Histopathological Spectrum and Molecular Characterization of Liver Tumors in the Setting of Fontan-Associated Liver Disease.

PURPOSE: Univentricular heart is corrected with the Fontan procedure (FP). In the long term, so-called Fontan-associated liver diseases (FALDs) can develop. The aim of this study is to analyze the molecular profile of FALDs. METHODS: FALDs between January 1990 and December 2022 were reviewed for histology and immunohistochemistry, laboratory data, and images. Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS), performed on the DNA and RNA of both neoplastic and non-lesional liver tissue, was applied. RESULTS: A total of 31/208 nodules > 1 cm in diameter were identified on imaging, but a liver biopsy was available for five patient demonstrating the following: one hepatocellular adenoma (HA), two hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), one fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), and one intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Molecular analysis showed a copy number alteration involving FGFR3 in three cases (two HCCs and one ICC) as well as one HCC with a hotspot mutation on the CTNNB1 and NRAS genes. Tumor mutational burden ranged from low to intermediate. A variant of uncertain significance in GNAS was present in two HCCs and in one ICC. The same molecular profile was observed in a non-lesional liver. A DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion was detected only in one FLC. CONCLUSIONS: Neoplastic FALDs show some unusual molecular profiles compared with non-Fontan ones. The presence of the same alterations in non-lesional cardiac cirrhosis could contribute to the development of FALD.

Changes in the Cath Lab in the Treatment of Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Disease: A 12-Year Experience in a Single Referral Center with the Establishment of a Dedicated Working Group.

BACKGROUND: Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are a growing population needing ongoing care. The aim of this study was to investigate if a dedicated ACHD team impacted the timing and indication of invasive cardiology procedures in these patients at our hospital. METHODS: Our retrospective single-center study enrolled adult patients with moderate or complex congenital heart disease and with at least one cardiac catheterization between January 2010 and December 2021. According to the period, procedures were labeled as group A (2010 to 2015) or group B (2016 to 2021) and further divided into diagnostic (DCC) and interventional cardiac catheterizations (ICC). RESULTS: 594 patients were eligible for the study. Both DCC (p < 0.05) and ICC increased between groups A and B (p < 0.05). In group B: Fontan patients accounted for the majority of DCC (p < 0.001), while DCC decreased in arterial switch repair (p < 0.001). In Fontan patients, conduit stenting was prevalent (p < 0.001), while fenestration closures dropped (p < 0.01). In patients with tetralogy of Fallot and native outflow tract, percutaneous pulmonary valve implantations (PPVI) increased, with a concurrent reduction in pulmonary valve replacements (p < 0.001 vs. surgical series). In right ventricular conduits, ICC increased (p < 0.01), mainly due to PPVI. Among Mustard/Senning patients, baffle stenting increased from Group A to Group B (p < 0.001). In patients with pulmonary atresia and biventricular repair, ICC often increased for pulmonary artery stenting. CONCLUSIONS: A dedicated working group could improve ACHD patients' indications for interventional procedures, leading to tailored treatment, better risk stratification and optimizing time until heart transplantation.

The Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and Cardiac Biomarkers in Adult Patients with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Fontan Circulation.

Background: Several studies have shown that adult patients with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and Fontan circulation have a reduced exercise tolerance that affects daily life. Recent studies have investigated the effects of aerobic exercise training in patients with univentricular heart; however, this research topic is still poorly studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an aerobic exercise training program on cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters and cardiac biomarkers in patients with HLHS. Methods: We enrolled 12 patients with a mean age of 24 ± 2.5 years (range 22−27 years), 50% male, with HLHS at Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS. All patients underwent a cardiopulmonary test and blood sampling before (T0) and after (T1) a 4-week aerobic exercise program. Cardiac biomarkers hs-cTnT, NT-proBNP, ST2, GDF-15 were studied. Results: Data analysis demonstrated an increase in cardiorespiratory performance after 4 weeks of aerobic exercise training activity. In particular, the data showed a significant improvement in test duration (p < 0.05), heart rate at rest (p < 0.05), heart rate recovery 1 min (p < 0.05), VO2 max (p < 0.01) and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (p < 0.05). At the same time, the data showed a significant reduction in NT-proBNP and ST2 values (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and a significant increase in GDF-15 (p < 0.01). No significant changes were found between the hs-cTnT values. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the 4-week efficacy of an aerobic training program in improving cardiorespiratory performance and cardiac biomarker values in adult patients with HLHS and Fontan circulation. More studies with larger numbers of patients will be needed to confirm these data.

