Data processing pipeline for cardiogenic shock prediction using machine learning.

Introduction: Recent advances in machine learning provide new possibilities to process and analyse observational patient data to predict patient outcomes. In this paper, we introduce a data processing pipeline for cardiogenic shock (CS) prediction from the MIMIC III database of intensive cardiac care unit patients with acute coronary syndrome. The ability to identify high-risk patients could possibly allow taking pre-emptive measures and thus prevent the development of CS. Methods: We mainly focus on techniques for the imputation of missing data by generating a pipeline for imputation and comparing the performance of various multivariate imputation algorithms, including k-nearest neighbours, two singular value decomposition (SVD)-based methods, and Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations. After imputation, we select the final subjects and variables from the imputed dataset and showcase the performance of the gradient-boosted framework that uses a tree-based classifier for cardiogenic shock prediction. Results: We achieved good classification performance thanks to data cleaning and imputation (cross-validated mean area under the curve 0.805) without hyperparameter optimization. Conclusion: We believe our pre-processing pipeline would prove helpful also for other classification and regression experiments.

Computed Tomography Imaging Assessment of the Effect of Vancomycin Paste on Poststernotomy Healing.

PURPOSE: To assess vancomycin paste effect on poststernotomy healing in high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients compared to bone wax using the 6-point computed tomography (CT) score. Additionally assessed the reliability of this score and its relationship to the occurrence of infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective comparative analysis included 126 high-risk CABG patients. The patients were randomly assigned into bone wax or vancomycin paste for sternal haemostasis. All patients were submitted to CT examinations 6-months postoperative. Two radiologists independently reviewed all CT scans to assess sternal healing using the 6-point CT score. The CT healing score of the two groups was compared. The kappa statistics were used to calculate the inter-reader agreement (IRA) of the 6-point CT score. RESULTS: The final analysis included 61 patients in each group. The main CT score for sternal healing was 3.9±0.4 in the vancomycin group and 3.3±0.8 in the bone wax group. Patients in the vancomycin group had a higher statistically significant improvement in CT healing score than those in the bone wax group (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship (p = 0.79) between the occurrence of infection and the 6-point CT score in the vancomycin group. The overall IRA of the 6-point CT score was good in two groups (κ = 0.79 in the vancomycin group and = 0.78 in the bone wax group). CONCLUSION: Vancomycin paste had a better CT healing score and can be used as a sternal haemostatic material instead of bone wax. The 6-point CT healing score is a reliable diagnostic tool for evaluating sternal healing.

Regional differences in presentation characteristics, use of treatments and outcome of patients with cardiogenic shock: Results from multicenter, international registry.

BACKGROUND: Concurrent evidence about cardiogenic shock (CS) characteristics, treatment and outcome does not represent a global spectrum of patients and is therefore limited. The aim of this study was to investigate these regional differences. METHODS: To investigate regional differences in presentation characteristics, treatments and outcomes of patients treated with all types of cardiogenic shock (CS) in a single calendar year on a multi-national level. Consecutive patients from 19 tertiary care hospitals in 13 countries with CS who were treated between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: In total, 699 cardiogenic shock patients were included in this study. Of these patients, 440 patients (63%) were treated in European hospitals and 259 (37%) were treated in Non-European hospitals. Female patients (P<0.01) and patients with a previous myocardial infarction (P=0.02) were more likely to present at Non-European hospitals; whereas older patients (P=0.01) and patients with cardiogenic shock due to acute heart failure (P<0.01) were more likely to present at European hospitals. Vasopressor use was more likely in Non-European hospitals (P=0.04), whereas use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was more likely in European hospitals (P<0.01). Despite adjustment for relevant confounders, 30-day in-hospital mortality risk was comparably high in CS patients treated in European vs. Non-European hospitals (hazard ratio 1.08, 95% CI 0.84-1.39, P=0.56). CONCLUSION: Despite marked heterogeneity in characteristics and treatment of CS patients, including fewer use of MCS but more frequent use of vasopressors in Non-European hospitals, 30-day in-hospital mortality did not differ between regions.

Is there any relationship between biomarkers and echocardiographic markers in patients with pulmonary stenosis underwent balloon valvuloplasty?

