OBESITY AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION - BARIATRIC SURGERY AS A METHOD OF AF RISK DECREASE.

The prevalence of obesity is growing at alarming rate worldwide. Obesity has reached the proportion of a global epidemic in both developed and developing countries. Growing number of obese patients with atrial fibrillation requires a closer look at how excessive body fat leads to AF. Excessive adipose tissue is the source of many cardiovascular diseases, like hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the general population is estimated at 1-2%. Obesity and overweight occur in 25% of patients with AF. Pathophysiology of obesity and the relationship between atrial fibrillation, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea and metabolicsyndrome are presented in this article as well as the benefit of bariatric surgery in qualifying patients. Paroxysmal AF and its risk factors should be carefully assessed in all patients referred for bariatric surgery. Proper diagnosis allows physicians to introduce appropriate anticoagulant prophylaxis, and significantly lower complication rate. Antiarrhythmic, respiratory, and metabolic therapy should also be considered in preoperative and postoperative care.

PERSONALITY TRAITS OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM PFO AND ASD AND INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC TIME FOR PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: The work presents a research project carried out in John Paul II Hospital in Cracow in Clinical Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases with the Intensive Cardiac Supervision Subdivision, with participation of 100 (50 F, 50 M) patients with congenital heart defects. The purpose of the work is to resolve the issue of personality specifics, and thus the different characteristics of people who suffer from congenital heart defects. Therefore, the following questions should be answered: Is there a relationship between personality traits and the occurrence of a congenital heart defect? What personality traits are characteristic for patients with congenital heart defects? The aim: We aimed to assess personality traits of clients suffering from PFO and ASD. The article also talks about how coronavirus pandemic affects patients with congenital heart disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The research was conducted by psychologist Adrianna Skoczek. We performed a psychological clinical assessment and conducted the psychological tests like Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised Short Version [EPQ-R(S)] and Eysenck's Impulsivity Inventory [IVE] by Hans J. Eysenck and Sybil G. Eysenck, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] by C. D. Spielberger, R. L. Gorsuch, R. E. Lushene describing personality traits of patients. Patients (F=50, M=50), with ASD (n=70) and with PFO (n=30). RESULTS: Results: In people suffering from ASD, the level of declared empathy was statistically significantly higher than the levels of impulsiveness and tendency to risk-taking. In people suffering from PFO, a statistically significant difference was observed only between the level of psychoticism and other variables. The level of declared empathy was statistically significantly higher than the levels of impulsiveness and tendency to risk-taking, a statistically significant difference was found between the analyzed variables - anxiety as a trait and anxiety as a condition. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The results of the study allowed us to isolate the specific personality traits of patients suffering from congenital heart defects.

[The effectiveness of cardiovascular education in the prevention of heart disease among the inhabitants of Lesser Poland].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Numerous risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are modifiable, therefore understanding their effects has a significant impact on lowering the incidence and mortality. The "Malopolska Cardiovascular Preventive Intervention Study (M-CARPI)" aims to educate the inhabitants of the voivodeship regarding preventative measures for developing CVD. The aim: To examine the effectiveness of the seminars regarding preventative measures for developing CVD according to the M-CAPRI among the inhabitants of Lesser Poland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: The seminars were carried out by a doctor with a specialization in cardiology, in the form of presentations, based on materials prepared by experts in accordance with European and Polish guidelines. Both initially and after the course, participants completed questionnaires regarding the subjects discussed. RESULTS: Results: The study covered 558 people (137 men, 411 women). The analysis was based on the sub-populations of retirees and non-retirees. The knowledge of risk factors was checked, the respondents most often indicated incorrect judgment of nutrition, physical activity and smoking (45.9%, 39%, 44.2% for non-retirees and 22.8%, 27.6%, 16.5% for retirees, respectively). A significant increase in the number of people who indicated individual risk factors after the training was found (p=0,047 for HDL level and for others). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Educating and creating awareness towards the prevention of CVD according to the M-CAPRI survey protocol is an effective tool for prevention. Due to the limited knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors, it is necessary to carry out activities to raise awareness of the importance of cardiological disease prevention. Preventive interventions are equally effective regardless of age or profession.

[Przezskórne zamkniecie ubytku w przegrodzie miedzyprzedsionkowej: wplyw na prawy przedsionek, dyspersje zalamka P i zaburzenia rytmu serca w obserwacji srednioterminowej]. / Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect: impact on right atrium, P-wave dispersion and arrhythmias in mid-term follow-up.

