Metabolic changes contribute to maladaptive right ventricular hypertrophy in pulmonary hypertension beyond pressure overload: an integrative imaging and omics investigation.

Right ventricular (RV) failure remains the strongest determinant of survival in pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to identify relevant mechanisms, beyond pressure overload, associated with maladaptive RV hypertrophy in PH. To separate the effect of pressure overload from other potential mechanisms, we developed in pigs two experimental models of PH (M1, by pulmonary vein banding and M2, by aorto-pulmonary shunting) and compared them with a model of pure pressure overload (M3, pulmonary artery banding) and a sham-operated group. Animals were assessed at 1 and 8 months by right heart catheterization, cardiac magnetic resonance and blood sampling, and myocardial tissue was analyzed. Plasma unbiased proteomic and metabolomic data were compared among groups and integrated by an interaction network analysis. A total of 33 pigs completed follow-up (M1, n = 8; M2, n = 6; M3, n = 10; and M0, n = 9). M1 and M2 animals developed PH and reduced RV systolic function, whereas animals in M3 showed increased RV systolic pressure but maintained normal function. Significant plasma arginine and histidine deficiency and complement system activation were observed in both PH models (M1&M2), with additional alterations to taurine and purine pathways in M2. Changes in lipid metabolism were very remarkable, particularly the elevation of free fatty acids in M2. In the integrative analysis, arginine-histidine-purines deficiency, complement activation, and fatty acid accumulation were significantly associated with maladaptive RV hypertrophy. Our study integrating imaging and omics in large-animal experimental models demonstrates that, beyond pressure overload, metabolic alterations play a relevant role in RV dysfunction in PH.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Pre-TAVR: Current State of the Evidence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review intends to give an up-to-date overview of the current state of evidence in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), focusing on percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) pre-TAVR. RECENT FINDINGS: The recently published ACTIVATION trial is the 1st randomized trial comparing coronary revascularization (PCI) versus medical treatment in patients with significant CAD undergoing TAVR. With the caveat of several major limitations of the trial, the results of this study raised the question about the appropriateness of the common practice to routinely revascularize coronary stenosis before TAVR. Aortic valve stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease among the elderly and it often co-occurs with CAD. TAVR is increasingly considered an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement not only in the elderly population but also in younger and lower-risk patients. The impact of co-existing CAD on clinical outcomes as well as the optimal timing of PCI in TAVR candidates is still unclear and the subject of ongoing randomized trials. Meanwhile, it is common practice in many centers to routinely perform invasive coronary angiography and PCI for significant coronary disease as part of the TAVR workup. While computed tomography angiography has emerged as a possible alternative to the invasive coronary angiography in patients with low pre-test probability for CAD, the value of functional invasive assessment of coronary lesions in the pre-TAVR setting has still to be clarified. Also, there is an increasing interest in the clinical relevance and optimal management of the potentially challenging coronary access post-TAVR, requiring further research.

Clinical relevance of adding intravascular ultrasound to coronary angiography for the diagnosis of extrinsic left main coronary artery compression by a pulmonary artery aneurysm in pulmonary hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the clinical value of adding intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) evaluation to coronary angiography (CA) to guide extrinsic left main coronary artery (LMCA) compression diagnosis and treatment in pulmonary hypertension (PH). BACKGROUND: LMCA compression due to a pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is a severe complication of PH. Although guidelines encourage the use of IVUS for LMCA disease evaluation, it has hardly been used in this scenario. METHODS: We analyzed morbimortality of type 1 and 4 PH patients with clinically suspected LMCA compression by a PAA between 2010 and 2018 in a reference unit. LMCA compression was prospectively assessed with CA ± IVUS. Angiographic-LMCA compression was considered conclusive when LMCA stenosis>50% was present in four predetermined projections; inconclusive, when LMCA stenosis>50% was present in <4 projections and negative if no stenosis>50% was present. Patients with conclusive and inconclusive CA underwent IVUS. IVUS-LMCA compression was defined as systolic minimum lumen area < 6 mm2 . RESULTS: LMCA compression was suspected in 23/796 patients (3%). CA was conclusive for compression in 7(30.5%), inconclusive in 9(39%), and negative in 7(30.5%). IVUS confirmed LMCA compression in 6/7(86%) patients with conclusive CA and in 2/9(22%) with inconclusive CA. Patients fulfilling IVUS criteria for LMCA compression underwent stent implantation. At 20 months follow-up a composite end-point of death, stent restenosis/thrombosis, or lung transplant was reported in three patients (13%). CONCLUSIONS: CA can misdiagnose LMCA extrinsic compression. IVUS discriminates better whether significant compression by a PAA exists or not, avoiding unnecessary LMCA stenting. Patients treated following this strategy show a low rate of major clinical events at 20 months follow-up.