BACKGROUND: Congenital pulmonary stenosis (PS) is a progressive disease. Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) is the treatment of choice in valvular PS. AIM: We aim to study the relationship between biomarkers and echocardiographic markers in valvular PS and to assess the impact of BPV on these markers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with moderate and severe valvular PS amenable for BPV were recruited. Serum troponin I was measured. Echocardiographic assessment of PS and right ventricular (RV) function was done. All patients underwent BPV. Troponin level and echocardiographic data were re-assessed 2 weeks and 6 months after BPV. RESULTS: Fifty patients with valvular PS were recruited. There was significant correlation between peak SPG and troponin (P < .001). Troponin was significantly decreased 2 weeks after BPV. Similarly, there was an initial improvement in RV function. After 6 months of follow-up, we divided patients into two groups: Group A: 36 patients with no restenosis. Group B: 14 patients with restenosis. There were high significant differences between both groups regarding troponin level and RV functions with re-elevated troponin in Group B that correlated with peak PG (r = .9, P < .001). RV function parameters in Group B became significantly worse 6 months after BPV than those after the initial 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Troponin correlates with the severity of PS and associates with RV dysfunction. Both troponin and RV functions improved with BPV. Recurrent elevation of troponin and impairment of RV function is associated with PV restenosis and could be set as an indication for repeated balloon dilatation of PV.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Derived Indexed Volumes and Volume Ratios of the Cardiac Chambers Discriminating Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension From Other World Health Organization Groups.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to assess the performance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived cardiac chamber volumes and volume ratios to identify group 2 pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients and to determine their cutoff values with the highest sensitivity and specificity. METHODS: One hundred six patients underwent CMR, 2 months after the diagnosis of PH by right heart catheterization. We classified patients with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of greater than 15 mm Hg as group 2 PH. Cardiac chamber volumes indexed to the body surface area and volume ratios were correlated to the type of PH. Their sensitivity and specificity to detect group 2 PH were examined at various cutoff points. RESULTS: The most appropriate cutoff values to designate group 2 PH patients with high sensitivity and specificity were as follows: left atrium volume index of 54.72 mL/m2 or greater, right ventricle volume/left atrium volume of 2.07 or less, and right atrium volume/left atrium volume of 1.61 or less. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac magnetic resonance-derived cardiac chamber volume indices and volume ratios can determine group 2 PH diagnosis with high sensitivity and specificity.

Anatomical and radiological angiographic study of the coronary ostia in the adult human hearts and their clinical significance.

This study was carried out to investigate the morphometric parameters and variations of coronary ostia in the hearts of adult human cadavers and coronary angiographs. The hearts of 60 adult human cadavers and 400 coronary angiographs were used in this study. The root of the aorta was carefully dissected to clear aortic sinuses, coronary ostia, and sinutubular junction (STJ). Number, locations, internal diameter distance between coronary ostia and their corresponding STJ, sinus bottom, and valve commissures were investigated. The anterior aortic sinus (AAS) revealed a single ostium for right coronary artery (RCA) in 77.5% of male and 80% of female hearts. This ostium gave a common origin for RCA and third coronary artery (TCA) in 15% of male and 20% of female hearts. However, two separate ostia for RCA and TCA origin were seen in 20% of male and 15% of female hearts. Moreover, three ostia were seen in one male and one female hearts within AAS. Meanwhile, the left posterior aortic sinus showed a single ostium for left coronary artery (LCA) in 97.5% of male and 95% of female hearts and two ostia in one male and one female hearts. The ostia were commonly seen below STJ and less commonly were observed above STJ. The distance between the bottom of aortic sinus and LCA ostium was longer than that of RCA. The internal diameter of RCA ostium was significantly (P<0.05) narrower than that of LCA but with no significant sex difference. Moreover, anomalous of coronary ostia was observed in seven out 400 angiographs and in two cadaveric hearts. Knowledge the morphometric parameters and anatomical variations of coronary ostia helps the cardiac surgeons to overcome the possible difficulties that could occur during surgical and radiological coronary interventions.

Can myocardial performance index predict the presence of silent ischemia in asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients?

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) is common in patients with diabetes and is associated with poorer prognosis. Myocardial performance index "Tei index" that reflects both left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. The aim of our study was to test the value of Tei index in prediction of SMI in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes were included in our study. We excluded patients with known CAD, previous revascularization, low ejection fraction, or abnormal ECG from the study. All patients had undergone history taking and clinical examination, ECG, echocardiography with measuring of Tei index and Holter monitoring for detecting silent ischemia. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients were recruited. We divided our patients into two groups: Group I: 64 patients with SMI, Group II: 136 patients without SMI. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding clinical and conventional echocardiographic data. Tei index was significantly higher in patients with silent ischemia (P<.00001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of Tei index ≥0.6 in prediction of Holter detected silent ischemia were 85.9%, 90%, 78.6%, and 88.6%, respectively. We found a significant positive correlation between Tei index and number of ischemic episodes (r=.366, P=.0029). CONCLUSION: Measuring Tei index is helpful in predicting the presence of silent ischemia in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes.