The size of the right atrium (RA) reduces after transcatheter closure of the atrial septal defect (ASD). Inverse structural and electrical remodeling is observed. AIM: The aim of study was to analyze the parameters predisposing to the lack of normalization of enlarged RA after transcatheter closure of ASD during 6-month follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study included 56 consecutive adult patients (12 men) aged from 23 to 76 years (49.8±13.3 years) with ASD, in whom transcatheter ASD closure was performed. Each patient was assessed before and 6 months after the treatment using standard 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (ECG), 24-hour Holter monitoring and echocardiography. RESULTS: Before the procedure in 37 patients with ASD enlarged RA was observed, while after transcatheter ASD closure in 24 patients normalization of enlarged RA was noted. Patients in whom 6 months after the procedure there was no normalization of the enlarged RA were older, characterized by higher right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs), larger size of the occluder, interatrial septal defect, longer fluoroscopy time and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. P-wave dispersion (Pdysp) was found to be a destimulant i.e. increased Pdysp (>67 ms, P<0.000) decreased the chance of RA normalization after procedure. On the other hand, minimum P-wave duration (Pmin) was a stimulant, therefore, increased Pmin (>72ms, P<0.000) increased the chance of RA normalization. A significant association was found between the reduction of supraventricular extrasystolic beats and RA area normalization (P<0.001), and there was no association between the incidence of atrial fibrillation episodes and RA area normalization. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the duration of the P-wave and its dispersion may help to assess the prognosis of the right atrium size normalization in the mid-term follow-up after transcatheter closure of ASD. There is a significant relationship between normalization of the right atrium size and reduction of supraventricular extrasystolic beats.

[Elimination of the left atrial appendage in the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation].

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the adult population. Thromboembolic events are one of the reson of increased mortality in this group of patients. Oral anticoagulation therapy significantly reduces the risk of complications, however every tenth patient has contraindications to this treatment. Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is effective, non-pharmacological method of treatment through elimination the source of thromi. This procedure is dedicated to patients with high risk of thromboembolism events and contraindications to anticoagulation.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure in a patient with atrial fibrillation and osler-weber-rendu disease

We present a case report of a 79-year-old woman with permanent atrial fibrillation and Osler-Weber-Rendu disease who underwent percutaneous closure of left atrial appendage. The patient had a history of small bowel resection due to mesenteric embolism and recurrent episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding, epistaxis and hemarthrosis. Bleeding episodes were exacerbated by anticoagulation therapy causing severe anemia that required repeated red blood cells transfusions. Left atrial appendage occlusion with Watchman 30 mm LAA Device was successfully performed. In long-term observation no thromboembolic event, epistaxis or severe bleeding have occurred.

Personality traits of patients suffering from congenital heart defects.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Personality traits of patients suffering from congenital heart defects The work presents a research project carried out in John Paul II Hospital, The Clinical Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases with the Intensive Cardiac Surgeon Division Institute of Cardiology, Collegium Medicum of the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, with participation of patients with congenital heart defects. We aimed to assess personality traits of clients suffering from congenital heart defects, in a group of women and men, younger, under 40 years old and older than 40 years old, with PFO and ASD before and after surgery. The aim: identify specific personality traits of patients with congenital heart defects and to check the psychological functioning of patients by examining: the level of anxiety, impulsiveness, tendency to risk-taking, empathy, neuroticism, extraversion, psychoticism and lying. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: We performed a psychological clinical assessment and conducted the psychological tests like EPQ-R(S) by Hans J. Eysenck and Sybil G. Eysenck, IVE by Hans J. Eysenck and Sybil G. Eystenck, STAI by C. D. Spielberger, R. L. Gorsuch, R. E. Lushene describing personality traits of patients. RESULTS: Results: Patients (F=29, M=21), adult, with ASD and with PFO, with the level of education: basic, vocational, secondary, incomplete higher, higher; inhabiting: village, city up to 40 thousand residents, a city with a population of 41-61 thousand, and a city with a population of 60 thousand; civil status: single, married, divorced, widow/widower, separated; being: students, unemployed persons, working persons, pensioners, retirees. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The presented results and their statistical analyses showed specific personality traits of patients with congenital heart defects.

