Right atrial and ventricular strain detects subclinical changes in right ventricular function in precapillary pulmonary hypertension.

Right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) correlates to outcome in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (pPH) patients, but is insensitive to early changes. Strain might provide incremental information. In this study, we compare right atrial (RA) and RV strain in pPH patients to healthy controls, and evaluate the prognostic value of strain in pPH. In this cross-sectional study, 45 pPH patients and 20 healthy controls underwent CMR, and feature-tracking derived RA and RV strain were evaluated. pPH patients had impaired RA reservoir and conduit strain, and RV longitudinal strain (LS), compared to healthy controls. In pPH patients with preserved RVEF (≥ 50%, n = 18), RA reservoir (35% ± 9 vs. 41% ± 6, p = 0.02) and conduit strain (16% ± 8 vs. 23% ± 5, p = 0.004), and RV-LS (-25% ± 4 vs. -31% ± 4, p < 0.001) remained impaired, compared to healthy controls. The association of strain with the primary endpoint (combination of all-cause death, lung transplantation, and heart failure hospitalization) was evaluated using a multivariable Cox regression model. RV-LS (HR 1.18, 95%-CI 1.04-1.34, p = 0.01) and RA strain (reservoir: HR 0.87, 95%-CI 0.80-0.94, p = 0.001; conduit: HR 0.85, 95%-CI 0.75-0.97, p = 0.02, booster: HR 0.81, 95%-CI 0.71-0.92, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of outcome, beyond clinical and imaging features. In conclusion, pPH patients have impaired RA strain and RV-LS, even when RVEF is preserved. In addition, RA strain and RV-LS were independent predictors of adverse prognosis. These results emphasize the incremental value of RA and RV strain analyses, to detect alterations in RV function, even before RVEF declines.

Comparison between myocardial function assessed by echocardiography during hospitalization for COVID-19 and at 4 months follow-up.

In patients hospitalized for corona virus infectious disease 19 (COVID-19) it is currently unknown whether myocardial function changes after recovery and whether this is related to elevated cardiac biomarkers. In this single center, prospective cohort study we consecutively enrolled hospitalized COVID-19 patients between 1 April and 12 May 2020. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) evaluation during hospitalization and at a median of 131 days (IQR; 116-136) follow-up. Of the 51 patients included at baseline, 40 (age: 62 years (IQR; 54-68), 78% male) were available for follow-up TTE. At baseline, 68% of the patients had a normal TTE, regarding left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes and function, compared to 83% at follow-up (p = 0.07). Median LV ejection fraction (60% vs. 58%, p = 0.54) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (23 vs 22 mm, p = 0.18) were comparable between hospitalization and follow-up, but a significantly lower RV diameter (39 vs. 34 mm, p = 0.002) and trend towards better global longitudinal strain (GLS) (- 18.5% vs - 19.1%, p = 0.07) was found at follow-up. Subgroup analysis showed no relation between patients with and without elevated TroponinT and/or NT-proBNP during hospitalization and myocardial function at follow-up. Although there were no significant differences in individual myocardial function parameters at 4 months follow-up compared to hospitalisation for COVID-19, there was an overall trend towards normalization in myocardial function, predominantly due to a higher rate of normal GLS at follow-up.

The aortic root in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: Serial measurements and impact of losartan treatment.

BACKGROUND: Aortic root dilatation is common in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) and might lead to aortic dissection. However, little is known on progression of aortic dilatation and the effect of pharmaceutical treatment. This study aims to determine factors associated with aortic growth and investigate effects of losartan. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a prespecified analysis from the 1:1 randomized, double-blind REDEFINE trial. Aortic root diameters were measured at baseline and after 2.0 ± 0.3 years of follow-up using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. A total of 66 patients were included (68% men, age 40 ± 12 years, baseline aortic root 37 ± 6 mm, 32% aortic dilatation (>40 mm)). There was a trend towards slow aortic root growth (+0.6 ± 2.3 mm after two years, p = 0.06) (n = 60). LV stroke volume was the only factor associated with both a larger baseline aortic root (ß: 0.09 mm/ml (95% C.I.:0.02, 0.15), p = 0.010) and with aortic growth during follow-up (ß: 0.04 mm/ml (95% C.I.:0.005, 0.066), p = 0.024), after correction for age, sex, and body surface area using linear regression analysis. No treatment effect of losartan was found (p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic root dilatation was present in about one-third of rTOF patients. A larger LV stroke volume was associated with both a larger baseline aortic root and ongoing growth. Our findings provide no arguments for lower aortic diameter thresholds for prophylactic surgery compared to the general population.

