Factors influencing post-surgical survival in degenerative mitral regurgitation.

AIMS: Indications for surgery in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) are increasingly liberal in all clinical guidelines but the role of secondary outcome determinants (left atrial volume index ≥60 mL/m2, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary artery systolic pressure ≥50 mmHg and moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation) and their impact on post-operative outcome remain disputed. Whether these secondary outcome markers are just reflective of the DMR severity or intrinsically affect survival after DMR surgery is uncertain and may have critical importance in the management of patients with DMR. To address these gaps of knowledge the present study gathered a large cohort of patients with quantified DMR, accounted for the number of secondary outcome markers and examined their independent impact on survival after surgical correction of the DMR. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Mitral Regurgitation International DAtabase-Quantitative registry includes patients with isolated DMR from centres across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Patient enrolment extended from January 2003 to January 2020. All patients undergoing mitral valve surgery within 1 year of registry enrolment were selected. A total of 2276 patients [65 (55-73) years, 32% male] across five centres met study eligibility criteria. Over a median follow-up of 5.6 (3.6 to 8.7) years, 278 patients (12.2%) died. In a comprehensive multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for age, EuroSCORE II, symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LV ESD) and DMR severity, the number of secondary outcome determinants was independently associated with post-operative all-cause mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.56 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.20, P = 0.011], 1.78 (95% CI: 1.23-2.58, P = 0.002) and 2.58 (95% CI: 1.73-3.83, P < 0.0001) for patients with one, two, and three or four secondary outcome determinants, respectively. A model incorporating the number of secondary outcome determinants demonstrated a higher C-index and was significantly more concordant with post-operative mortality than models incorporating traditional Class I indications alone [the presence of symptoms (P = 0.0003), or LVEF ≤60% (P = 0.006), or LV ESD ≥40 mm (P = 0.014)], while there was no significant difference in concordance observed compared with a model that incorporated the number of Class I indications for surgery combined (P = 0.71). CONCLUSION: In this large cohort of patients treated surgically for DMR, the presence and number of secondary outcome determinants was independently associated with post-surgical survival and demonstrated better outcome discrimination than traditional Class I indications for surgery. Randomised controlled trials are needed to determine if patients with severe DMR who demonstrate a cardiac phenotype with an increasing number of secondary outcome determinants would benefit from earlier surgery.

Tricuspid regurgitation after cardiac resynchronization therapy: evolution and prognostic significance.

AIMS: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with worse outcome. This study investigated the effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on TR severity and long-term outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: Tricuspid regurgitation severity was assessed at baseline and 6 months after CRT implantation, using a multiparametric approach. Patients were divided into four groups: (i) no or mild TR without progression; (ii) no or mild TR with progression to significant (moderate-severe) TR; (iii) significant TR with improvement to no or mild TR; and (iv) significant TR without improvement. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. A total of 852 patients (mean age 65 ± 11 years, 77% male) were included. At baseline, 184 (22%) patients had significant TR, with 75 (41%) showing significant improvement at 6-month follow-up. After a median follow-up of 92 (50-137) months, 494 (58%) patients died. Patients with significant TR showing improvement at follow-up had better outcomes than those showing no improvement (P = 0.016). On multivariable analysis, no or mild TR progressing to significant TR [hazard ratio (HR) 1.745; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.287-2.366; P < 0.001] and significant TR without improvement (HR 1.572; 95% CI: 1.198-2.063; P = 0.001) were independently associated with all-cause mortality, whereas significant TR with improvement at follow-up was not (HR: 1.153; 95% CI: 0.814-1.633; P = 0.424). CONCLUSION: Improvement of significant TR after CRT is observed in a substantial proportion of patients, highlighting the potential benefit of CRT for patients with HF having significant TR. Significant TR at 6 months after CRT is independently associated with increased long-term mortality.

Left ventricular functional recovery of infarcted and remote myocardium after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (METOCARD-CNIC randomized clinical trial substudy).