Ischemic Versus Non-Ischemic (Neurogenic) Myocardial Contractility Impairment in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Prevalence and Impact on Left Ventricular Systolic Function Recovery.

BACKGROUND Neurogenic mechanism is believed to contribute to left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in acute coronary syndromes (ACS); its extreme form is known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy. However, the magnitude of neurogenic contribution to LV dysfunction in all-comer first-time ACS remains unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 120 consecutive patients with first-time ACS (age 66.3±12.3years, 40 women) coronary angiograms were individually matched to the echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) segments (17-segment model). Baseline contractility impairment was classified as ischemic (I): confined to the stenotic artery(ies) supply area(s), neurogenic (N): in absence of attributable coronary stenosis, or partially ischemic/partially neurogenic (I&N). Echocardiography was repeated at 6 months to determine LV systolic function recovery. RESULTS Neurogenic component (NC) contribution to myocardial contractility impairment was present in 24.2% of ACS patients, with pure N in 6.7% and I&N in 17.5%. Diabetes/pre-diabetes was present in 38.5% vs. 33.5% vs. 0% (I vs. I&N vs. N; p=0.02). Major stressor preceding symptom onset was reported in 3.3% in I, 9.5% in I&N, and 25.0% in N (p=0.03). The number of LV segments with contractility impairment was 2±4 in I, 17±11 in I&N, and 3±16 in N (p<0.05). NC presence was independently associated with better recovery of global LV systolic function (OR 2.99, 95% CI: 1.16-7.76; p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS Novel findings from this study are: (1) NC may contribute to myocardial contractility impairment in 1 in every 4 first-time ACS patients, (2) NC contribution to contractility impairment in ACS is blunted in diabetes or pre-diabetes, and (3) LV systolic function recovery is better in patients with NC.

Long-Term Effects of Percutaneous Fenestration Following the Fontan Procedure in Adult Patients with Congenital Univentricular Heart.

BACKGROUND The Fontan procedure, performed for univentricular heart, may also include the technique of percutaneous fenestration to create a small atrial septal defect (ASD) and a right-to-left shunt. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of fenestration in adult patients who had a Fontan procedure for univentricular heart. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fontan surgery was performed in 39 patients, including 19 (49%) patients with fenestration (Group I), and 20 (51%) patients without the fenestration procedure (Group II). Laboratory tests in both groups included echocardiography, plethysmography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and 24-hour Holter monitoring. RESULTS Compared with patients in Group I, patients in Group II had a significantly increased level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (p=0.04), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p=0.01) and a significant increase in frequency of atrial fibrillation (p=0.04). Patients in Group I had a significantly increased systemic ventricular ejection fraction (SVEF) (p=0.05) and increased heart rate (HR) (p=0.006), heart rate reserve (HRR) (p=0.02), ventilatory equivalent (VE) (p=0.01), and VO2 peak (p=0.05) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Renal, hematologic, and ventilatory parameters, and incidence of thromboembolism showed no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Long-term follow-up of patients who underwent Fontan procedures with percutaneous fenestration had improved single ventricular function, lower NT-proBNP levels, improved exercise capacity, and reduced ALP levels. These findings indicate that percutaneous fenestration closure should be considered for adult patients who have undergone Fontan procedure for univentricular heart.

[Personality traits of perpetrators of various types of crimes].

This study was conducted in Nowy Wisnicz, with prisoners sentenced for: murders, sex crimes, theft and robbery, maintenance, bullying. A Polish adaptation of PAI test, made by the author of the study, was used. The study results and its statistical analysis showed characteristic personality features of particular criminal groups can be used in rehabilitation of disturbed people, addicts, and become the basis for preparing actions reducing frequency of committing crimes.

Conduction abnormality and arrhythmia after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to prospectively perform ambulatory 24-h ECG monitoring to assess the effects of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 235 consecutive subjects (female, n=163; male, n=72; age, 44.6±14.4 years) were enrolled in the study, who were due undergo ASD closure. Holter monitoring was performed before procedure and at 1, 6 and 12 months of follow-up. During the procedure transient supraventricular arrhythmia occurred in 8 patients (3.4%), and bradycardia in 3 (1.3%). In 3 patients (1.3%) an episode of atrial fibrillation occurred in the first hour after the procedure. In 8 patients (3.4%) transient first-degree atrioventricular block was noted. A significant increase in number of supraventricular extrasystoles (SVES)/24 h was noted 1 month after the procedure (P<0.001). On multiple forward stepwise regression analysis, device size and fluoroscopy time had an influence on increase in number of SVES seen 1 month after the procedure (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure of ASD is associated with a transient increase in supraventricular premature beats and a small risk of conduction abnormalities and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in early follow-up. Transcatheter closure of ASD does not reduce arrhythmia that appears prior to ASD closure. Larger device size and longer procedure time are associated with increased risk of supraventricular arrhythmia on early follow-up.

