Hospitalized patients' attitudes towards participating in a randomized control trial in case of a cardiac arrest.

Background: No previous study has evaluated patients attitudes towards inclusion in an ongoing cardiac arrest clinical trial. The aim of this study was to assess patients willingness and motives to participate in the ongoing randomized controlled drug trial "Vasopressin and Steroids in addition to Adrenaline in cardiac arrest" (VAST-A trial) in case of an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Objectives: Hospitalized patients, men ≥ 18 and women ≥ 50 years, were asked for informed consent for inclusion in the VAST-A trial in case of an IHCA, the reason for approving or declining inclusion in the trial and baseline characteristics. Methods: Patients admitted to hospital were asked to give informed consent of inclusion in VAST-A in case of an IHCA during their hospital stay. Patients were also asked why they approved or declined inclusion as well as baseline characteristics questions. Results: 1,064 patients were asked about willingness to participate in the VAST-A trial, of these 902 (84.8%) patients approved inclusion. A subgroup of 411 patients were, except willingness, also asked about motives to participate or not and basic characteristics. The main reason for approving inclusion was to contribute to research (n = 328, 83.9%). The main reason for declining inclusion was concerns regarding testing the drug treatment (n = 6, 30%). Conclusion: Among hospitalized patients the vast majority gave informed consent to inclusion in an ongoing randomized cardiac arrest drug trial. The main reason for approving inclusion was to contribute to research.

Severe heart failure in a unique case of cobalamin-C-deficiency resolved with LVAD implantation and subsequent heart transplantation.

Introduction Cobalamin c deficiency (cblC), an inborn error of vitamin B12 metabolism, is caused by mutations of the MMACHC gene. It usually leads to a multisystemic disease; 50% of all patients with cblC have various structural heart defects. Severe congestive heart failure (HF) may also occur and its prognosis is poorly documented. Case report We present the case of a young man who had been diagnosed with cblC due to C331T mutation in the MMACHC gene at the age of 3 days and had been treated with substitution therapy (OH-Cbl, mecobalamine, carnitine, betaine, and calcium folinate) since then. He had mildly impaired cognitive function; an ectopic hypophysis/pituitary insufficiency, with adequate hormone replacement therapy; obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, treated with CPAP, bronchial asthma, and obesity (BMI of 30). The liver and kidney functions were normal. He developed severe dilated cardiomyopathy and HF at the age of 12y. With medical treatment, his condition improved and he was stable (NYHA class II) for several years. Six years later, his status deteriorated rapidly, as he developed advanced HF, INTERMACS 3. The cardiac ultrasound revealed dilated ventricles with severely depressed ejection fraction (EF), increased filling pressures, and pulmonary hypertension (sPAP 60 mmHg). Cardiac MRI showed extremely dilated chambers (LVedv 609 mL, RVedv 398 mL) with pronounced non-compaction, and a left ventricle EF of 13%. A primary prophylactic ICD and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD/HM3) were implanted, and the patient was subsequently listed for heart transplantation (HTx). After 25 months on the waiting list, he underwent an uncomplicated HTx. However postoperatively, he got two episodes of cardiac tamponade, as well as mediastinitis, treated with antibiotics and vaccum assisted closure. He developed severe kidney failure, which fully recovered after two months, and was treated successfully for an early moderate allograft rejection (ISHT 2). At the latest outward visit, twelve months after HTx, the patient was doing excellent. Summary To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever reported case of a patient with CblC undergoing an LVAD implantation and subsequently a HTx. Although both interventions were complicated with bleeding events, this seems to be a treatment option for advanced HF in patients with CblC.

Waiting list and post-transplant outcome in Sweden after national centralization of heart transplant surgery.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated an association between transplantation rate per center and postoperative mortality after heart transplantation. In 2011, Sweden centralized heart transplants and waiting lists, reducing the number of centers from 3 to 2. We aimed to assess the active waiting time and pre- and post-transplant mortality before and after centralization. METHODS: Heart transplantations performed in Sweden between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2020 were included. Background and donor organ supply data were collected from Scandiatransplant, the Swedish Thoracic Transplant Registry, and the Swedish Cardiac Surgery Registry. The Fine and Gray methods were applied to visualize cumulative incidence curves and conduct competing risk regressions. A Cox model was used to adjust for factors influencing time to post-transplant death. RESULTS: When comparing the two eras, the median active waiting time increased from 54 to 71 days (p = 0.015). The risk of mortality on the waiting list decreased in the later era (subhazard ratio 0.43; [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.25-0.74]; p = 0.002). The number of heart transplantation procedures (including pediatric patients) increased by 53%. There was a significant difference in organ utilization between eras (p = 0.033; chi-square test). 30-day and 1-year survival post-transplant rates for adults increased from 90.8% to 97.8% (p < 0.001) and from 87.9% to 94.6% (p < 0.001), respectively. 1-year mortality was reduced by 63% (hazard ratio 0.37; 95% CI 0.22-0.61). CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study examined patients listed for and undergoing heart transplantation before and after the centralization of waiting lists and surgeries in Sweden. Waiting list mortality decreased, and 1-year post-transplantation survival was improved.