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the effect of early intravenous metoprolol treatment, microvascular obstruction (MVO), intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling on the evolution of infarct and remote zone circumferential strain after acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with feature-tracking cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: A total of 191 patients with acute anterior STEMI enrolled in the METOCARD-CNIC randomized clinical trial were evaluated. LV infarct zone and remote zone circumferential strain were measured with feature-tracking CMR at 1 week and 6 months after STEMI. RESULTS: In the overall population, the infarct zone circumferential strain significantly improved from 1 week to 6 months after STEMI (- 8.6 ± 9.0% to - 14.5 ± 8.0%; P < 0.001), while no changes in the remote zone strain were observed (- 19.5 ± 5.9% to - 19.2 ± 3.9%; P = 0.466). Patients who received early intravenous metoprolol had significantly more preserved infarct zone circumferential strain compared to the controls at 1 week (P = 0.038) and at 6 months (P = 0.033) after STEMI, while no differences in remote zone strain were observed. The infarct zone circumferential strain was significantly impaired in patients with MVO and IMH compared to those without (P < 0.001 at 1 week and 6 months), however it improved between both time points regardless of the presence of MVO or IMH (P < 0.001). In patients who developed adverse LV remodeling (defined as ≥ 20% increase in LV end-diastolic volume) remote zone circumferential strain worsened between 1 week and 6 months after STEMI (P = 0.036), while in the absence of adverse LV remodeling no significant changes in remote zone strain were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Regional LV circumferential strain with feature-tracking CMR allowed comprehensive evaluation of the sequelae of an acute STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and demonstrated long-lasting cardioprotective effects of early intravenous metoprolol. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01311700. Registered 8 March 2011 - Retrospectively registered.

Left ventricular systolic function assessment in secondary mitral regurgitation: left ventricular ejection fraction vs. speckle tracking global longitudinal strain.

AIMS: Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) is currently considered for the decision making of patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). However, LVEF represents change in LV volume between end-diastole and end-systole but does not characterize the intrinsic function of the myocardium. In contrast, speckle-tracking global longitudinal strain (GLS) characterizes myocardial deformation. The present study evaluated whether LV GLS may detect further impairment in LV systolic function in dilated cardiomyopathy patients with and without severe secondary MR matched based on LVEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (N = 150, 59 ± 12 years old, 58% male) were included: 75 patients with severe secondary MR and 75 patients with none or less than mild MR matched 1 : 1 according to LVEF. The LV systolic function was evaluated by LVEF (following Simpson's biplane method), forward ejection fraction (forward stroke volume relative to LV end-diastolic volume), and speckle-tracking GLS. By definition, LVEF was comparable between the two groups (patients with severe MR 31 ± 10 vs. patients with no/mild MR 31 ± 10%, P = 0.93). However, patients with severe MR had significantly lower forward ejection fraction (29 ± 14 vs. 40 ± 18%, P < 0.001) and more impaired GLS (-8.08 ± 3.33 vs. -9.78 ± 3.78%, P = 0.004) compared with their counterparts. The presence of severe secondary MR was significantly associated with worse LV GLS (ß 1.32, 95% confidence interval 0.14-2.49, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In patients with severe secondary MR, speckle-tracking GLS shows more deteriorated LV systolic function than LVEF.

Time course, predictors, and prognostic implications of significant mitral regurgitation after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is a known complication of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with important prognostic implications. We evaluated changes over time in ischemic MR after STEMI and the prevalence and predictors of significant (grade ≥2) MR at 12 months. Furthermore, the prognostic additional value of significant MR at 12-month follow-up over acute MR was assessed. METHODS: STEMI patients (n = 1,599; 77% male; 60 ± 12 years) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention underwent echocardiography <48 hours of admission (baseline) and at 12 months. Mortality data were collected during long-term follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, significant MR was present in 103 (6%) patients. After 12 months, MR worsened ≥1 grade in 321 (20%) patients, remained stable in 963 (60%), and improved ≥1 grade in 315 (20%). Significant MR was present in 135 patients at 12 months (8%, P = .01 vs baseline). Age, left ventricular end-systolic volume, and significant MR at baseline were independently associated with significant MR at follow-up. During follow-up (median, 50 months), 121 (8%) patients died (40% of cardiovascular cause). Significant MR at follow-up was independently associated with all-cause (hazard ratio, 1.65, 95% CI, 1.02-2.99) and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.24-4.92), also after adjusting for significant MR at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of significant MR after STEMI increases over time. Age, baseline left ventricular end-systolic volume, and baseline significant MR are independently associated with significant MR at follow-up. Significant MR at 12 months is associated with subsequent all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and shows additional prognostic value over acute MR.