Pediatric Myocarditis: What Have We Learnt So Far?

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium that is troublesome to diagnose and manage, especially in children. Since the introduction of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), new diagnostic tools have provided useful data. Especially when enhanced with immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies, EMB remains the gold standard for the diagnosis. Notably, cardiac magnetic resonance (MRI) is a non-invasive tool that can confirm the diagnosis and has a particular usefulness during the follow-up. The causes of myocarditis are heterogeneous (mostly viral in children). The course and outcome of the illness in the pediatric population represent a complex interaction between etiologic agents and the immune system, which is still not fully understood. The clinical presentation and course of myocarditis vary widely from paucisymptomatic illness to acute heart failure refractory to therapy, arrhythmias, angina-like presentation and sudden cardiac death. In this setting, cardiac biomarkers (i.e., troponins and BNP), although unspecific, can be used to support the diagnosis. Finally, the efficacy of therapeutic strategies is controversial and not confirmed by clinical trials. In this review, we summarized the milestones in diagnosis and provided an overview of the therapeutic options for myocarditis in children.

[The management of adult congenital heart disease in the emergency department. The Task Force from the Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease]. / Il cardiopatico congenito adulto in Pronto Soccorso. Task Force sulle Emergenze del Cardiopatico Congenito Adulto della Società Italiana di Cardiologia Pediatrica e delle Cardiopatie Congenite.

Over recent years, thanks to remarkable advances in pediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery and catheter interventions, survival of children with congenital heart disease has significantly increased with the majority of patients surviving into adulthood. Therefore, the prevalence of adult patients with congenital heart disease has dramatically increased, as well as the need for specific and dedicated programs. Acute heart failure, infective endocarditis and arrhythmias represent the most common causes of visit in the emergency department in this population. Our task force aimed at guiding physicians taking care of this peculiar cohort of patients in the emergency department.

Implantable cardiac electronic device therapy for patients with a systemic right ventricle.

The systemic right ventricle (SRV), defined as the morphological right ventricle supporting the systemic circulation, is relatively common in congenital heart disease (CHD). Our review aimed at examining the current evidence, knowledge gaps and technical considerations regarding implantable cardiac electronic device therapy in patients with SRV. The risk of sinus node dysfunction (SND) after atrial switch repair and/or complete heart block in congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries requiring permanent pacing increases with age. Similar to acquired heart disease, indication for pacing includes symptomatic bradycardia, SND and high degree atrioventricular nodal block. Right ventricular dysfunction and heart failure also represent important complications in SRV patients. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) has been proposed to improve systolic function in SRV patients, although indications for CRT are not well defined and its potential benefit remains uncertain. Amongst adult CHD, patients with SRV are at the highest risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Nevertheless, risk stratification for SCD is scarce in this cohort and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator indication is currently limited to secondary prevention. Vascular access and the incidence of device-related complications, such as infections, inappropriate shocks and device system failure, represent additional challenges to implantable cardiac electronic device therapy in patients with SRV. A multidisciplinary approach with tertiary expertise and future collaborative research are all paramount to further the care for this challenging nonetheless ever increasing cohort of patients.

What endocardial right ventricular pacing site shows better contractility and synchrony in children and adolescents?