CS1, a controlled-release formulation of valproic acid, for the treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: Rationale and design of a Phase 2 clinical trial.

Although rare, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with substantial morbidity and a median survival of approximately 7 years, even with treatment. Current medical therapies have a primarily vasodilatory effect and do not modify the underlying pathology of the disease. CS1 is a novel oral, controlled-release formulation of valproic acid, which exhibits a multi-targeted mode of action (pulmonary pressure reduction, reversal of vascular remodeling, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-thrombotic) and therefore potential for disease modification and right ventricular modeling in patients with PAH. A Phase 1 study conducted in healthy volunteers indicated favorable safety and tolerability, with no increased risk of bleeding and significant reduction of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. In an ongoing randomized Phase 2 clinical trial, three doses of open-label CS1 administered for 12 weeks is evaluating the use of multiple outcome measures. The primary endpoint is safety and tolerability, as measured by the occurrence of adverse events. Secondary outcome measures include the use of the CardioMEMS™ HF System, which provides a noninvasive method of monitoring pulmonary artery pressure, as well as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography. Other outcomes include changes in risk stratification (using the REVEAL 2.0 and REVEAL Lite 2 tools), patient reported outcomes, functional capacity, 6-min walk distance, actigraphy, and biomarkers. The pharmacokinetic profile of CS1 will also be evaluated. Overall, the novel design and unique, extensive clinical phenotyping of participants in this trial will provide ample evidence to inform the design of any future Phase 3 studies with CS1.

The oxylipin analog CS585 prevents platelet activation and thrombosis through activation of the prostacyclin receptor.

Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Platelet activation is critical for maintaining hemostasis and preventing the leakage of blood cells from the vessel. There has been a paucity in the development of new drugs to target platelet reactivity. Recently, the oxylipin 12(S)-hydroxy-eicosatrienoic acid (12-HETrE), which is produced in platelets, was shown to limit platelet reactivity by activating the prostacyclin receptor. Here, we demonstrated the synthesis of a novel analog of 12-HETrE, known as CS585. Human blood and mouse models of hemostasis and thrombosis were assessed for the ability of CS585 to attenuate platelet activation and thrombosis without increasing the risk of bleeding. Human platelet activation was assessed using aggregometry, flow cytometry, western blot analysis, total thrombus formation analysis system, microfluidic perfusion chamber, and thromboelastography. Hemostasis, thrombosis, and bleeding assays were performed in mice. CS585 was shown to potently target the prostacyclin receptor on the human platelet, resulting in a highly selective and effective mechanism for the prevention of platelet activation. Furthermore, CS585 was shown to inhibit platelet function in human whole blood ex vivo, prevent thrombosis in both small and large vessels in mouse models, and exhibit long-lasting prevention of clot formation. Finally, CS585 was not observed to perturb coagulation or increase the risk of bleeding in the mouse model. Hence, CS585 represents a new validated target for the treatment of thrombotic diseases without the risk of bleeding or off-target activation observed with other prostaglandin receptor agonists.

Clinical Outcomes and Predictors of Long-Term Survival in Patients With and Without Previously Known Extracardiac Sarcoidosis Using Machine Learning: A Swedish Multicenter Study.