Conduction Abnormality and Arrhythmia After Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect.

Background:The aim of this study was to prospectively perform ambulatory 24-h ECG monitoring to assess the effects of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD).Methods and Results:A total of 235 consecutive subjects (female, n=163; male, n=72; age, 44.6±14.4 years) were enrolled in the study, who were due undergo ASD closure. Holter monitoring was performed before procedure and at 1, 6 and 12 months of follow-up. During the procedure transient supraventricular arrhythmia occurred in 8 patients (3.4%), and bradycardia in 3 (1.3%). In 3 patients (1.3%) an episode of atrial fibrillation occurred in the first hour after the procedure. In 8 patients (3.4%) transient first-degree atrioventricular block was noted. A significant increase in number of supraventricular extrasystoles (SVES)/24 h was noted 1 month after the procedure (P<0.001). On multiple forward stepwise regression analysis, device size and fluoroscopy time had an influence on increase in number of SVES seen 1 month after the procedure (P<0.001).Conclusions:Transcatheter closure of ASD is associated with a transient increase in supraventricular premature beats and a small risk of conduction abnormalities and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in early follow-up. Transcatheter closure of ASD does not reduce arrhythmia that appears prior to ASD closure. Larger device size and longer procedure time are associated with increased risk of supraventricular arrhythmia on early follow-up.

Elevated level of plasma endothelin-1 in patients with atrial septal defect.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess the level of plasma Endothelin-1 (ET-1) in patients before and after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) and to evaluate the usefulness of measuring ET-1 levels for the diagnosis and selection of candidates for ASD closure. METHODS: 80 patients (55 F, 25 M), mean age 42,2 ± 11,5 years were enrolled for an attempt at ASD closure. A group of 19 healthy volunteers, (12 F, 7 M) mean age 39.2 ± 9.15 served as controls. All ASD patients underwent: clinical and echocardiographic study and cardiopulmonary exercise test. ET-1 levels were measured before and after closure. Whole blood was collected from femoral artery and vein and from pulmonary artery during cardiac catheterization. RESULTS: ET-1 levels at peripheral artery and vein in ASD patients were significantly higher than in the volunteers (p < 0.0001). The ASD subjects with highest ET-1 level presented the larger area of right ventricle and right atrium and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure(p < 0.05). The ASD subjects with lower ET-1 level demonstrated longer time of exercise and higher peak oxygen consumption (p < 0.05). There was a decrease of ET-1 at peripheral artery (5.128 ± 8.8 vs. 2.22 ± 6.2; p < 0.001) and at peripheral vein (4.401 ± 3.33 vs. 2.05 ± 1.35; p < 0.001) within 48 hours after ASD closure, as compared to the baseline data. After 6 and 12 months farther drop in ET-1 level was observed. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The level of ET-1 in ASD patients is elevated in compare to healthy subject.2. The significant reduction of ET-1 level is observed after percutaneous closure of ASD.3. Elevated level of ET-1 in patients with ASD is associated with right heart enlargement.4. Measurements of ET-1 may be a supplemental diagnostic tool and may be helpful in establishing indications for defect closure.