AIMS: Right ventricular (RV) apical (RVA) pacing can induce left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony, remodeling, and dysfunction in children with complete atrioventricular block (CAVB). We compared the functional outcome of RVA with RV alternative pacing sites (RVAPS), including para-Hisian, septal, and outflow tract sites. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective study. Data were collected before pacemaker implantation (transvenous leads), postoperatively, at 6 months, and at 1-2-3-4 years. Electrocardiogram evaluation included QRS duration, axis, QTc/JTc, and QTc dispersion. Echocardiographic evaluation included 2-D/3-D assessment of ventricular dimensions (Z-score of LV end-diastolic dimension), function (ejection fraction), and synchrony. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2015, 55 patients with CAVB, aged 3-17 years, with or without other congenital heart defects, underwent RVAPS (30 patients, median age 11 years) or RVA (25 patients, median 12 years). All leads were positioned into the septum. Before implantation, no significant differences in parameters were observed, except for higher Z-score in RVAPS than in RVA. After implantation, at a median follow-up of 2.5 (range 1-6) years, the two groups showed no significant differences in LV dimensions, contractility, and synchrony. QRS intervals of RVAPS were significantly shorter than RVA. Clinical status was good and contractility/synchrony indexes were normal or adequate in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients, RVAPS and RVA showed no significant differences in LV dimensions, contractility, and synchrony. Preimplantation dilated patients showed LV reverse remodeling. RVAPS demonstrated shorter QRS intervals. Therefore, septal pacing sites, either RVA or RVAPS, seem to determine good contractility and synchrony at a mid-term follow-up.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of left-sided accessory pathways in children using a new fluoroscopy integrated 3D-mapping system.

Introduction: Advances in 3D electroanatomic-mapping technologies have resulted in a safe and effective profile of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation. The aim of this study was to evaluate a different catheter ablation approach in patients with left-sided accessory pathways (APs). Methods and results: From January 2015 to December 2015, 30 patients (median age 11 years, median weight 45 kg) with manifest or concealed left-sided APs underwent RF catheter ablation with a new protocol. All procedures were performed with the CARTO UNIVU™ system, integrating electroanatomic maps with fluoroscopic views. A 7 Fr ablation catheter was inserted into the right femoral vein and advanced into the right atrium. Geometrical reconstruction and activation map of the right atrium, tricuspid annulus, and coronary sinus were acquired. The ablation catheter was then inserted into the left femoral artery and advanced through the aorta and aortic valve, creating an activation map of the mitral annulus. Catheter ablation was targeted to the site of the earliest activation. No complications occurred. The median procedure and fluoroscopy times were 130 min and 6 s, with a median fluoroscopy dose 0.5 mGy. An average of two catheters was used. Long-term success rate was 97% (29/30) at a median follow-up of 9.6 months. This approach reduced fluoroscopy time, dose and number of catheters used compared with manifest or concealed left-sided AP ablation using CARTO 3™ (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This new ablation protocol seems to be promising in reducing fluoroscopy exposure and number of catheters used during left-sided AP ablation in children.

Role of right ventricular three-dimensional electroanatomic voltage mapping for arrhythmic risk stratification of patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot or other congenital heart disease involving the right ventricular outflow tract.