Impact of pulmonary fibrosis and elevated pulmonary pressures on right ventricular function in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is of great prognostic value in patients with SSc. The aim of the present study was to assess in these patients the relationship between pulmonary fibrosis and elevated pulmonary pressure (PHT) with RV function. METHODS: A total of 102 SSc patients who underwent thoracic CT and transthoracic echocardiography were included. Speckle tracking-derived RV free wall strain was used to assess RV function. RESULTS: A total of 51 (50%) SSc patients did not have pulmonary fibrosis or PHT, 32 (31%) patients had pulmonary fibrosis but no PHT and the remaining 19 (19%) patients had both pulmonary fibrosis and PHT. Patients with both pulmonary fibrosis and PHT had the most impaired RV free wall strain [-16.8% (s.d. 3.1)] compared with patients with pulmonary fibrosis and no PHT [-21.5% (s.d. 3.6)] and patients with no pulmonary fibrosis and no PHT [-24.0% (s.d. 4.4)]. All three SSc groups showed impaired RV free wall strain compared with controls [-28.0% (s.d. 4.2)]. Importantly, multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that pulmonary fibrosis and left ventricular ejection fraction were independently associated with impaired RV free wall strain in SSc patients. CONCLUSION: SSc patients show impaired RV function compared with controls. Both pulmonary fibrosis and PHT are independently associated with RV dysfunction.

Low gradient severe aortic stenosis with preserved ejection fraction: reclassification of severity by fusion of Doppler and computed tomographic data.

AIMS: Low gradient severe aortic stenosis (AS) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) may be attributed to aortic valve area index (AVAi) underestimation due to the assumption of a circular shape of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) with 2-dimensional echocardiography. The current study evaluated whether fusing Doppler and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) data to calculate AVAi results in significant reclassification of inconsistently graded severe AS. METHODS AND RESULTS: In total, 191 patients with AVAi < 0.6 cm2/m2 and LVEF ≥ 50% (mean age 80 ± 7 years, 48% male) were included in the current analysis. Patients were classified according to flow (stroke volume index <35 or ≥35 mL/m2) and gradient (mean transaortic pressure gradient ≤40 or >40 mmHg) into four groups: normal flow-high gradient (n = 72), low flow-high gradient (n = 31), normal flow-low gradient (n = 46), and low flow-low gradient (n = 42). Left ventricular outflow tract area was measured by planimetry on MDCT and combined with Doppler haemodynamics on continuity equation to obtain the fusion AVAi. The group of patients with normal flow-low gradient had significantly larger AVAi and LVOT area index compared with the other groups. Although MDCT-derived LVOT area index was comparable among the four groups, the fusion AVAi was significantly larger in the normal flow-low gradient group. By using the fusion AVAi, 52% (n = 24) of patients with normal flow-low gradient and 12% (n = 5) of patients with low flow-low gradient would have been reclassified into moderate AS due to AVAi ≥ 0.6 cm2/m2. CONCLUSION: The fusion AVAi reclassifies 52% of normal flow-low gradient and 12% of low flow-low gradient severe AS into true moderate AS, by providing true cross-sectional LVOT area.