Background Cardiac involvement can be an initial manifestation in sarcoidosis. However, little is known about the association between various clinical phenotypes of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and outcomes. We aimed to analyze the relation of different clinical manifestations with outcomes of CS and to investigate the relative importance of clinical features influencing overall survival. Methods and Results A retrospective cohort of 141 patients with CS enrolled at 2 Swedish university hospitals was studied. Presentation, imaging studies, and outcomes of de novo CS and previously known extracardiac sarcoidosis were compared. Survival free of primary composite outcome (ventricular arrhythmias, heart transplantation, or death) was assessed. Machine learning algorithm was used to study the relative importance of clinical features in predicting outcome. Sixty-two patients with de novo CS and 79 with previously known extracardiac sarcoidosis were included. De novo CS showed more advanced New York Heart Association class (P=0.02), higher circulating levels of NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) (P<0.001), and troponins (P<0.001), as well as a higher prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction (P<0.001). During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 61 (44-77) months, event-free survival was shorter in patients with de novo CS (P<0.001). The top 5 features predicting worse event-free survival in order of importance were as follows: impaired tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, de novo CS, reduced right ventricular ejection fraction, absence of ß-blockers, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusions Patients with de novo CS displayed more severe disease and worse outcomes compared with patients with previously known extracardiac sarcoidosis. Using machine learning, right ventricular dysfunction and de novo CS stand out as strong overall predictors of impaired survival.

Rationale and design of ENDEAVOR: A sequential phase 2b-3 randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect of myeloperoxidase inhibition on symptoms and exercise capacity in heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction.

AIMS: Mitiperstat (formerly AZD4831) is a novel selective myeloperoxidase inhibitor. Currently, no effective therapies target comorbidity-induced systemic inflammation, which may be a key mechanism underlying heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF/HFmrEF). Circulating neutrophils secrete myeloperoxidase, causing oxidative stress, microvascular endothelial dysfunction, interstitial fibrosis, cardiomyocyte remodelling and diastolic dysfunction. Mitiperstat may therefore improve function of the heart and other organs, and ameliorate heart failure symptoms and exercise intolerance. ENDEAVOR is a combined, seamless phase 2b-3 study of the efficacy and safety of mitiperstat in patients with HFpEF/HFmrEF. METHODS: In phase 2b, approximately 660 patients with heart failure and ejection fraction >40% are being randomized 1:1:1 to mitiperstat 2.5 mg, 5 mg or placebo for 48 weeks. Eligible patients have baseline 6-min walk distance (6MWD) of 30-400 m with a <50 m difference between screening and randomization and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom score (KCCQ-TSS) ≤90 points at screening and randomization. The dual primary endpoints are change from baseline to week 16 in 6MWD and KCCQ-TSS. The sample size provides 85% power to detect placebo-adjusted improvements of 21 m in 6MWD and 6.0 points in KCCQ-TSS at overall two-sided alpha of 0.05. Safety is monitored throughout treatment, with a focus on maculopapular rash. In phase 3 of ENDEAVOR, approximately 820 patients will be randomized 1:1 to mitiperstat or placebo. CONCLUSION: ENDEAVOR is the first phase 2b-3 study to evaluate whether myeloperoxidase inhibition can improve symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with HFpEF/HFmrEF.

Phenotyping of giant cell myocarditis versus cardiac sarcoidosis using cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) and cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are rare inflammatory diseases of the myocardium with poor prognosis. Little is known about the cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) appearance of GCM and the methods ability to distinguish the two rare entities from one another. METHODS: We assessed a total of 40 patients with endomyocardial biopsy-proven GCM (n = 14) and CS (n = 26) concerning their clinical and CMR appearance in a blinded manner. RESULTS: Patients with GCM and CS were of similar median age (55 vs 56 years), and a male predominance was observed in both groups. In GCM, median levels of troponin T (313 vs 31 ng/L, p < 0.001), and natriuretic peptides (6560 vs 676 pg/mL, p < 0.001) were higher than in CS, and the clinical outcome worse (p = 0.04). On CMR imaging, the observed alterations of left and right ventricular (LV/RV) dimensions and function were similar. GCM showed multifocal LV late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) with a similar longitudinal, circumferential, and radial distribution as in CS, including suggested signature imaging biomarkers of CS like the "hook sign" (71% vs 77%, p = 0.702). The median LV LGE enhanced volume was 17% and 22% in GCM and CS (p = 0.150), respectively. The number of RV segments with pathologically increased T2 signal and/or LGE were most extensive in GCM. CONCLUSIONS: The CMR appearance of both GCM and CS is highly similar, making the differentiation between the two rare entities solely based on CMR challenging. This stands in contrast to the clinical appearance, which seems to be more severe in GCM.

Heart transplantation in patients bridged with mechanical circulatory support: outcome comparison with matched controls.