BACKGROUND: The post-surgical history of repaired congenital heart disease (rCHD), in particular tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), is often complicated by sudden death. Electrical myocardial abnormalities could be a substrate for malignant ventricular arrhythmias. METHODS AND RESULTS: 146 patients with TOF or other rCHD involving a subpulmonary right ventricle, considered to be at high arrhythmic risk, underwent right ventricular (RV) electroanatomic voltage mapping (EVM). Maps showed endocardial scars (<0.5mV) in all cases, mainly involving the RV outflow tract (n=141, 96.6%). In 28 cases (19.2%), other areas were involved. Total scar extension, expressed as % of total endocardial area, was significantly higher in patients with QRS ≥180ms [4.5% (±2.5) vs 2.8% (±2.4), p=0.014], left and right ventricular systolic dysfunction [4.5% (±3.2) vs 2.8% (±2.3), p=0.016 and 3.5% (±3.0) vs 2.6% (±1.9), p=0.03, respectively], premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) [3.2% (±2.6) vs 2.2% (±1.8), p<0.05], exercise-induced PVCs [3.8% (±2.4) vs 2.6% (±2.2), p=0.01], previous shunt [4.0% (±2.7) vs 2.6% (±2.2), p=0.01] and reintervention [4.2% (±3.2) vs 2.6% (±2.0), p=0.008]. Scar size also showed a positive correlation with duration of post-surgical follow-up (ρ=0.01), age at correction (ρ=0.01) and absolute QRS duration (ρ=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with rCHD involving the right ventricle show electrical scars with variable distribution, not necessarily matching with sites of surgical lesions. Scar extension correlates with some of the risk factors for life-threatening arrhythmias in CHD, such as prolonged QRS. Thus EVM could be considered an additional tool in the assessment of risk stratification in this particular population.

Miniaturized Implantable Loop Recorder in Small Patients: An Effective Approach to the Evaluation of Subjects at Risk of Sudden Death.

BACKGROUND: The etiological diagnosis of syncope and/or palpitations in children is often challenging. However, when noninvasive conventional examinations are inconclusive, the subcutaneous miniaturized implantable loop recorder (ILR) is recommended. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of miniaturized cardiac implantable devices in the early diagnosis of arrhythmias in children ≤6 years. METHODS: From March 2014 to May 2015, 21 patients (median age 5 years) underwent implantation of miniaturized ILR at our Institution after a complete cardiac work up. Median follow-up was 10 months. RESULTS: One patient underwent device removal for pocket infection and one needed a pocket revision. Eleven (52%) patients did not show any symptom and/or arrhythmia. Eight patients experienced symptoms during ILR monitoring: six had no electrocardiographic abnormalities, two had significant sinus pauses. Two patients had significant arrhythmias without symptoms and in one of these a pacemaker was implanted. The overall diagnostic yield was 47%. CONCLUSIONS: Miniaturized ILR could be very useful to make a diagnosis and to decide future management strategies in small patients with undefined symptoms or severe cardiac diseases. Considering its characteristics, miniaturized ILR could start a new era in the diagnosis and follow-up of young patients with symptomatic and/or malignant arrhythmias.

Results of remote follow-up and monitoring in young patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices.

BACKGROUND: Remote monitoring is increasingly used in the follow-up of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Data on paediatric populations are still lacking. The aim of our study was to follow-up young patients both in-hospital and remotely to enhance device surveillance. METHODS: This is an observational registry collecting data on consecutive patients followed-up with the CareLink system. Inclusion criteria were a Medtronic device implanted and patient's willingness to receive CareLink. Patients were stratified according to age and presence of congenital/structural heart defects (CHD). RESULTS: A total of 221 patients with a device - 200 pacemakers, 19 implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and two loop recorders--were enrolled (median age of 17 years, range 1-40); 58% of patients were younger than 18 years of age and 73% had CHD. During a follow-up of 12 months (range 4-18), 1361 transmissions (8.9% unscheduled) were reviewed by technicians. Time for review was 6 ± 2 minutes (mean ± standard deviation). Missed transmissions were 10.1%. Events were documented in 45% of transmissions, with 2.7% yellow alerts and 0.6% red alerts sent by wireless devices. No significant differences were found in transmission results according to age or presence of CHD. Physicians reviewed 6.3% of transmissions, 29 patients were contacted by phone, and 12 patients underwent unscheduled in-hospital visits. The event recognition with remote monitoring occurred 76 days (range 16-150) earlier than the next scheduled in-office follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Remote follow-up/monitoring with the CareLink system is useful to enhance device surveillance in young patients. The majority of events were not clinically relevant, and the remaining led to timely management of problems.