What Is the Effect of Metabolic Syndrome without Hypertension on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy?

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. There is a strong association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and LVH in hypertensive patients. However, the relation between LVH and MetS in the absence of hypertension has not been studied. AIM OF THE WORK: To study the impact of MetS on LV mass in patients without hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty MetS patients without hypertension and 50 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Twelve-lead electrocardiography, laboratory testing, and echocardiography were done with assessment of the left ventricular diastolic (LVEDD) and systolic dimensions (LVESD), fraction of shortening (FS), ejection fraction (EF), Doppler-derived mitral valve flow velocity waves (E-wave, A-wave, E/A ratio), left ventricular mass and mass index (LVMI). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding LVEDD, LVESD, FS, EF, E-wave velocity, A-wave velocity, or E/A ratio. However, mean posterior wall thickness, IVST, LV mass, LVMI, and incidence of LVH were significantly higher in MetS patients. There was a significant positive correlation between LVMI and blood glucose level (r = 0.528, P < 0.00001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (r = 0.416, P < 0.0001), triglycerides level (r = 0.535, P < 0.00001), and obesity (r = 0.307, p = 0.0019). There was a significant negative correlation between LVMI and HDL-C level (r = -0.377, P < 0.0001). The same parameters were predictors for LVH in a logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Even in the absence of hypertension, MetS patients had significantly higher LV wall thickness, LV mass and LVMI, and incidence of LVH than control subjects.

The relation between coronary tortuosity and calcium score in patients with chronic stable angina and normal coronaries by CT angiography.

PURPOSE: Coronary tortuosity (CorT) is a phenomenon often noticed by cardiologists and may be associated with stable angina even without significant lesion. We aim to determine the relationship between CorT and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring in patients with chronic stable angina and normal or near normal coronaries detected by computed tomography (CT) angiography. METHODS: This is a cross sectional retrospective study included all patients with stable angina underwent CT coronary angiography and calcium scoring that reveals normal or non-significant coronary artery lesion. The presence of CorT was revised. CorT is defined as a fixed ≥ 3 bends during both systole and diastole, with each bend ≥ 45°. RESULTS: The study involved 83 patients. CT angiography revealed 31 patients (37.3%) with tortuous one or more coronary arteries and 52 patients (62.7%) without any CorT. The patients were divided into 2 groups; those patients with tortuous coronary arteries (CorT group) and those without coronary tortuosity (N CorT group). There was no significant difference between both groups regarding age, presence of DM, and dyslipidemia. However, there was a highly significant difference between both groups regarding hypertension with more hypertension among the CorT group (p value < 0.001). There was a significant difference between both groups in CAC score with high CAC score in the CorT group (p value < 0.05). There was significant correlation between CorT and CAC score (unadjusted p = 0.06); if adjusted for co-variated affecting CorT (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: CorT is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and increased CAC score even in the absence of significant obstructive lesion.

Can we predict the presence of coronary lesions from blood pressure measurement? A new clinical method.

The roles of arterial function and structure in cardiovascular physiology have expanded with the development of a variety of parameters that evaluate arterial stiffness. Markers of arterial stiffness have been correlated with cardiovascular outcomes. We aimed to find a simple, clinical, noninvasive method to predict atherosclerosis that leads to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to find a simple, clinical, noninvasive method to predict atherosclerosis that leads to the development of CAD. We included 100 cases that underwent coronary angiography in our center owing to different indications. The blood pressure in all cases was measured by two different observers. The oscillatory systolic blood pressure (OSBP) was defined as the point at which the mercury began to oscillate to a minimum level of 1 mm Hg. The auscultatory systolic blood pressure (AUSBP) was defined as the first Korotkoff sound. The difference between OSBP and AUSBP was calculated and called the oscillatory gap (OG). The correlation between the OG and the presence of coronary lesion in coronary angiography was statistically calculated. The study populations had a mean age of 57.3±9 years. The mean±s.d. OG was 14.44±10.44. There was a highly significantly positive correlation between the OG and the presence of coronary artery lesions (r=0.399 and P-value <0.000). There was also a significantly positive correlation between the presence of hypertension and the OG (r=0.376 and P-value <0.000). The difference between OSBP and AUSBP could be used as a simple method to detect atherosclerotic arterial changes. This method could indicate the degree of arterial stiffness. There was a significantly positive correlation between this new indicator of arterial stiffness and the presence of CAD. Any patient with a wide gap between OSBP and AUSBP should be treated early with antihypertensive drugs and statins before the development of CAD.