AIMS: Due to the shortage of heart donors, increasing numbers of heart transplantation (HTx) candidates are receiving long-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as bridge-to-transplantation. Treatment with MCS is associated with increased formation of anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies (allosensitization), but whether this affects post-HTx outcomes is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included all adult patients who received long-term MCS as bridge-to-transplantation and underwent subsequent HTx at our centre between 2008 and 2018. We also enrolled medically treated HTx recipients without prior MCS as controls. These controls were matched by age, sex, diagnosis, and transplantation era. Outcome parameters were compared between the two study groups. A total of 126 patients (48 ± 15 years, 84% male) were included of whom 64 were bridged with MCS and 62 were matched controls. Pre-HTx allosensitization occurred more frequently in the MCS group than in the control group (27% vs. 11%, P = 0.03). At post-HTx year 10, the overall survival probability was 84% among patients treated with MCS and 90% among those medically managed (P = 0.32). At post-HTx year 1, freedom from treated rejections (≥ISHLT 2R) was 69% in the MCS group and 70% in the control group (P = 0.94); and freedom from any rejection was 8% and 5%, respectively (P = 0.98). There were no differences in renal function or cardiac allograft vasculopathy (grade ≥ 1) between groups at 1, 3, and 5 years post-HTx. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients treated with MCS had a higher frequency of pre-HTx allosensitization, there were no significant differences in post-HTx graft survival, biopsy-proven rejections, or renal function as compared with patients not bridged with MCS.

Echocardiography in inflammatory heart disease: A comparison of giant cell myocarditis, cardiac sarcoidosis, and acute non-fulminant myocarditis.

Background: Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) and cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are, in contrast to acute non-fulminant myocarditis (ANFM), rare inflammatory diseases of the myocardium with poor prognosis. Although echocardiography is the first-line diagnostic tool in these patients, their echocardiographic appearance has so far not been systematically studied. Methods: We assessed a total of 71 patients with endomyocardial biopsy-proven GCM (n = 21), and CS (n = 25), as well as magnetic resonance-verified ANFM (n = 25). All echocardiographic examinations, performed upon clinical presentation, were reanalysed according to current guidelines including a detailed assessment of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Results: In comparison with ANFM, patients with either GCM or CS were older (mean age (±SD) 55 ± 12 or 53 ± 8 vs 25 ± 8 years), more often of female gender (52% or 24% vs 8%), had more severe clinical symptoms and higher natriuretic peptide levels. For both GCM and CS, echocardiography revealed more frequently signs of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in form of a reduced ejection fraction (p < 0.001), decreased cardiac index (p < 0.001) and lower global longitudinal strain (p < 0.001) in contrast to ANFM. The most prominent increase in LV end-diastolic volume index was observed in CS. In addition, RV dysfunction was more frequently found in both GCM and CS than in ANFM (p = 0.042). Conclusions: Both GCM and CS have an echocardiographic and clinical appearance that is distinct from ANFM. However, the method cannot further differentiate between the two rare entities. Consequently, echocardiography can strengthen the initial clinical suspicion of a more severe form of myocarditis, thus warranting a more rigorous clinical work-up.

Pulmonary Hypertension Phenotype Can Be Identified in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Using Echocardiographic Assessment of Pulmonary Artery Pressure With Supportive Use of Pressure Reflection Variables.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is frequent in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with 2 different phenotypes: isolated postcapillary PH (IpcPH) and, with the worst prognosis, combined pre- and postcapillary PH (CpcPH). The aims of the present echocardiography study were to investigate (1) the ability to identify PH phenotype in patients with HFrEF using the newly adopted definition of PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure >20 mm Hg) and (2) the relationship between PH phenotype and right ventricular (RV) function. METHODS: One hundred twenty-four patients with HFrEF consecutively referred for heart transplant or heart failure workup were included with echocardiography and right heart catheterization within 48 hours. We estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAPDoppler) and used a method to detect increased pulmonary vascular resistance (>3 Wood units) based on predefined thresholds of 3 pressure reflection (PRefl) variables (the acceleration time in the RV outflow tract [RVOT], the interval between peak RVOT and peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity, and the RV pressure augmentation following peak RVOT velocity). RESULTS: Using receiver operator characteristic analysis in a derivation group (n = 62), we identified sPAPDoppler ≥35 mm Hg as a cutoff that in a test group (n = 62) increased the likelihood of PH 6.6-fold. The presence of sPAPDoppler >40 mm Hg and 2 or 3 positive PRefl variables increased the probability of CpcPH 6- to 8-fold. A 2-step approach with primarily assessment of sPAPDoppler and the supportive use of PRefl variables in patients with mild/moderate PH (sPAPDoppler 41-59 mm Hg) showed 76% observer agreement and a weighted kappa of 0.63. The steady-state (pulmonary vascular resistance) and pulsatile (compliance, elastance) vascular loading are increased in both IpcPH and CpcPH with a comparable degree of RV dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The PH phenotype can be identified in HFrEF using standard echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary artery pressure with supportive use of PRefl variables in patients with mild to moderate PH.

