrillation after stroke, but there are currently only limited data on their potential value for the diagnosis of PFO-related stroke. METHODS: This study was a prospective single-center study that included all patients hospitalized between March 31, 2018, and January 18, 2020, in the stroke department of the Dijon University Hospital for ischemic stroke without obvious cause and without a history of atrial fibrillation. PFO was systematically screened by transthoracic echocardiography and images were reviewed by an independent cardiologist blinded from clinical data. PFO was defined according to the CLOSE trial criteria: PFO associated with interatrial septal aneurysm or significant interatrial shunt (> 30 microbubbles in the left atrium within three cardiac cycles after right atrial opacification). The potential association of PFO-related stroke with biomarkers of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation such as galectin-3, GDF-15, ST-2, osteoprotegerin and NT-proBNP was tested using multivariate backward stepwise logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 240 patients included in the SAFAS study, 229 had complete echocardiographic data, and 23 (10%) had PFO-related stroke. Patients with PFO-related stroke were significantly younger (58±14 vs. 69±14, P<0.001), had less frequent previous arterial hypertension (30 vs. 60%, P=0.008), and more frequent cerebellar territory involvement (26 vs. 9%, P=0.014) compared to the other patients. In addition, they had less frequently left atrial dilatation (left atrial index volume>34mL/m2 [9 vs. 35%, P=0.009]). After ROC curve analysis for definition of thresholds, PFO-related stroke patients more often had galectin-3<9.5ng/mL (59 vs. 27%, P=0.002), ST2<13380pg/ml (23 vs. 50%, P=0.007), GDF-15<1200ng/mL (59 vs. 27%, P=0.002), osteoprotegerin<1133pg/mL (82 vs. 58%, P=0.033) and NT-proBNP<300pg/mL (88 vs. 55%, P=0.009). After multivariate analysis, only galectin-3<9.5ng/mL (OR [95% CI] 3.4 [1.18; 9.8], P=0.024) and osteoprotegerin<1133pg/L (OR [95% CI] 5.0 [1.1; 22.9], P=0.038) were independently associated with PFO-related stroke. CONCLUSION: Patients in whom cryptogenic stroke is attributed to a significant PFO have a specific clinical and biological phenotype. Low levels of galectin-3 and osteoprotegerin may help identify patients with PFO-related strokes.

[Retinal vascular network: Changes with aging and systemic vascular disease (cardiac and cerebral)]. / Caractéristiques vasculaires rétiniennes : modifications lors du vieillissement et en pathologie vasculaire systémique (cardiaque et cérébrale).

For over 10 years, the description of the retinal microvascular network has benefited from the development of new imaging techniques. Automated retinal image analysis software, as well as OCT angiography (OCT-A), are able to highlight subtle, early changes in the retinal vascular network thanks to a large amount of microvascular quantitative data. The challenge of current research is to demonstrate the association between these microvascular changes, the systemic vascular aging process, and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease. Indeed, a pathophysiological continuum exists between retinal microvascular changes and systemic vascular diseases. In the Montrachet study, we found that a suboptimal retinal vascular network, as identified by the Singapore I Vessel Assessment (SIVA) software, was significantly associated with treated diabetes and an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. In addition, we supplemented our research on the retinal vascular network with the use of OCT-A. In the EYE-MI study, we showed the potential role of quantitative characterization of the retinal microvascular network by OCT-A in order to assess the cardiovascular risk profile of patients with a history of myocardial infarction. A high AHA (American Heart Association) risk score was associated with low retinal vascular density independently of hemodynamic changes. Thus, a better understanding of the association between the retinal microvasculature and macrovascular disease might make its use conceivable for early identification of at-risk patients and to suggest a personalized program of preventative care. The retinal vascular network could therefore represent an indicator of systemic vascular disease as well as an interesting predictive biomarker for vascular events.