Transcatheter treatment for pulmonary artery occlusion secondary to pulmonary embolism in an infant.

We report a case of successful recanalisation of the left pulmonary artery after occlusion due to embolic thrombi in a 9-month-old infant after surgical repair of a common atrioventricular canal with tetralogy of Fallot. A transhepatic approach was used because of caval vein thrombosis. After the failure of high-pressure balloon angioplasty, the left pulmonary artery was successfully recanalised with cutting balloons, followed by stent implantation with an excellent result.

Mean platelet volume and its relation to insulin resistance in non-diabetic patients with slow coronary flow.

BACKGROUND: Increased mean platelet volume is a central process in the pathophysiology of coronary heart disease. Insulin resistance contributes to increased platelet activation. AIM: To assess the mean platelet volume and its possible relationship with insulin resistance in non-diabetic patients with slow coronary flow. METHODS AND SUBJECTS: The study included 60 patients with slow coronary flow and 20 subjects (controls) with normal coronary arteries. Slow coronary flow patients were divided into 2 groups, insulin resistant (32 patients) and insulin sensitive (28 patients) according to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Patients with slow coronary flow had significantly higher mean platelet volume values (7.9±0.47 vs. 7.1±0.5, p<0.01), insulin level (10.8±3.2 vs. 8.2±1.4, p<0.01), and HOMA-IR scores (2.72±0.85 vs. 1.84±0.19, p<0.01). These parameters were significantly higher in insulin-resistant patients than in insulin-sensitive ones. The mean platelet volume was correlated with HOMA-IR (r=0.52, p<0.01) and insulin level (r=0.58, p<0.01). In multivariate analysis, mean platelet volume and HOMA-IR were independent predictors of mean TIMI frame count {(B±SE=0.562±2.95, p<0.01) and (B±SE=0.538±2.46, p<0.01), respectively}. CONCLUSION: Patients with slow coronary flow have increased mean platelet volume which was associated with insulin resistance in non-diabetic slow coronary flow patients. TIMI frame counts correlated with mean platelet volume and increased insulin resistance. Thus, insulin resistance and platelet activity may have a role in the pathogenesis of slow coronary flow. Also, they may have a possible benefit as follow-up markers in non-diabetic patients with slow coronary flow.

Endothelial-mediated coronary flow reserve and its relation to mitral annular tissue Doppler velocities in offspring of hypertensive parents.

BACKGROUND: Although coronary flow reserve (CFR) is reduced in hypertensive patients, data regarding the endothelial response of coronary vasomotion and its relation to left ventricular (LV) function in their offspring is limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the endothelial response of coronary flow, using cold pressor test (CPT), in offspring of hypertensive parents and its impact on LV diastolic function. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 32 healthy young offspring (mean age 23.5 ± 7.1 years) of hypertensive parents and 26 aged matched volunteers (healthy offspring of normotensive parents) as controls. Coronary blood flow velocities were recorded in all subjects at rest and after CPT; a stimulus that can be considered totally endothelium-dependent. CFR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic-to-resting diastolic peak velocities. Doppler echocardiographic assessment was performed using both conventional and tissue Doppler assessment. RESULTS: Coronary diastolic peak velocities at rest was comparable between the two groups (27.1 ± 6.2 vs 26.4 ± 5.8; P > 0.05); but the velocities were significantly lower after CPT in offspring of hypertensive parents (P < 0.02), with highly significant lower CFR (P < 0.0001). Conventional echo-Doppler variables were comparable in both groups, whereas tissue Doppler assessment demonstrated significant LV diastolic dysfunction among offspring of hypertensive parents. The CPT-CFR was significantly correlated to tissue Doppler diastolic dysfunction in this group (For Em, Am and Em/Am, r was 0.65, 0.59 and 0.61, respectively, and P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Offspring of hypertensive parents have coronary endothelial dysfunction that appears in response to physiological stimuli (CPT). The coronary endothelial dysfunction is associated with latent LV diastolic dysfunction.