Predicting recurrent cardiac arrest in individuals surviving Out-of-Hospital cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in short-term survival for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) in the past two decades, long-term survival is still not well studied. Furthermore, the contribution of different variables on long-term survival have not been fully investigated. AIM: Examine the 1-year prognosis of patients discharged from hospital after an OHCA. Furthermore, identify factors predicting re-arrest and/or death during 1-year follow-up. METHODS: All patients 18 years or older surviving an OHCA and discharged from the hospital were identified from the Swedish Register for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (SRCR). Data on diagnoses, medications and socioeconomic factors was gathered from other Swedish registers. A machine learning model was constructed with 886 variables and evaluated for its predictive capabilities. Variable importance was gathered from the model and new models with the most important variables were created. RESULTS: Out of the 5098 patients included, 902 (∼18%) suffered a recurrent cardiac arrest or death within a year. For the outcome death or re-arrest within 1 year from discharge the model achieved an ROC (receiver operating characteristics) AUC (area under the curve) of 0.73. A model with the 15 most important variables achieved an AUC of 0.69. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of an OHCA have a high risk of suffering a re-arrest or death within 1 year from hospital discharge. A machine learning model with 15 different variables, among which age, socioeconomic factors and neurofunctional status at hospital discharge, achieved almost the same predictive capabilities with reasonable precision as the full model with 886 variables.

Prehospital monitoring of cerebral circulation during out of hospital cardiac arrest ? A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: About two-thirds of the in-hospital deaths after out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) are a consequence of anoxic brain injuries, which are due to hypoperfusion of the brain during the cardiac arrests. Being able to monitor cerebral perfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is desirable to evaluate the effectiveness of the CPR and to guide further decision making and prognostication. METHODS: Two different devices were used to measure regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2): INVOS™ 5100 (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) and Root® O3 (Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA, USA). At the scene of the OHCA, advanced life support (ALS) was immediately initiated by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Sensors for measuring rSO2 were applied at the scene or during transportation to the hospital. rSO2 values were documented manually together with ETCO2 (end tidal carbon dioxide) on a worksheet specially designed for this study. The study worksheet also included a questionnaire for the EMS personnel with one statement on usability regarding potential interference with ALS. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included in the statistical analyses. In the INVOS™5100 group (n = 13), the mean rSO2 was 54% (95% CI 40.3-67.7) for patients achieving a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and 28% (95% CI 12.3-43.7) for patients not achieving ROSC (p = 0.04). In the Root® O3 group (n = 14), the mean rSO2 was 50% (95% CI 46.5-53.5) and 41% (95% CI 36.3-45.7) (p = 0.02) for ROSC and no ROSC, respectively. ETCO2 values were not statistically different between the groups. The EMS personnel graded the statement of interference with ALS to a median of 2 (IQR 1-6) on a 10-point Numerical Rating Scale. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that both INVOS™5100 and ROOT® O3 can distinguish between ROSC and no ROSC in OHCA, and both could be used in the pre-hospital setting and during transport with minimal interference with ALS.

Case report of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangitis presenting as acute myocarditis.

This case presents a challenging diagnosis of EGPA presenting as eosinophilic myocarditis. It is a condition that can mimic many other diseases and where prompt diagnosis and early treatment is essential for recovery. The diagnosis was made after an endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and showed the importance of EMB in the diagnostic work-up.

The association between signs of medical distress preceding in-hospital cardiac arrest and 30-day survival - A register-based cohort study.