Prevalence and characterization of frailty, depression, and cognitive impairment in patients listed for heart transplantation: Results of the FELICITAR prospective registry.

INTRODUCTION: It is recommended to assess frailty prior to heart transplantation (HT). Our objective was to assess the prevalence of frailty in patients listed for HT. METHODS: The FELICITAR registry (Frailty Evaluation after List Inclusion, Characteristics and Influence on TrAnsplantation And Results) is a prospective registry that includes patients listed for HT in three centers, from January 2017 to April 2019. We assessed the presence of frailty, depression, cognitive impairment, and quality of life when included. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients were included. Of this group, 30.6% were frail, 55 (56.1%) had depression (treated only in nine patients), and 51 (54.8%) had cognitive impairment. Compared with non-frail patients, frail patients were more frequently hospitalized when included in HT waiting list (P = .048), had a lower upper-arm circumference (P = .026), had a lower Barthel index (P = .001), more anemia (P = .010), higher rates of depression (P = .001), poorer quality of life (P = .001), and lower hand-grip strength (P < .001). In multivariate analysis hand-grip strength (odds ratio .91; 95% confidence interval .87-.96, P < .001) and Barthel index (odds ratio .90; 95% confidence interval .82-.99, P = .024) were associated with frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty, depression, and cognitive impairment are common in patients included in HT waiting list. Frailty is strongly associated with hand-grip strength.

Influence of long-standing pulmonary arterial hypertension and its severity on pulmonary artery aneurysm development.

Pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is a common finding in patients with long-term pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The influence of PAH severity in the development of PAA remains unclear. We sought to determine whether PAA development is related to PAH severity and whether treatment optimization based on risk profile estimation is effective to stop pulmonary artery (PA) enlargement. This is a retrospective study of 125 PAH patients who underwent an imaging test (computed tomography or magnetic resonance) combined with a right heart catheterization within a six-month period. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for PAA. Patients who underwent an additional imaging-test and RHC during follow-up were analyzed to evaluate changes on PA dimensions. PAA was diagnosed in 42 (34%) patients. PAA was more frequent in patients with congenital heart disease and toxic oil syndrome. PAH time-course showed to be an independent risk factor for PAA (HR 1.051, 95% CI 1.013-1.091, p = 0.008) whereas PAH severity did not. Twenty-six patients underwent a follow-up imaging-test and catheterization. After treatment optimization, a non-significant reduction of mean PA pressure was observed (58.5 mmHg [43.5-70.8] vs. 55.5 mmHg [47.5-66.3], p = 0.115) and a higher proportion of patients achieved a low-risk profile (19% vs. 35%, p = 0.157). However, the PA diameter significantly increased (40.4 ± 10.1 mm vs. 42.1 ± 9.6 mm; p = 0.003). PAA is a common condition in long-standing PAH but its development is not necessarily related to PAH severity. Despite stabilization after treatment optimization, a progressive PA dilatation was observed.

Potential Molecular Pathways Related to Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm Development: Lessons to Learn from the Aorta.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease caused by pulmonary vascular remodeling. Current vasodilator treatments have substantially improved patients' survival. This improved survival has led to the appearance of complications related to conditions previously underdiagnosed or even ignored, such as pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA). The presence of a dilated pulmonary artery has been shown to be related to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death among PAH patients. This increased risk could be associated to the development of left main coronary artery compression or pulmonary artery dissection. Nevertheless, very little is currently known about the molecular mechanisms related to PAA. Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a well-known condition with an increased risk of sudden death caused by acute aortic dissection. TAA may be secondary to chronic exposure to classic cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, a number of genetic variants have been shown to be related to a marked risk of TAA and dissection as part of multisystemic syndromes or isolated familial TAA. The molecular pathways implied in the development of TAA have been widely studied and described. Many of these molecular pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of PAH and could be involved in PAA. This review aims to describe all these common pathways to open new research lines that could help lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of PAH and PAA and their clinical implications.