Early detection of silent ischemia and diastolic dysfunction in asymptomatic young hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: There is an association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and increased carotid-intima media thickness (IMT), a surrogate index of atherosclerosis. This association is poorly studied in asymptomatic subjects with risk factors of CAD. AIM: To study the relationship between carotid-IMT, coronary flow reserve (CFR) and cardiac function in asymptomatic young hypertensive subjects. METHODS: This study includes 82 asymptomatic young subjects with essential hypertension, and 78 healthy control subjects. Carotid-IMT was assessed with B-mode ultrasonography. Treadmill exercise test, CFR and echo Doppler study were performed for all subjects. RESULTS: Hypertensive group had a significantly higher carotid-IMT (0.91 + 0.13 vs. 51 ± 0.09, P < 0.01), and a significantly lower coronary flow velocity reserve (1.9 ± 0.44 vs. 3.2 ± 0.44, P < 0.003) than in control subjects, especially in those with stress induced myocardial ischemia. Multiple linear regression analyses shows that increased carotid-IMT was related to a reduced CFR (r = -843, P < 0.001) and a lower diastolic function (E/e″, r = -512, P < 0.003) in asymptomatic hypertensives. In addition the carotid-IMT showed a significant correlation with family history of hypertension in these subjects (r = 653, P < 0.002). CONCLUSION: Carotid-IMT increases significantly in asymptomatic young hypertensive patients. It has a relationship with stress-induced myocardial ischemia, decrease CFR and incipient diastolic dysfunction in those patients. It could be considered as an index for subclinical atherosclerosis and diastolic dysfunction in asymptomatic subjects with risk factors for CADs.

Ventricular septal defect closure in a small children with the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II.

Transcatheter technique for muscular ventricular septal defect closure remains challenging, particularly in small patients. We report the successful use of the low profile Amplatzer Duct Occluder II for multiple ventricular septal defect closure in an infant with D-transposition of the great arteries, status postpulmonary artery banding. The multiple apical ventricular septal defects were successfully closed with two Amplatzer Duct Occluder II and one Amplatzer Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect Occluder during two interventional catheterizations. The patient subsequently underwent successful surgical repair.

Radiofrequency recanalization of an occluded long segment left pulmonary artery in bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis.

In patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who experience the Norwood surgical palliative program, development of the pulmonary artery branches is crucial. Balloon dilation and stenting may relieve potential stenosis but complete occlusion remains difficult to address with transcatheter therapy. We report the use of radiofrequency followed by balloon dilation and stenting to treat a long segment left pulmonary artery occlusion in a 15-month-old boy bidirectional Glenn. The left pulmonary artery was successfully recanalized with an excellent short-term outcome. This further enhances the interest of radiofrequency for recanalization of occluded pulmonary artery branches, as an alternative to surgical reconstruction.

Should we close hypoxaemic patent foramen ovale and interatrial shunts on a systematic basis?

BACKGROUND: Rarely, hypoxaemia is associated with shunt reversal at the atrial level. Closure by interventional catheterization is the treatment of choice but indications and results have been studied insufficiently. PURPOSE: To describe our experience with interventional closure of atrial right-to-left shunts described as hypoxaemic and the impact on patient oxygenation and clinical status. METHOD: Retrospective study in two referral centres, including all patients undergoing closure of interatrial right-to-left shunt associated with hypoxaemia. RESULTS: Since 2001, 21 consecutive patients underwent interventional shunt closure using the "Amplatzer((R)) device"; two patients had atrial septal defect and 19 had patent foramen ovale. Three patients had minor adverse events; two patients have a tiny residual shunt. Transcutaneous oxygen saturation and partial oxygen pressure increased significantly from 86+/-5 to 95+/-3% (p<0.001) and from 49.8+/-6.8 to 82.9+/-30.4mmHg (p=0.001), respectively. Seventeen (80%) patients reported clinical improvement. However, patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency remained more symptomatic, with three deaths after a median follow-up of 35 (6-97) months and 89% remaining in New York Heart Association class III/IV (vs 29% of patients without chronic respiratory insufficiency; p=0.035). CONCLUSION: Hypoxaemic shunts are treated effectively by transcatheter closure, resulting in functional improvement in patients without respiratory insufficiency. When associated with chronic respiratory insufficiency, hypoxaemia often persists after shunt closure. In such cases, the right-to-left atrial shunt does not seem to be the main cause of hypoxaemia and the indication for closure is questionable.