Background: Identifying signs of medical distress prior to in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is important to prevent IHCA and improve survival. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association between signs of medical distress present within 60 minutes prior to cardiac arrest and survival after cardiac arrest. Methods: The register-based cohort study included adult patients (≥18 years) with IHCA in the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (SRCR) from 2017-01-01 to 2020-07-15. Signs of distress prior to IHCA were defined as the medical signs arrhythmia, pulmonary oedema, hypotension, hypoxia or seizures present within 60 minutes prior to cardiac arrest (pre-arrest signs). Using multivariable logistic regression, the association between these pre-arrest signs and 30-day survival was analysed in both unadjusted and adjusted models. The covariates used were demographics, comorbidities, characteristics and treatment of cardiac arrest. Results: In total, 8525 patients were included. After adjusting for covariates, patients with arrhythmia had a 58% higher probability of 30-day survival. The adjusted probability of 30-day survival was 41% and 52% lower for patients with hypotension and hypoxia prior to IHCA, respectively. Pulmonary oedema and seizures were not associated with any change in 30-day survival. Conclusions: Among signs of medical distress prior to in-hospital cardiac arrest, arrhythmia was associated with a higher 30-day survival. Hypotension and hypoxia were associated with lower survival after IHCA. These findings indicate that future research on survival after cardiac arrest should take pre-arrest signs into account as it impacts the prerequisites for survival.

Cardiac sarcoidosis and giant cell myocarditis after COVID-19 infection.

Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have varying manifestations of cardiac involvement. We report four patients presenting with symptomatic cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) or giant cell myocarditis (GCM) 1-8 months after mild COVID-19. All patients received immunosuppressive therapy and improved gradually within the following months. The possible temporal association between the CS/GCM and COVID-19 infection might suggest that COVID-19 could be a trigger for granulomatous myocarditis.

Association between central haemodynamics and renal function in advanced heart failure: a nationwide study from Sweden.

AIMS: Renal dysfunction in patients with heart failure (HF) has traditionally been attributed to declining cardiac output and renal hypoperfusion. However, other central haemodynamic aberrations may contribute to impaired kidney function. This study assessed the relationship between invasive central haemodynamic measurements from right-heart catheterizations and measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) in advanced HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients referred for heart transplantation work-up in Sweden between 1988 and 2019 were identified through the Scandiatransplant organ-exchange organization database. Invasive haemodynamic variables and mGFR were retrieved retrospectively. A total of 1001 subjects (49 ± 13 years; 24% female) were eligible for the study. Analysis of covariance adjusted for age, sex, and centre revealed that higher right atrial pressure (RAP) displayed the strongest relationship with impaired GFR [ß coefficient -0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.69 to -0.48; P < 0.001], followed by lower mean arterial pressure (MAP) (ß coefficient 0.29; 95% CI 0.14-0.37; P < 0.001), and finally reduced cardiac index (ß coefficient 3.51; 95% CI 2.14-4.84; P < 0.003). A combination of high RAP and low MAP was associated with markedly worse mGFR than any other RAP/MAP profile, and high renal perfusion pressure (RPP, MAP minus RAP) was associated with superior renal function irrespective of the degree of cardiac output. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced HF, high RAP contributed more to impaired GFR than low MAP. A higher RPP was more closely related to GFR than was high cardiac index.

Phenotypic and HLA-DRB1 allele characterization of Swedish cardiac sarcoidosis patients.

BACKGROUND: Early detection and initiation of treatment in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is believed to be crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of CS is challenging, especially in isolated CS (ICS). Certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA-DRB1) alleles associate with different phenotypes of sarcoidosis. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of patients with CS may improve our ability to identify patients being at risk for developing CS. METHODS: 87 patients with CS, identified at two Swedish university hospitals were included. Phenotypic characteristics were extracted from the medical records and the patients were HLA-DRB1 typed. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 55 years, 37% were women. HLA-DRB1 distribution was similar to a general sarcoidosis population. A majority of patients (51/87) had CS as the first sarcoidosis presentation. They were younger (p = 0.04), more often presenting with ventricular tachycardia (VT) or atrioventricular block (AVB) grade II or III (p < 0.001), had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.002), lower serum angiotensin converting enzyme (s-ACE) (p = 0.025), and fewer extra cardiac manifestations (ECM) (p = 0.02) than those presenting with CS later. CONCLUSIONS: Of Swedish CS patients, 59% presented with cardiac involvement as first manifestation. They had more severe cardiac symptoms than patients presenting with CS later. This phenotype disclosed less ECM and lower s-ACE thus diagnosis can be missed or delayed. We did not observe significant differences in HLA-DRB1 allele frequency between patients with CS compared to sarcoidosis in general. Awareness of CS as a primary manifestation can enable early detection and adequate intervention.