Effect of pulmonary artery denervation in postcapillary pulmonary hypertension: results of a randomized controlled translational study.

There is scarce evidence for pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) as a potential treatment for chronic postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to perform a proof-of-concept of PADN in a translational model of chronic PH. Nineteen pigs with chronic postcapillary PH (secondary to pulmonary vein banding) were randomized to surgical-PADN (using bipolar radiofrequency clamps) or sham procedure. Additionally, 6 healthy animals underwent percutaneous-PADN to compare the pulmonary artery (PA) lesion generated with both approaches. In the surgical-PADN arm, hemodynamic evaluation and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were performed at baseline and at 2 and 3-month follow-up. Histological assessment was carried out at the completion of the protocol. Eighteen pigs (6 following surgical-PADN, 6 sham and 6 percutaneous-PADN) completed the protocol. A complete transmural PA lesion was demonstrated using surgical clamps, whereas only focal damage to adventitial fibers was observed after percutaneous-PADN. In the surgical-PADN arm, the hemodynamic profile did not significantly differ between groups neither at baseline [mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) median values of 32.0 vs. 27.5 mmHg, P = 0.394 and indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (iPVR) 5.9 vs. 4.7 WU m2, P = 0.394 for PADN/sham groups, respectively] nor at any follow-up (mPAP of 35.0 vs. 35.0 mmHg, P = 0.236 and iPVR of 8.3 vs. 6.7 WU m2, P = 0.477 at third month in PADN/sham groups, respectively). Surgical-PADN was not associated with any benefit in RV anatomy or function on CMR/histology. In a large-animal model of chronic postcapillary PH, transmural PADN with surgical clamps was associated with a neutral pulmonary hemodynamic effect.

Aortic Stenosis With Coronary Artery Disease: SAVR or TAVR-When and How?

The growing number of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has increased the interest in the concomitant presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and severe aortic stenosis (AS), prompting the need to define the appropriate revascularization strategy for each case. The reported prevalence of concurrent AS and CAD has varied over the years on the basis of the CAD definition and the population evaluated. Revascularization for treating CAD in patients with severe AS involves additional interventions that could impact outcomes. The addition of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has demonstrated favourable effects on long-term prognosis, while the impact of adding percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to TAVR may depend on the CAD complexity and the feasibility of achieving complete or reasonably incomplete revascularization. Furthermore, the comparison between SAVR+CABG and TAVR+PCI in low-intermediate surgical risk and low-intermediate complex CAD patients did not reveal differences in all-cause mortality or stroke between the groups. However, there is some evidence showing a lower incidence of major cardiovascular events with the SAVR+CABG strategy for patients with complex CAD. Thus, SAVR+CABG seems to be the best option for patients with low-intermediate surgical risk and complex CAD, and TAVR+PCI for high surgical risk patients seeking complete and/or reasonable incomplete revascularization. After deciding between TAVR+PCI or SAVR+CABG, factors such as timing for PCI, low ejection fraction, coronary reaccess, and valve durability must be considered. Finally, alternative methods for assessing CAD severity are currently under evaluation to ascertain their real value for guiding revascularization in patients with severe AS with CAD.

New-onset atrial fibrillation detected by ambulatory ECG monitoring after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the occurrence of subclinical new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of subclinical NOAF after TAVI. METHODS: This was a multicentre study, including patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and no previous atrial fibrillation undergoing TAVI, with continuous ambulatory electrocardiogram (AECG) monitoring after TAVI. RESULTS: A total of 700 patients (79±8 years, 49% female, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 2.9% [1.9-4.0]) undergoing transarterial TAVI were included (85% balloon-expandable valves). AECG was started 1 (0-1) day after TAVI (monitoring time: 14121314 days). NOAF was detected in 49 patients (7%), with a median duration of 185 (43-421) minutes (atrial fibrillation burden of 0.7% [0.3-2.8]). Anticoagulation was started in 25 NOAF patients (51%). No differences were found in baseline or procedural characteristics, except for a higher AS severity in the NOAF group (peak gradient: no NOAF: 71.9±23.5 mmHg vs NOAF: 85.2±23.8 mmHg; p=0.024; mean gradient: no NOAF: 44.4±14.7 mmHg vs NOAF: 53.8±16.8 mmHg; p=0.004). In the multivariable analysis, the baseline mean transaortic gradient was associated with a higher risk of NOAF after TAVI (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.06 for each mmHg; p=0.006). There were no differences between groups in all-cause mortality (no NOAF: 4.7% vs NOAF: 0%; p=0.122), stroke (no NOAF: 1.4% vs NOAF: 2.0%; p=0.723), or bleeding (no NOAF: 1.9% vs NOAF: 4.1%; p=0.288) from the 30-day to 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: NOAF detected with AECG occurred in 7% of TAVI recipients and was associated with a higher AS severity. NOAF detection determined the start of anticoagulation therapy in about half of the patients, and it was not associated with an increased risk of clinical events at 1-year follow-up.