Influence of cardiac hemodynamic variables on retinal vessel density measurement on optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Quantitative measurements of retinal microvasculature by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) have been used to assess cardiovascular risk profile. However, to date, there are no studies focusing on OCT-A imaging in the setting of the altered hemodynamic status found in high-risk cardiovascular patients. METHODS: To determine the potential association between retinal vascular density on OCT-A and a comprehensive battery of hemodynamic variables in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) using data from the acute phase and at 3 months follow-up after cardiac rehabilitation. This prospective longitudinal study included patients who presented with MI in the cardiology intensive care unit at Dijon University Hospital. Main outcomes and measurements were retinal vessel density on OCT-A, hemodynamic status based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and indexed cardiac output during the acute phase of myocardial infarction and at 3 months follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 30 patients were included in this pilot study. The median (IQR) age was 64 years (55-71) with 87% men. At admission, the mean (SD) LVEF was 53% (11), and the mean indexed cardiac output was 2.70 (0.83) L/min/m2. On OCT-A, the mean inner retinal vascular density was 19.09 (2.80) mm-1. No significant association was found between retinal vascular density and hemodynamic variables. CONCLUSION: We found no significant association between retinal vascular density on OCT-A and hemodynamic variables in the acute phase of a myocardial infarction or after 3 months of cardiac rehabilitation. Therefore, OCT-A findings do not seem to be influenced by the hemodynamic changes associated with myocardial infarction.

Predictors of angiographically visible distal embolization in STEMI.

BACKGROUND: Distal embolization during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) in the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with a poor prognosis. In this situation, thrombectomy is performed to prevent distal embolization and to restore myocardial reperfusion. The aim of our study was to determine angiographic predictors of angiographically visible distal embolization (AVDE) in patients with STEMI treated by p­PCI with thrombectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included all consecutive patients who underwent p­PCI with thrombectomy for STEMI at our institution between October 2011 and December 2014 AVDE was defined as a distal filling defect with an abrupt cut-off in one of the peripheral coronary branches of the infarct-related artery, distal to the angioplasty site. Thrombectomy was considered positive when it removed thrombi, and successful when it improved coronary flow. RESULTS: Among the 346 patients included, 59 (17%) developed AVDE during p­PCI. In multivariate analysis, the infarct-related right coronary artery (OR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.36-4.52; p = 0.003) and a culprit lesion diameter of >3 mm (OR : 1.90, 95% CI: 1.01-3.56; p = 0.048) were identified as independent factors associated with AVDE during p­PCI with thrombectomy for STEMI. The success of thrombectomy and the Syntax score were not associated with AVDE. CONCLUSION: AVDE complicating p­PCI with thrombectomy in STEMI is frequent (17%) and a successful thrombectomy does not rule out AVDE.

[Interventional management of atrial fibrillation]. / Prise en charge interventionnelle de la fibrillation atriale.

In 2030, the European Union will include 14 to 17 million atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, with 120,000 to 215,000 new cases each year. The increase in the prevalence of this arrhythmia has led to the development of new therapeutic intervention strategies to manage the different aspects of this disease. Thus, endocavitary or epicardial ablation of AF, by radiofrequency or cryoablation, provides superior results to antiarrhythmic therapy in controlling symptoms and preventing heart failure in paroxysmal or persistent AF. In heart failure patients with advanced AF, the ablation of the atrioventricular junction associated with the implantation of a bi-ventricular pacemaker has just demonstrated its clear superiority, bringing this technique up to date. Finally, in the event of a major bleeding risk and contraindication to anticoagulants, percutaneous occlusion of the left atrium has proven its value in preventing AF-related embolic events. The future will certainly see the emergence of new technologies but also personalized strategies based on an optimal selection of the right candidates for these interventions, thanks in particular to the contribution of imaging before the procedure.

Glycaemic variability is associated with severity of coronary artery disease in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), glycaemic variability (GV), another component of glycaemic abnormalities, is a novel potentially aggravating factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to identify interactions between GV and severity of CAD in diabetes patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: All patients with T2D admitted to our university hospital for AMI from March 2015 to February 2017 who received intravenous (IV) insulin therapy and underwent coronary angiography were included. GV was assessed by mean amplitude of blood glucose excursion (MAGE) values taken within 2 days of admission. Patients with higher GV (highest MAGE tertile) were compared with those with lower GV (first and second MAGE tertiles). RESULTS: A total of 204 patients were included: median age was 72 (61-81) years; 32% were female; HbA1c was 7.3% (6.4-8.2%); diabetes duration was 10 (2-17.5) years; and MAGE value was 0.65 (0.43-0.92) g/L. Compared with those with lower GV, patients with the highest GV were more often women, treated with previous insulin, and had higher blood glucose and HbA1c levels. In addition, patients with elevated GV had significantly higher SYNTAX scores: 17 (10-28) vs. 12 (6-22) (P = 0.009). Indeed, SYNTAX scores (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.08; P = 0.001) remained independently associated with high GV beyond HbA1c levels (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.2-1.89; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In AMI patients with poorly controlled diabetes, GV is associated with CAD severity beyond chronic hyperglycaemia. Although no causality can be determined from our observational study, the results suggest that, in AMI, early evaluation of GV might contribute to the identification of those diabetes patients at high risk, and serve as a therapeutic target for both primary and secondary prevention.