QRS Fragmentation and QTc Duration Relate to Malignant Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: QRS fragmentation (fQRS) and prolonged QTc interval on surface ECG are prognostic in various cardiomyopathies other than hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The association between fQRS and prolonged QTc duration with occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias or sudden cardiac death (VTA/SCD) in patients with HCM was explored. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-five clinical HCM patients were studied. QTc duration was derived applying Bazett's formula; fQRS was defined as presence of various RSR' patterns, R or S notching and/or >1 additional R wave in any non-aVR lead in patients without pacing or (in)complete bundle branch block. The endpoints comprised SCD, ECG documented sustained VTA (tachycardia or fibrillation) or appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapies (antitachycardia pacing [ATP] or shock) for VTA in ICD recipients (n = 58 [30%]). QT prolonging drugs recipients were excluded. After a median follow-up of 5.7 years (IQR 2.7-9.1), 26 (13%) patients experienced VTA or SCD. Patients with fQRS in ≥3 territories (inferior, lateral, septal, and/or anterior) (p = 0.004) or QTc ≥460 ms (p = 0.009) had worse cumulative survival free of VTA/SCD than patients with fQRS in <3 territories or QTc <460 ms. fQRS in ≥3 territories (ß 4.5, p = 0.020, 95%CI 1.41-14.1) and QTc ≥460 ms (ß 2.7, p = 0.037, 95%CI 1.12-6.33) were independently associated with VTA/SCD. Likelihood ratio test indicated assessment of fQRS and QTc on top of conventional SCD risk factors provides incremental predictive value for VTA/SCD (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Both fQRS in ≥3 territories and QTc duration are associated with VTA/SCD in HCM patients, independently of and incremental to conventional SCD risk factors.

High-temporal velocity-encoded MRI for the assessment of left ventricular inflow propagation velocity: Comparison with color M-mode echocardiography.

PURPOSE: To develop an alternative method for Vp-assessment using high-temporal velocity-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (VE-MRI). Left ventricular (LV) inflow propagation velocity (Vp) is considered a useful parameter in the complex assessment of LV diastolic function and is measured by Color M-mode echocardiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients diagnosed with ischemic heart failure (61 ± 11 years) and 22 healthy volunteers (29 ± 13 years) underwent Color M-mode echocardiography and VE-MRI to assess the inflow velocity through the mitral valve (mean interexamination time 14 days). Temporal resolution of VE-MRI was 10.8-11.8 msec. Local LV inflow velocity was sampled along a 4-cm line starting from the tip of the mitral leaflets and for consecutive sample points the point-in-time was assessed when local velocity exceeded 30 cm/s. From the position-time relation, Vp was calculated by both the difference quotient (Vp-MRI-DQ) as well as from linear regression (Vp-MRI-LR). RESULTS: Good correlation was found between Vp-echo and both Vp-MRI-DQ (r = 0.83, P < 0.001) and Vp-MRI-LR (r = 0.84, P < 0.001). Vp-MRI showed a significant but small underestimation as compared to Vp measured by echocardiography (Vp-MRI-DQ: 5.5 ± 16.2 cm/s, P = 0.008; Vp-MRI-LR: 9.9 ± 15.2 cm/s, P < 0.001). Applying age-related cutoff values for Vp to identify LV impaired relaxation, kappa-agreement with echocardiography was 0.72 (P < 0.001) for Vp-MRI-DQ and 0.69 (P < 0.001) for Vp-MRI-LR. CONCLUSION: High temporal VE-MRI represents a novel approach to assess Vp, showing good correlation with Color M-mode echocardiography. In healthy subjects and patients with ischemic heart failure, this new method demonstrated good agreement with echocardiography to identify LV impaired relaxation.