Preexcitación ventricular: los niños sintomáticos y asintomáticos tienen el mismo riesgo potencial de muerte cardíaca súbita

Objetivos: los niños y adolescentes con preexcitación ventricular (PV) tienen un mayor riesgo de muerte súbita cardíaca (MSC). Si bien la terapia antiarrítmica y la ablación por catéter son tratamientos temporales o definitivos bien establecidos para los pacientes con síndrome de Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW), aún no hay acuerdo acerca del manejo óptimo de los niños con PV asintomática. Teniendo en cuenta las directrices y recomendaciones más recientes, el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las características electrofisiológicas de los pacientes jóvenes con PV y síndrome de WPW, con el fin de valorar y comparar su riesgo potencial de MSC. Métodos y resultados: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 124 pacientes jóvenes consecutivos con PV (51 con síndrome de WPW y 73 asintomáticos) sometidos a un estudio electrofisiológico transesofágico. En condiciones basales se indujo una taquicardia por reentrada auriculoventricular (TRAV) en 13 pacientes con WPW vs 10 pacientes asintomáticos (25,5% vs 13,7%, p=NS). Se indujo fibrilación auricular (FA) en 13 pacientes con WPW vs 15 pacientes asintomáticos (25,5% vs 20,5%, p=NS). Se encontró un intervalo R-R preexcitado más corto (IRRPEC o SPERRI, por sus siglas en inglés) £ 250 ms durante la FA en cuatro pacientes con WPW vs seis pacientes asintomáticos (30,8% vs 40%, p=NS). Durante la infusión de isoproterenol o la prueba de esfuerzo, se indujo TRAV en 31 de 44 pacientes con WPW vs 33 de 69 pacientes asintomáticos (70,4% vs 47,8%, p=0,018). Se indujo fibrilación auricular en 12 de 44 pacientes con WPW vs 21 de 69 pacientes asintomáticos (27,3% vs 30,4%, p=NS). Se encontró un IRRPEC £ 210 ms en 6 de 12 pacientes con WPW vs 10 de 21 pacientes asintomáticos (50% vs 476%, p=NS). No se observó ninguna correlación estadísticamente significativa entre la ubicación de la vía accesoria y los síntomas, inducibilidad de TRAV/FA, o media de período refractario de la vía accesoria (PREVA)/IRRPEC. Conclusión: los niños y adolescentes con síndrome de WPW tienen una mayor tasa de inducibilidad de TRAV que los pacientes asintomáticos. Sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias entre los dos grupos en cuanto a la vulnerabilidad auricular y a los parámetros relacionados con el riesgo de MSC.

Ventricular pre-excitation: symptomatic and asymptomatic children have the same potential risk of sudden cardiac death.

AIMS: Children and adolescents with ventricular pre-excitation (VPE) are at increased risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Although antiarrhythmic therapy and catheter ablation are well established temporary or definitive treatments for patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, the optimal management of children with asymptomatic VPE remains to be clearly defined. On the basis of the most recent guidelines and recommendations, the aim of this study was to determine the electrophysiological characteristics of young patients with VPE and WPW syndrome to assess and compare their potential risk of SCD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively investigated 124 consecutive young patients with VPE (51 with WPW syndrome and 73 asymptomatic) who underwent transoesophageal electrophysiological study. At baseline, atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) was induced in 13 WPW vs. 10 asymptomatic patients (25.5 vs. 13.7%, P = NS). Atrial fibrillation (AF) was induced in 13 WPW vs. 15 asymptomatic patients (25.5 vs. 20.5%, P = NS). A shortest pre-excited R-R interval (SPERRI) ≤250 ms during AF was found in four WPW vs. six asymptomatic patients (30.8 vs. 40%, P = NS). During isoproterenol infusion or stress testing, AVRT was induced in 31 of 44 WPW vs. 33 of 69 asymptomatic patients (70.4 vs. 47.8%, P = 0.018). Atrial fibrillation was induced in 12 of 44 WPW vs. 21 of 69 asymptomatic patients (27.3 vs. 30.4%, P = NS). A SPERRI ≤ 210 ms was found in 6 of 12 WPW vs. 10 of 21 asymptomatic patients (50 vs. 47.6%, P = NS). No statistically significant correlation was observed between accessory pathway location and symptoms, AVRT/AF inducibility, or mean APERP/SPERRI values. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with WPW syndrome have a higher rate of AVRT inducibility than asymptomatic patients. However, no differences between the two groups were found in atrial vulnerability and parameters related to the risk of SCD.