Multimarker Approach to Improve Risk Stratification of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Background: A blood multimarker approach may be useful to enhance risk stratification in patients undergoing TAVI. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic value of multiple blood biomarkers in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients. Methods: In this prospective study, several blood biomarkers of cardiovascular function, inflammation, and renal function were measured in 362 patients who underwent TAVI. The cohort was divided into 3 groups according to the number of elevated blood biomarkers (ie, ≥ median value for the whole cohort) for each patient before the procedure. Survival analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between blood biomarkers and risk of adverse event following TAVI. Results: During a median follow-up of 2.5 (IQR: 1.9-3.2) years, 34 (9.4%) patients were rehospitalized for heart failure, 99 (27%) patients died, and 113 (31.2%) met the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or heart failure rehospitalization. Compared to patients with 0 to 3 elevated biomarkers (referent group), those with 4 to 7 and 8 to 9 elevated biomarkers had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.54 [95% CI: 0.84-2.80], P = 0.16, and HR: 2.81 [95% CI: 1.53-5.15], P < 0.001, respectively) and of the composite endpoint (HR: 1.65 [95% CI: 0.95-2.84], P = 0.07, and HR: 2.67 [95% CI: 1.52-4.70] P < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, adding the number of elevated blood biomarkers into the clinical multivariable model provided significant incremental predictive value for all-cause mortality (Net Reclassification Index = 0.71, P < 0.001). Conclusions: An increasing number of elevated blood biomarkers is associated with higher risks of adverse clinical outcomes following TAVI. The blood multimarker approach may be helpful to enhance risk stratification in TAVI patients.

Clinical impact of complex percutaneous coronary intervention in the pre-TAVR workup.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the workup pre-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the clinical impact of coronary revascularization complexity remains unknown. This study sought to examine the impact of PCI complexity on clinical outcomes after TAVR in patients undergoing PCI in the preprocedural workup. METHODS: This was a multicenter study including consecutive patients scheduled for TAVR with concomitant significant coronary artery disease. Complex PCI was defined as having at least 1 of the following features: 3 vessels treated, ≥ 3 stents implanted, ≥ 3 lesions treated, bifurcation with 2 stents implanted, total stent length >60mm, or chronic total occlusion. The rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 1550 patients were included, of which 454 (29.3%) underwent complex PCI in the pre-TAVR workup. After a median follow-up period of 2 [1-3] years after TAVR, the incidence of MACE was 9.6 events per 100 patients-years. Complex PCI significantly increased the risk of cardiac death (HR, 1.44; 95%CI, 1.01-2.07), nonperiprocedural myocardial infarction (HR, 1.52; 95%CI, 1.04-2.21), and coronary revascularization (HR, 2.46; 95%CI, 1.44-4.20). In addition, PCI complexity was identified as an independent predictor of MACE after TAVR (HR, 1.31; 95%CI, 1.01-1.71; P=.042). CONCLUSIONS: In TAVR candidates with significant coronary artery disease requiring percutaneous treatment, complex revascularization was associated with a higher risk of MACE. The degree of procedural complexity should be considered a strong determinant of prognosis in the PCI-TAVR population.