Effect of induced LV dyssynchrony by right ventricular apical pacing on all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization rates at long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing may induce left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. The long-term prognostic implications of induction of LV dyssynchrony were retrospectively evaluated in a cohort of patients who underwent RVA pacing. METHODS: A total of 169 patients (62 ± 13 years, 69% male) with high RVA pacing burden were included. Echocardiographic evaluation of LV volumes, ejection fraction, and dyssynchrony were performed before and after device implantation. LV dyssynchrony was assessed by 2-dimensional radial strain speckle tracking echocardiography. Based on the median LV dyssynchrony value after RVA pacing, the patient population was dichotomized (induced and noninduced LV dyssynchrony groups) and was followed up for the occurrence of all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. RESULTS: Baseline mean LV ejection fraction was 51 ± 11%. Median LV dyssynchrony value was 40 ms (12-85 ms) before RVA pacing and increased to 91 ms (81-138 ms) after a median of 13 months (3-26 months) after RVA pacing. Median follow-up duration was 70 months (interquartile range 42-96 months). Patients with induced LV dyssynchrony, defined as LV dyssynchrony value superior to the median at follow-up (≥91 ms), showed higher mortality rates (5% and 27% vs. 1% and 3% at 3 and 5 years follow-up; log-rank P = 0.003) and HF hospitalization rates (18% and 24% vs. 3% and 4% at 3 and 5 years follow-up; log-rank P < 0.001) than patients with LV dyssynchrony <91 ms after RVA pacing. A multivariate model was developed to identify independent associates of a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization. Induction of LV dyssynchrony was independently associated with increased risk of combined endpoint (HR [95% CI]: 3.369 [1.732-6.553], P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Induction of LV dyssynchrony by RVA pacing is associated with worse long-term mortality and increased HF hospitalization rates.

Association Between Left Ventricular Apical-to-Basal Strain Ratio and Conduction Disorders after Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether left ventricular apical-to-basal longitudinal strain differences, representing advanced basal interstitial fibrosis, are associated with conduction disorders after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: Patients with aortic stenosis undergoing AVR were included. The apical-to-basal strain ratio was calculated by dividing the average strain of the apical segments by the average strain of the basal segments. Values >1.9 were considered abnormal, as previously described. All patients were followed up for the occurrence of complete left or right bundle branch block or permanent pacemaker implantation within 2 years after AVR. Subgroup analysis was performed in patients undergoing transcatheter AVR. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-four patients were included (median age of 74 years [interquartile range, 65, 80], 46.4% male). During a median follow-up of 12.2 months (interquartile range, 0.2, 24.3), 74 patients (27%) developed complete bundle branch block or were implanted with a permanent pacemaker. These patients more often had an abnormal apical-to-basal strain ratio. Cumulative event-free survival analysis showed worse outcome in patients with an abnormal apical-to-basal strain ratio (log rank χ2 = 7.258, P = .007). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, an abnormal apical-to-basal strain ratio was the only independent factor associated with the occurrence of complete bundle branch block or permanent pacemaker implantation after adjusting for other factors previously shown to be associated with conduction disorders after AVR. Subgroup analysis confirmed the independent association of an abnormal apical-to-basal strain ratio with conduction disorders after transcatheter AVR. CONCLUSION: The apical-to-basal strain ratio is independently associated with conduction disorders after AVR and could guide risk stratification in patients potentially at risk for pacemaker implantation.

Mitral regurgitation in atrial fibrillation: Is a simple repair enough to tackle a complex problem?

BACKGROUND: Clinical and echocardiographic results of valve repair for mitral regurgitation in the setting of atrial fibrillation are poorly studied. METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2020, 89 patients underwent valve repair for mitral regurgitation in the setting of atrial fibrillation. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up data were collected and studied. The primary composite endpoint consisted of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for heart failure. RESULTS: Valve repair with true-sized annuloplasty was performed in 83 (93 %) and restrictive annuloplasty in 6 (7 %) patients. Early mortality occurred in 3 (3 %) and residual mitral regurgitation in 1 (1 %) patient. During a median follow-up of 5.4 years (interquartile range 3.4-9.5), 25 patients died, 6 due to end-stage heart failure. Ten patients were hospitalized for heart failure. The estimated event-free survival rate at 10 years was 48.2 % (95 % CI 33.5 %-62.9 %). Recurrent mitral regurgitation was observed in 14 patients and most often caused by leaflet tethering. When analyzed as a time-dependent variable, recurrent regurgitation was related to the occurrence of the primary endpoint (hazard ratio 3.192, 95 % CI 1.219-8.359, p = 0.018). On exploratory sub-analyses, no recurrent regurgitation was observed after restrictive annuloplasty or in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Moreover, recurrent regurgitation was observed more often when signs of left ventricular impairment were present preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite good initial results, recurrent regurgitation was a frequent observation after valve repair for mitral regurgitation in atrial fibrillation and had an effect on heart failure related morbidity and mortality. Refinements in the timing of surgery and surgical technique might help improve outcomes.