Cryoablation of AVNRT in children and adolescents: early intervention leads to a better outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, transcatheter cryoablation is a well-established technique for the treatment of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) in children. In the past decade, many studies have focused on identifying factors that may affect acute and long-term outcome, but none has been shown to be strongly predictive of treatment success. The aim of our study was to determine whether patient age and cryoablation method correlate with acute and long-term success. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively reviewed 202 consecutive patients (98 male, mean age 11.5 years; range: 4-20 years) who underwent cryoablation for AVNRT at our institution from October 2002 to August 2012. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to age: group A <12 years (n = 101) and group B ≥12 years (n = 101). A single lesion or linear lesion technique was employed. A total of 217 cryoablation procedures were performed: 106 (49%) in group A and 111 (51%) in group B. All patients were evaluated in our postoperative follow-up program. The overall recurrence rate was 10.9% (22/202). AVNRT recurrence was significantly lower in group A than in group B (4.95% vs 16.8%, P = 0.000). No significant differences in recurrence rate were observed between groups when using the single lesion versus linear lesion technique. There were no permanent cryoablation-related complications. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that cryoablation had no complications and a very good success rate. Type of cryolesion is not predictive of long-term success, whereas lower recurrence rate is achieved when cryoablation is performed at a younger age.

Percutaneous axillary vein approach in pediatric pacing: comparison with subclavian vein approach.

AIMS: The subclavian vein approach has been used for 20 years in our center for pacemaker (PM) implantation in children, but it carries risks of hemothorax/pneumothorax and lead fracture, which could be reduced by axillary vein approach. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a prospective study enrolling the first 48 consecutive pediatric patients (age: 12.3 ± 4.6 years) who underwent PM/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads implantation through axillary vein (guided by contrast venography) between 2009 and 2012 (group I). A comparison was made with the outcomes of the subclavian vein approach (group II) in 41 patients, age 12.3 ± 4.8 years, consecutively enrolled between 2006 and 2011. The two groups showed no significant differences for the variables examined except for follow-up, longer in group II, and for alternative ventricular pacing sites, more frequent in group I. Axillary vein diameter was 7.9 ± 1.7 mm and showed positive correlation with height (r = 0.77). The axillary vein approach was effective in 93.7% of patients. The unsuccessful procedures occurred in patients with significantly lower age and smaller venous diameters. The subclavian vein approach was effective in 100% of patients. Sixty-two leads were implanted in group I, 54 in group II. There were neither intraoperative complications in both the groups, nor significant differences for early and late complications. CONCLUSIONS: The axillary vein approach for PM implantation in children is effective and safe for physicians skilled with subclavian vein approach. Younger patients with smaller vein diameters are at low risk for unsuccessful procedure.