Bleeding Events After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has gained over time a major reduction in procedural complications. Despite this, clinically relevant bleeding still occurs in a non-negligible proportion of patients and adversely affects prognosis. Patients with severe aortic stenosis are at heightened risk for spontaneous bleeding due to advanced age and a high comorbidity burden. Also, procedural factors and antithrombotic management contribute to define individual bleeding susceptibility. Bleeding prevention represents an emerging area for improving patient care. Because of the tight hemorrhagic/ischemic balance, a tailored approach based on individual bleeding-risk profile, such as a less invasive antithrombotic regimen or appropriate diagnostic preprocedural evaluation, should be pursued to avoid bleeding events. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of bleeding events in the TAVR field, including definitions, timing and the extent of risk, and clinical impact, as well as updates on antithrombotic management and its potential influence on bleeding complications.

Managing the challenge of a small aortic annulus in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Small aortic annulus (SAA) poses a challenge in the management of patients with severe aortic stenosis requiring aortic valve replacement - both surgical and transcatheter - since it has been associated with worse clinical outcomes. AREAS COVERED: This review aims to comprehensively summarize the available evidence regarding the management of aortic stenosis in patients with SAA and discuss the current controversies as well as future perspectives in this field. EXPERT OPINION: It is paramount to agree in a common definition for diagnosing and properly treating SAA patients, and for that purpose, multidetector computer tomography is essential. The results of recent trials led to the expansion of transcatheter aortic valve replacement among patients of all the surgical-risk spectrum, and the choice of treatment (transcatheter, surgical) should be based on patient comorbidities, anatomical characteristics, and patient preferences.

Syncope in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: No data exist on the clinical and prognostic significance of syncope in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: A total of 1705 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR in a tertiary university centre between 2007 and 2021 were included and classified according to the presence of syncope before the TAVR procedure. Baseline, procedural, and follow-up data were collected prospectively in a dedicated database. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients (7%) presented with syncope before the TAVR procedure. Of these, 15 patients (13%) showed arrhythmic episodes as the probable cause of the syncope, and all of them had pacemakers implanted at a median of 13 (6 to 53) days before the TAVR procedure. Patients with syncope were older (82 ± 8 years vs 80 ± 8 years, P = 0.001) and had a higher rate of pacemaker implantation before the TAVR procedure (27% vs 14%, P < 0.001), with no differences between groups regarding the severity of aortic stenosis (transvalvular gradient, valve area). There were no differences between groups in 30-day (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-3.60) and 1-year (adjusted HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.0.35-1.45) mortality following TAVR. CONCLUSIONS: Syncope was not associated with a more advanced valvular disease and had no significant prognostic impact on patients undergoing TAVR. However, arrhythmias and conduction-system disturbances were more common in patients with previous syncope and might play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of syncope in patients with aortic stenosis.

Incidence, Predictors, and Prognostic Impact of Bleeding Events After TAVR According to VARC-3 Criteria.

BACKGROUND: The updated Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) definition for bleeding events after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) lacks of clinical validation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of bleeding events following TAVR as defined by recent VARC-3 criteria. METHODS: A total of 2,384 consecutive patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR were included. Early (at index hospitalization) and late (after hospital discharge) bleeding complications were defined according to VARC-3 criteria as type 1, 2, 3, or 4. Baseline, procedural, and follow-up (24 [IQR: 12-43] months) data were prospectively collected. RESULTS: Bleeding events occurred in 761 patients (31.9%): types 1, 2, 3, and 4 in 169 (22.2%), 399 (52.4%), 149 (19.6%), and 44 (5.8%) patients, respectively. The primary vascular access site and gastrointestinal locations were the most common bleeding sources among early and late bleeding events, respectively. Female sex, thoracotomy access, larger (14-F) sheath use, and dual antiplatelet therapy determined an increased risk of early bleeding events (P < 0.02 for all). The use of the radial artery for secondary access was associated with a significant risk reduction of early bleeding (P < 0.001). Type 2 and type 3 events were associated with an increased mortality risk at 30-day (HR: 2.94 [95% CI: 1.43-6.03; P = 0.003] and HR: 4.91 [95% CI: 2.19-11.03; P < 0.001], respectively) and 1-year (HR: 1.86 [95% CI: 1.28-2.69; P = 0.001] and HR: 2.28 [95% CI: 1.41-3.66; P = 0.001], respectively) follow-up. A similar prognostic pattern was observed when applying VARC-2 criteria but with a much lower global incidence of early bleeding events (19% vs 27%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding events after TAVR were associated with poorer short- and long-term survival. The magnitude of this correlation was proportional to bleeding severity defined according to VARC-3 criteria. Further studies on bleeding prevention following TAVR are warranted to improve procedural safety and patient prognosis.