[Screening and clinical implications of silent atrial fibrillation]. / Dépistage et implications cliniques de la fibrillation atriale silencieuse.

Each year, 5 million new cases of atrial fibrillation (AF) are diagnosed, and the data for the last 20 years show that its incidence has continued to grow. The aging of the population is considered a major explanation for this pandemic phenomenon. The complications associated with atrial arrhythmia are numerous and frequent, with in the first place thromboembolic events. In addition to symptomatic atrial fibrillation, AF may be diagnosed by chance during a systematic ECG, an external Holter or a continuous ECG monitor, or in the memories of implanted cardiac devices. This is called silent AF. Despite numerous studies, silent AF is still largely under-diagnosed and unrecognized in everyday clinical practice, although it is a frequent condition with potentially serious consequences (especially thromboembolic events). Thanks to the development of new diagnostic tools, which are scientifically validated and readily available, the detection of AF has improved significantly, leading to better therapeutic management, in particular anticoagulant therapy. From this perspective, mass screening for silent AF using these new technologies is a major step forward in e-health development. The cost of screening and the heterogeneity of populations affected by silent AF, however, remain major obstacles.

Impact of the dynamic and static component of the sport practised for electrocardiogram analysis in screening athletes.

To interpret the electrocardiogram (ECG) of athletes, the recommendations of the ESC and the Seattle criteria define type 1 peculiarities, those induced by training, and type 2, those not induced by training, to rule out cardiomyopathy. The specificity of the screening was improved by Sheikh who defined "Refined Criteria," which includes a group of intermediate peculiarities. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of static and dynamic components on the prevalence of different types of abnormalities. The ECGs of 1030 athletes performed during preparticipation screening were interpreted using these three classifications. Our work revealed 62/16%, 69/13%, and 71/7% of type 1 peculiarities and type 2 abnormalities for the ESC, Seattle, and Refined Criteria algorithms, respectively(P<.001). For type 2 abnormalities, three independent factors were found for the ESC and Seattle criteria: age, Afro-Caribbean origin, and the dynamic component with, for the latter, an OR[95% CI] of 2.35[1.28-4.33] (P=.006) and 1.90[1.03-3.51] (P=.041), respectively. In contrast, only the Afro-Caribbean origin was associated with type 2 abnormalities using the Refined Criteria: OR[95% CI] 2.67[1.60-4.46] (P<.0001). The Refined Criteria classified more athletes in the type 1 category and fewer in the type 2 category compared with the ESC and Seattle algorithms. Contrary to previous studies, a high dynamic component was not associated with type 2 abnormalities when the Refined Criteria were used; only the Afro-Caribbean origin remained associated. Further research is necessary to better understand adaptations with regard to duration and thus improve the modern criteria for ECG screening in athletes.

Predictors of post-stress LVEF drop 6 months after reperfused myocardial infarction: a gated myocardial perfusion SPECT study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictive factors of myocardial stunning as assessed by the drop in post-stress Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: We prospectively included 215 consecutive patients admitted for acute MI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with a greater than or equal to grade-3 TIMI flow in the culprit vessel. Six months after discharge, a post-stress/rest 99mTc-sestamibi gated SPECT was performed. The perfusion score was evaluated visually using a 17-segment model. The LVEF drop was considered significant if the post-stress LVEF was ≥ 5% below the rest LVEF (QGS® software). RESULTS: A post-stress LVEF drop was observed in 51 (24%) patients. Patients with an LVEF drop were more likely than patients with a stable post-stress LVEF to have diabetes (22% vs. 10%, p = 0.048), significant ischemia (SDS > 2) (51% vs. 28% p = 0.003) and higher rest LVEF [62% (56-69) vs. 56% (49-63) p < 0.001]. In contrast, summed rest score, related to infarct size, did not differ between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified SDS > 2 (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.8-7.92, p < 0.001), diabetes (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.33-8.49; p = 0.011) and rest LVEF (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.12, p < 0.001) as independent explanatory variables of an LVEF drop. CONCLUSION: In patients with recent MI and post-procedural grade-3 TIMI flow, ischemia and diabetes were independent predictive factors of myocardial stunning. The higher incidence of reversible perfusion abnormalities validates the model of myocardial stunning in the post-MI period, and excludes the potential involvement of myocardial necrosis.