Arterial stiffness in adult patients after Fontan procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Increased arterial stiffness is a risk factor of atherosclerosis and cardio-vascular complications. The aim of the study was to determine whether peripheral vascular function might be an early marker of impaired health status in patients with a single ventricle after Fontan procedure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty five consecutive adults (11 women and 14 men) aged 24.7 ± 6.2 years after the Fontan procedure and 25 sex, age and BMI match healthy volunteers underwent physical examination, blood analysis, transthoracic echocardiography and noninvasive assessment of aortic stiffness. Augmented pressure and Augmentation Index (AIx) were both significantly elevated in Fontan when compared to the controls (6,08 ± 0,7 vs. 2,0 ± 3,7; p = 0.002 and 17,01 ± 3,3 vs. 6,05 ± 11; p < 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in pulse wave velocity (PWV), mean blood pressure (BP), brachial pulse pressure (PP), central: systolic BP, diastolic BP and PP. In Fontan group we find negative correlation between PWV and SatO2 (r = -0.68; p = 0.04) and positive correlation with WBC (0.72; p = 0.72; p = 0.013), INR (0.81; p = 0.008), TNFα (r = 0.45; p = 0.04), and postoperative time (r = 0.77; p = 0.02). AIx correlates positively only with age at surgery (r = 0.45; p = 0.04). Bilirubin level correlates positively with brachial PP (r = 0.71; p = 0.02) and central PP (r = 0.68; p = 0.03).The multivariate model showed that SatO2 (ß = -0.44, p = 0.04) was the only independent predictor of PWV (R² = 0.32, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Adult Fontan patients have an increased arterial stiffness assessed by a noninvasive technique. Low arterial oxygen saturation postoperative time, age at surgery, white blood cells, TNFα and bilirubin level are associated with arterial stiffening in these patients. The combination of blood parameters of the hepatic function and noninvasive measurements of arterial stiffness could be helpful in comprehensive care of patients with Fontan circulation.

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography should it be the first choice for persistent foramen ovale screening?

BACKGROUND: Persistent foramen ovale (PFO) is considered a cause of cryptogenic stroke and a risk factor for neurological events in young patients. The reference standard for identifying a PFO is contrast-enhanced transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of transcranial color Doppler (TCD) and its diagnostic sensitivity compared with TEE. METHODS: We investigated 420 patients admitted to our department with cryptogenic stroke, transient ischemic attacks or other neurological symptoms. All patients underwent TCD and TEE evaluation. TCD and TEE examinations were performed according to a standardized procedure: air-mixed saline was injected into the right antecubital vein three times, while the Doppler signal was recorded during the Valsalva maneuver. During TCD the passage of contrast into the right-middle cerebral artery was recorded 25 seconds following the Valsalva maneuver. RESULTS: We detected a right-to-left shunt in 220 patients (52.3%) and no-shunts in 159 patients (37.9%) with both TCD and TEE. In 20 (4.8%) patients TEE did not reveal contrast passage which was then detected by TCD. In 21 (5.0%) patients only TEE revealed a PFO. The feasibility of both methods was 100%. TCD had a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 92% in the diagnosis of PFO. CONCLUSIONS: TCD has a relatively good sensitivity and specificity. TCD and TEE are complementary diagnostic tests for PFO, but TCD should be recommended as the first choice for screening because of its simplicity, non-invasive character, low cost and high feasibility.

Tricuspid regurgitation: Frequency, clinical presentation, management and outcome among patients with severe left-sided valvular heart disease in Europe. Insights from the ESC-EORP Valvular Heart Disease II survey.

AIMS: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is commonly observed in patients with severe left-sided valvular heart disease (VHD). This study sought to assess TR frequency, management and outcome in this population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 6883 patients with severe native left-sided VHD or previous left-sided valvular intervention enrolled in the EURObservational Research Programme prospective VHD II survey, moderate or severe TR was very frequent in patients with severe mitral VHD (30% when mitral stenosis, 36% when mitral regurgitation [MR]), especially in patients with secondary MR (46%), and rare in patients with severe aortic VHD (4% when aortic stenosis, 3% when aortic regurgitation). An increase in TR grade was associated with a more severe clinical presentation and a poorer 6-month survival (p < 0.0001). Rates of concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) intervention at the time of left-sided heart valve surgery were high at the time of mitral valve surgery (50% when mitral stenosis, 41% when MR). Concordance between class I indications (patients with severe TR) for concomitant TV surgery at the time of left-sided valvular heart surgery according to guidelines and real-practice decision-making was very good (88% overall, 95% in patients operated on for MR). CONCLUSION: In this large international prospective survey among patients with severe left-sided VHD, moderate/severe TR was frequent in patients with mitral valve disease and was associated with a poorer outcome as TR grade increased. In patients with severe TR, compliance to guidelines for class I indications for concomitant TV surgery at the time of left-sided heart valve surgery was very good.

A review and recommendations for oral chaperone therapy in adult patients with Fabry disease.