Myocardial Injury After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement According to VARC-3 Criteria.

BACKGROUND: The Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 definition for myocardial injury after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) lacks of clinical validation. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of periprocedural myocardial injury (PPMI) following TAVR as defined by recent VARC-3 criteria. METHODS: We included 1,394 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR with a new-generation transcatheter heart valve. High-sensitivity troponin levels were assessed at baseline and within 24 hours after the procedure. PPMI was defined according to VARC-3 criteria as an increase ≥70 times in troponin levels (vs ≥15 times according to the VARC-2 definition). Baseline, procedural, and follow-up data were prospectively collected. RESULTS: PPMI was diagnosed in 193 (14.0%) patients. Female sex and peripheral artery disease were independent predictors of PPMI (P < 0.01 for both). PPMI was associated with a higher risk of mortality at 30-day (HR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.50-4.82; P = 0.001) and 1-year (for all-cause mortality, HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.04-2.27; P = 0.032; for cardiovascular mortality, HR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.68-5.50; P < 0.001) follow-up. PPMI according to VARC-2 criteria had no impact on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: About 1 out of 10 patients undergoing TAVR in the contemporary era had PPMI as defined by recent VARC-3 criteria, and baseline factors like female sex and peripheral artery disease determined an increased risk. PPMI had a negative impact on early and late survival. Further studies on the prevention of PPMI post-TAVR and implementing measures to improve outcomes in PPMI patients are warranted.

Angina in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with angina undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: A total of 1687 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR at our center were included and classified according to patient-reported angina symptoms prior to the TAVR procedure. Baseline, procedural and follow-up data were collected in a dedicated database. RESULTS: A total of 497 patients (29%) had angina prior to the TAVR procedure. Patients with angina at baseline showed a worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (NYHA class> II: 69% vs 63%; P=.017), a higher rate of coronary artery disease (74% vs 56%; P <.001), and a lower rate of complete revascularization (70% vs 79%; P <.001). Angina at baseline had no impact on all-cause mortality (HR, 1.02; 95%CI, 0.71-1.48; P=.898) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.2; 95%CI, 0.69-2.11; P=.517) at 1 year. However, persistent angina at 30 days post-TAVR was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR, 4.86; 95%CI, 1.71-13.8; P=.003) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 20.7; 95%CI, 3.50-122.6; P=.001) at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-fourth of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR had angina prior to the procedure. Angina at baseline did not appear to be a sign of a more advanced valvular disease and had no prognostic impact; however, persistent angina at 30 days post-TAVR was associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Frailty Is Common in Heart Transplant Candidates But Is Not Associated With Clinical Events and Is Reversible After Heart Transplantation.

Assessment of frailty before heart transplant (HT) is recommended but is not standard in most HT protocols. Our objective was to evaluate frailty at inclusion in HT list and during follow-up and to assess the influence of baseline frailty on prognosis. A prospective multicenter study in all adults included in the nonurgent HT waiting list. Frailty was defined as Fried's frailty phenotype score ≥3. Mean follow-up was 25.9 ± 1.2 months. Of 99 patients (mean age 54.8 [43.1 to 62.5] years, 70 men [70.7%]), 28 were frail (28.3%). A total of 85 patients received HT after 0.5 ± 0.01 years. Waiting time was shorter in frail patients (0.6 years [0.3 to 0.8] vs 0.2 years [0.1 to 0.4], p = 0.001) because of an increase in priority. Baseline frailty was not associated with overall mortality, (hazard ratio 0.99 [95% confidence interval 0.41 to 2.37, p = 0.98]). A total of 16 transplant recipients died (18.8%). Of the remaining 69 HT recipients, 65 underwent frailty evaluation during follow-up. Patients without baseline frailty (n = 49) did not develop it after HT. Of 16 patients with baseline frailty, only 2 were still frail at the end of follow-up. Frailty is common in HT candidates but is reversible in most cases after HT and is not associated with post-transplant mortality. Our results suggest that frailty should not be considered an exclusion criterion for HT.