Significant Mitral Regurgitation After Permanent Right Ventricular Pacemaker Implantation: Prognostic Implications.

The underlying mechanisms leading to the development of mitral regurgitation (MR) after right ventricular (RV) pacemaker (PM) implantation and its prognostic value have yet to be fully understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical variables associated with the development of MR after RV pacing and its association with outcomes. A total of 451 patients (mean age 69 ± 15 years, 61% male) who underwent de novo RV PM implantation were included. The development of significant MR, defined as ≥moderate from mild or none/trace at baseline, occurred in 131 (29%) patients at a median of 2.4 years (interquartile range: 1.0 to 3.8 years) after PM implantation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that implantation of a single-chamber PM, left ventricular end-systolic volume index, and the presence of mild MR (vs no MR) at baseline were independently associated with the development of significant MR post-implant. Cardiac events, defined as the composite of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization, occurred in 143 patients (31.7%) during a median follow-up of 5.4 years (interquartile range: 3.0 to 8.1 years). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the development of significant MR was independently related to the occurrence of cardiac events. In conclusion, the development of significant MR after PM implantation is seen in about one-third of recipients and is independently associated with adverse cardiac events.

Cardiac amyloidosis is not a single disease: a multiparametric comparison between the light chain and transthyretin forms.

AIMS: Systemic amyloidosis represents a heterogeneous group of diseases resulting from amyloid fibre deposition. The purpose of this study is to establish a differential diagnosis algorithm targeted towards the two most frequent subtypes of CA. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively included all consecutive patients with ATTR and AL evaluated between 2018 and 2022 in two centres in a score derivation cohort and a different validation sample. All patients had a complete clinical, biomarker, electrocardiographic, and imaging evaluation. Confirmation of the final diagnosis with amyloid typing was performed according to the current international recommendations. The study population included 81 patients divided into two groups: ATTR (group 1, n = 32: 28 variant and 4 wild type) and AL (group 2, n = 49). ATTR patients were younger (50.7 ± 13.9 vs. 60.2 ± 7.3 years, P = 0.0001), and significantly different in terms of NT-proBNP [ATTR: 1472.5 ng/L (97-4218.5) vs. AL 8024 ng/L (3058-14 069) P = 0.001], hs-cTn I [ATTR: 10 ng/L (4-20) vs. AL 78 ng/L (32-240), P = 0.0002], GFR [ATTR 95.4 mL/min (73.8-105.3) vs. AL: 68.4 mL/min (47.8-87.4) P = 0.003]. At similar left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and ejection fraction, the ATTR group had less frequently pericardial effusion (ATTR: 15% vs. AL: 33% P = 0.0027), better LV global longitudinal strain (ATTR: -13.1% ± 3.5 vs. AL: -9.1% ± 4.3 P = 0.04), RV strain (ATTR: -21.9% ± 6.2 vs. AL: -16.8% ± 6 P = 0.03) and better reservoir function of the LA strain (ATTR: 22% ± 12 vs. AL: 13.6% ± 7.8 P = 0.02). Cut-off points were calculated based on the Youden method. We attributed to 2 points for parameters having an AUC > 0.75 (NT-proBNP AUC 0.799; hs-cTnI AUC 0.87) and 1 point for GFR (AUC 0.749) and TTE parameters (GLS AUC 0.666; RV FWS AUC 0.649, LASr AUC 0.643). A score of equal or more than 4 points has been able to differentiate between AL and ATTR (sensitivity 80%, specificity 62%, AUC = 0.798). The differential diagnosis score system was applied to the validation cohort of 52 CA patients showing a sensitivity of 81% with specificity of 77%. CONCLUSIONS: CA is a complex entity and requires extensive testing for a positive diagnosis. This study highlights a series of non-invasive checkpoints, which can be useful in guiding the decision-making process towards a more accurate and rapid differential diagnosis.