Usefulness of intracardiac echocardiography for the diagnosis of cardiovascular implantable electronic device-related endocarditis.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to compare transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) for the diagnosis of cardiac device-related endocarditis (CDI). BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) was established by using the modified Duke criteria based mainly on echocardiography and blood culture results. No previous studies have compared ICE with TEE for the diagnosis of IE. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 162 patients (age 72 ± 11 years; 125 male) who underwent transvenous lead extraction: 152 with CDI and 10 with lead malfunction (control group). Using the modified Duke criteria, we divided the patients with infection into 3 groups: 44 with a "definite" diagnosis of IE (group 1), 52 with a "possible" diagnosis of IE (group 2), and 56 with a "rejected" diagnosis of IE (group 3). TEE and ICE were performed before the procedure. RESULTS: In group 1, ICE identified intracardiac masses (ICM) in all 44 patients; TEE identified ICM in 32 patients (73%). In group 2, 6 patients (11%) had ICE and TEE both positive for ICM, 8 patients (15%) had a negative TEE but a positive ICE, and 38 patients (73%) had ICE and TEE both negative. In group 3, 2 patients (3%) had ICM both at ICE and TEE, 1 patient (2%) had an ICM at ICE and a negative TEE, and 53 patients (95%) had no ICM at ICE and TEE. ICE and TEE were both negative in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: ICE represents a useful technique for the diagnosis of ICM, thus providing improved imaging of right-sided leads and increasing the diagnostic yield compared with TEE.

Use and efficacy of saline hydration and N-acetyl cysteine to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy in low-risk populations undergoing coronary artery angiography.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is most commonly defined as acute renal failure occurring within 48-72 h of exposure to an intravascular radiographic contrast medium that is not attributable to other causes. In the international literature, a 25% increase in serum creatinine levels or an increase in absolute values of 0.5 mg/dl from baseline has been suggested to define CIN. The reported incidence of CIN varies widely, ranging from 2 to 50%. This variability results from differences in the presence or absence of risk factors. With a retrospective analysis we evaluated the use of saline hydration plus N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to prevent CIN in a low-risk population of patients undergoing coronary artery angiography compared with an historic low risk group not treated. From January 2009 to December 2009, 152 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery angiography with a low osmolarity contrast agent were enrolled in our study, and compared with an historic control group consisting of 172 low-risk patients. Nephrotoxic drugs such as diuretics, ACE-I and ARBs were stopped at least 24 h before the procedure. Inclusion criteria to define low-risk population were the absence of: diabetes, age >65 years, or baseline creatinine >1.4 mg/dl. We have treated group A (152 patients, 47.3%) with a saline hydration (1 ml/kg/h) plus N-acetyl cysteine 600 mg 12 h before and 12 h after the procedure; group B (group control of 170 patients, 52.7%) were not treated. The overall incidence of CIN was 7.1% (23 patients). In particular, the incidence of CIN was 2.6% (4 patients) in the group A and 11.2% (19 patients) in the group B (p = 0.002). In the multivariate analysis, including risk factor such as age, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, current smoking habit baseline creatinine level, contrast index and hydration, the last variable was the only one inversely correlated independently with the incidence of CIN (p = 0.001). In conclusion, intravenous hydration with saline and NAC is an effective and low cost tool in preventing CIN in patients undergoing coronary artery angiography, and, according to the current guidelines, should be used in all high-risk patients for CIN. Our results show that even in patients at low risk, hydration with saline 0.9% plus NAC is useful and significantly reduces the incidence of CIN.

Tissue factor is induced by resistin in human coronary artery endothelial cells by the NF-ĸB-dependent pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis is characterized by endothelial inflammation and dysfunction. Adipose tissue has increasingly been recognized as an active endocrine organ secreting so-called adipokines. Among these, resistin--recently described, but not yet extensively studied--has been defined as a novel inflammatory marker in atherosclerosis. The pathophysiology underlying this interplay, however, remains to be fully characterized. The aim of the study is to determine whether resistin might affect prothrombotic characteristics of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Incubation of HCAECs with resistin caused upregulation of tissue factor (TF) expression as demonstrated by FACS analysis. Moreover, TF activity was induced in a dose-dependent manner, as shown by real-time PCR and colorimetric assay. Resistin-induced TF expression was mediated by oxygen free radicals through the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and by suppression of TF expression by superoxide dismutase, catalase, and the NF-κB inhibitors PDTC and BAY 11-7082. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm the hypothesis that resistin may contribute to atherothrombosis, exerting direct effects on HCAECs by promoting TF expression; thus, it represents an effector molecule able to induce a prothrombotic phenotype in cells present in the vessel wall.