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare, X-linked lysosomal storage disorder affecting both males and females caused by genetic abnormalities in the gene encoding the enzyme α-galactosidase A. FD-affected patients represent a highly variable clinical course with first symptoms already appearing in young age. The disease causes a progressive multiple organ dysfunction affecting mostly the heart, kidneys and nervous system, eventually leading to premature death. Disease-specific management of FD includes enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase α and ß or pharmacological oral chaperone migalastat. Migalastat is a low-molecular-mass iminosugar, that reversibly binds to active site of amenable enzyme variants, stabilizing their molecular structure and improving trafficking to the lysosome. Migalastat was approved in the EU in 2016 and is an effective therapy in the estimated 35-50% of all patients with FD with amenable GLA gene variants. This position statement is the first comprehensive review in Central and Eastern Europe of the current role of migalastat in the treatment of FD. The statement provides an overview of the pharmacology of migalastat and summarizes the current evidence from the clinical trial program regarding the safety and efficacy of the drug and its effects on organs typically involved in FD. The position paper also includes a practical guide for clinicians on the optimal selection of patients with FD who will benefit from migalastat treatment, recommendations on the optimal selection of diagnostic tests and the use of tools to identify patients with amenable GLA mutations. Areas for future migalastat clinical research have also been identified.

Percutaneous aspiration of a right atrial thrombus with the AngioVac system.

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Infective endocarditis in adults with congenital heart disease: Contemporary management and related outcomes in Central and South-Eastern European region.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) remains major cause of morbidity and mortality in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Limited data exists on ACHD with IE in Central and South-Eastern European (CESEE) countries. The aim of this study is to characterize contemporary management and assess outcomes of ACHD with IE in CESEE region. METHODS: Data on ACHD patients with IE from 9 tertiary centres in 9 different CESEE countries between 2015 and 2020 was included. Baseline demographics, clinical presentation, indication for surgery, outcomes, hospital and all-cause-1-year mortality were studied. RESULTS: A total of 295 ACHD patients (mean age 40 ± 14 years) with IE were included. Median time from symptoms onset to establishing diagnosis was 25 (11-59) days. The majority of patients (203, 68.8%) received previous empiric oral antibiotic therapy. The highest incidence of IE was observed on native and left sided valves, 194(65.8%) and 204(69.2%), respectively. More than half had a vegetation size ≥10 mm (164, 55.6%); overall 138 (46.8%) had valve complications and 119 (40.3%) had heart failure. In-hospital mortality was 26 (8.8%). CONCLUSION: There is clear delay in establishing IE diagnosis amongst ACHD patients in CESEE countries. Adequate diagnosis is hampered by common prescription of empiric antibiotics before establishing formal diagnosis. Hence, patients commonly present with associated complications requiring surgery. Hospital treatment and survival are, nevertheless, comparable to other Western European countries. Improved awareness and education of patients and medical profession regarding IE preventive measures, risks, signs, and symptoms are urgently needed. Empiric antibiotic prescription before blood cultures are taken must be omitted.

Assessment of left ventricle function in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic aortic stenosis by 2-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging.

BACKGROUND: Global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) quantifies left ventricle (LV) long-axis contractility. Early detection of LV systolic dysfunction is pivotal in diagnosis and treatment of patients with aortic stenosis (AS). This study was performed to assess LV longitudinal systolic function by GLPS derived from 2-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI) in AS patients in comparison to standard echocardiographic parameters. MATERIAL/METHODS: Laboratory tests, standard echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and 2D-STI examinations with GLPS calculation were performed in 49 consecutive patients with moderate to severe AS with LV ejection fraction ≥50% and 18 controls. RESULTS: While LVEF do not differentiate AS patients from controls, GLPS was significantly decreased in the AS group (-15.30 ± 3.25% vs. -19.60 ± 2.46% in controls, p<0.001). GLPS was significantly reduced in symptomatic AS patients as compared to the asymptomatic AS group [-15.5 (11.8-16.8) vs. -17.5 (14.7-18.9)%, p=0.02]. CONCLUSIONS: In aortic stenosis patients, despite normal left ventricle ejection fraction, long-axis left ventricular function is impaired, which manifests in global longitudinal peak strain reduction. GLPS reveals that LV function impairment is more pronounced in symptomatic as compared to asymptomatic AS patients. Further studies are needed to determine the prognostic significance of early LV function impairment in aortic stenosis patients showed by GLPS.