The value of serial echocardiography in risk assessment of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Progression from paroxysmal to persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We examined the association of left atrial (LA) remodeling by serial echocardiography, and AF progression over an extended follow-up period. Two-hundred ninety patients (mean age 61  ±  11 years, 73% male) who underwent transthoracic echocardiography performed at first presentation for non-valvular paroxysmal AF (PAF) and repeat echocardiogram 1-year later, were followed for progression to persistent AF. LA and left ventricular (LV) dimensions, volumes, LA reservoir, conduit and booster pump strains, LV global longitudinal systolic strain (GLS) assessed by 2D speckle tracking, and PA-TDI (time delay between electrical and mechanical LA activation- reflecting the extent of LA fibrosis) were compared on serial echocardiography. Sixty-nine (24%) patients developed persistent AF over a mean follow-up period of 6.3 years. At baseline, patients with subsequent persistent AF had larger LA dimensions (46 mm vs. 42 mm, p < 0.001), indexed LA volumes (41 ml/m2 vs. 34 ml/m2, p < 0.001), lower LA reservoir and conduit strain (17.6% vs. 27.6%, p < 0.001; 10.5% vs. 16.3%, p < 0.001; respectively) and longer PA-TDI (155 ms vs. 132 ms, p < 0.001) compared to the PAF group. Patients with subsequent persistent AF showed over time significant enlargement in LA volumes (from 37.7 ml/m2 to 42.4 ml/m2, p < 0.001), lengthening of PA-TDI (from 142.2 ms to 162.2 ms, p = 0.002), and decline in LA reservoir function (from 21.9% to 18.1%, p = 0.024) after adjusting for age, gender, diabetes and LV GLS. There were no changes in LA diameter, LA conduit or booster pump function. Conversely, the PAF group showed no decline in LA function. Patients who developed persistent AF had larger LA size and impaired LA function and atrial conduction times at baseline, compared to patients who remained PAF. Over the 1-year time course of serial echocardiographic evaluation, there was progression of LA remodeling in patients who subsequently developed persistent AF, but not in patients who remained in PAF.

Duty-cycled bipolar/unipolar radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic atrial fibrillation induces significant pulmonary vein narrowing at long-term follow-up.

AIMS: A novel duty-cycled bipolar/unipolar ablation catheter pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC) has been developed to achieve pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Ablation with PVAC was recently found to induce PV narrowing at 3 months follow-up. The long-term effects of this catheter on PV dimensions are however unknown and were evaluated with this study. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients (n = 62, 71% male, age 60 ± 7 years) with drug-refractory AF scheduled for a first ablation procedure were evaluated. A multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scan was performed before and 1 year after the initial procedure. Pulmonary vein dimensions and left atrial (LA) volume were measured on MSCT. To correct for reverse remodelling of the LA, the ostial area/LA volume ratio before and after PVAC was calculated. As reverse remodelling may depend on procedural outcome, patients were divided in two groups depending on sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance or AF recurrence 1 year after ablation. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the SR group (n = 41) and the AF recurrence group (n = 21). At one year follow-up, ostial area of the PVs (n = 219) was significantly reduced from 236 ± 7.0 to 173 ± 7.4 mm(2) (27% narrowing, P < 0.01), independent of ablation outcome. Pulmonary vein narrowing was mild in 37% of PVs (25-50%), 9% was moderate (50-70%), and 3% severe (>70%). Left atrial volumes were found to be significantly reduced after ablation (14 and 5% for the SR group and AF recurrence group, respectively, P < 0.01). After adjustment for LA volume reduction, narrowing of PV ostial area remained significant in these patients (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Ablation with PVAC results in a significant decrease in PV dimensions after long-term follow-up. In line with previous literature, PV narrowing was mild and patients did not develop any clinical symptoms.