Cardiac function in relation to myocardial injury in hospitalised patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported on myocardial injury in patients with coronavirus infectious disease 19 (COVID-19) defined as elevated cardiac biomarkers. Whether elevated biomarkers truly represent myocardial dysfunction is not known. The aim of this study was to explore the incidence of ventricular dysfunction and assess its relationship with biomarker analyses. METHODS: This cross-sectional study ran from April 1 to May 12, 2020, and consisted of all consecutively admitted patients to the Radboud university medical centre nursing ward for COVID-19. Laboratory assessment included high-sensitivity Troponin T and N­terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Echocardiographic evaluation focused on left and right ventricular systolic function and global longitudinal strain (GLS). RESULTS: In total, 51 patients were included, with a median age of 63 years (range 51-68 years) of whom 80% was male. Troponin T was elevated (>14 ng/l) in 47%, and a clinically relevant Troponin T elevation (10â€¯× URL) was found in three patients (6%). NT-proBNP was elevated (>300 pg/ml) in 24 patients (47%), and in four (8%) the NT-proBNP concentration was >1,000 pg/ml. Left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <52% and/or GLS >-18%) was observed in 27%, while right ventricular dysfunction (TAPSE <17 mm and/or RV S' < 10 cm/s) was seen in 10%. There was no association between elevated Troponin T or NT-proBNP and left or right ventricular dysfunction. Patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism had normal right ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalised patients, it seems that COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory system, while cardiac dysfunction occurs less often. Based on a single echocardiographic evaluation, we found no relation between elevated Troponin T or NT-proBNP, and ventricular dysfunction. Echocardiography has limited value in screening for ventricular dysfunction.

Maternal right ventricular function, uteroplacental circulation in first trimester and pregnancy outcome in women with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnant women with congenital heart disease (CHD) have an increased risk of abnormal uteroplacental flow, measured from the second trimester onwards, which is associated with pregnancy complications affecting the mother and the fetus. Maternal right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has been suggested as a predisposing factor for impaired uteroplacental flow in these women. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of first-trimester uteroplacental flow measurements with prepregnancy maternal cardiac function and pregnancy complications in women with CHD, with particular focus on the potential role of RV (dys)function. METHODS: This study included 138 pregnant women with CHD from the prospective ZAHARA III study (Zwangerschap bij Aangeboren HARtAfwijkingen; Pregnancy and CHD). Prepregnancy clinical and echocardiographic data were collected. Clinical evaluation, echocardiography (focused on RV function, as assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)) and uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI) measurements were performed at 12, 20 and 32 weeks of gestation. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the association between prepregnancy variables and UtA-PI during pregnancy. The association between UtA-PI at 12 weeks and cardiovascular, obstetric and neonatal complications was also assessed. RESULTS: On multivariable regression analysis, prepregnancy TAPSE was associated negatively with UtA-PI at 12 weeks of gestation (ß = -0.026; P = 0.036). Women with lower prepregnancy TAPSE (≤ 20 mm vs > 20 mm) had higher UtA-PI at 12 weeks (1.5 ± 0.5 vs 1.2 ± 0.6; P = 0.047). Increased UtA-PI at 12 weeks was associated with obstetric complications (P = 0.003), particularly hypertensive disorders (pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia, P = 0.019 and P = 0.026, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In women with CHD, RV dysfunction before pregnancy seems to impact placentation, resulting in increased resistance in UtA flow, which is detectable as early as in the first trimester. This, in turn, is associated with pregnancy complications. Early monitoring of uteroplacental flow might be of value in women with CHD with pre-existing subclinical RV dysfunction to identify pregnancies that would benefit from close obstetric surveillance. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Oral anticoagulant therapy in adults with congenital heart disease and atrial arrhythmias: Implementation of guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines on oral anticoagulation (OAC) in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) and atrial arrhythmias (AA) consist of heterogeneous and divergent recommendations with limited level of evidence, possibly leading to diverse OAC management and different outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate real-world implementation and outcome of three guidelines on OAC management in ACHD patients with AA. METHODS: The ESC GUCH 2010, PACES/HRS 2014 and ESC atrial fibrillation (AF) 2016 guidelines were assessed for implementation. ACHD patients with recurrent or sustained non-valvular AA from 5 tertiary centers were identified using a national ACHD registry. After two years of prospective follow-up, thromboembolism, major bleeding and death were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 225 adults (mean age 54±15years, 55% male) with various defects (simple 43%; moderate 37%; complex 20%) and AA were included. Following the most strict indication (OAC is recommended in all three guidelines), one should treat a mere 37% of ACHD patients with AA, whereas following the least strict indication (OAC is recommended in any one of the three guidelines), one should treat 98% of patients. The various guidelines were implemented in 54-80% of patients. From all recommendations, Fontan circulation, CHA2DS2-VASc≥1 and AF were independently associated with OAC prescription. Superiority of any guideline in identifying outcome (n=15) could not be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of current guidelines on OAC management in ACHD patients with AA is low, probably due to substantial heterogeneity among guidelines. OAC prescription in daily practice was most consistent in patients with AF and CHA2DS2-VASc≥1 or Fontan circulation.

Mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension due to congenital heart disease: Serial changes improve prognostication.

BACKGROUND: Adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension due to congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) suffer from high mortality. This underlines the importance of adequate risk stratification to guide treatment decisions. Several baseline parameters are associated with mortality, however, their prognostic value may weaken after years of follow-up. Therefore we investigated the prognostic value of serial changes in standard clinical parameters in PAH-CHD. METHODS: In this prospective observational cohort study we included consecutive PAH-CHD adults, between 2005 and 2016. Control visits to the outpatient clinic were standardized, including functional, biochemical and echocardiographic tests, according to the guidelines. The prognostic value of serial changes was determined with time-dependent Cox regression. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients with PAH-CHD were included (age 43±15years, 34% male, 38% Down, 73% Eisenmenger). During a median follow-up of 6.0 (IQR 3.7-9.3) years, 35 (38%) patients died. Serial changes in World Health Organization functional classification (WHO-FC, HR 18.34 for onset class IV), six-minute walk distance (6-MWD, HR 0.65 per 50m), oxygen saturation at peak exercise (peak SaO2, HR 0.74 per 5%), NTproBNP (HR 2.25 per 1000ng/l) and echocardiographic right ventricular function (TAPSE, HR 0.80 per 0.5cm) significantly predicted mortality. Moreover, serial changes in these parameters were more potent predictors compared to baseline parameters, based on reduction in -2 log likelihood. CONCLUSIONS: Serial changes in standard clinical parameters have more prognostic value compared to baseline parameters in PAH-CHD. Our results emphasize the importance of screening for serial changes since periodical assessment could guide treatment decisions to delay disease progression.

Pre-eclampsia: an important risk factor for asymptomatic heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is associated with both postpartum structural asymptomatic heart disease (i.e. heart failure Stage B (HF-B)) and conventional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the extent to which PE, adjusted for conventional CV risk factors, is associated independently with asymptomatic cardiac abnormalities postpartum. METHODS: In this cross-sectional cohort study, 107 formerly pre-eclamptic women and 41 women with uneventful previous pregnancy (controls) were invited for CV risk assessment 4-10 years postpartum. This included cardiac ultrasound, blood pressure (BP) measurement and evaluation of metabolic syndrome determinants. Asymptomatic structural and functional cardiac abnormalities were classified as HF-B, according to the American Heart Association guidelines. Prehypertension was defined as systolic BP of 120-139 mmHg and/or diastolic BP of 80-89 mmHg. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to calculate associations of PE and conventional risk factors with HF-B. RESULTS: The prevalence of asymptomatic HF-B was approximately 3.5-fold higher in the PE group compared with controls (25% vs 7%, P < 0.01); 67% of this group had concentric remodeling and 22% had mildly impaired ejection fraction. After adjustment for postpartum interval, hypertension and high-density lipoprotein, PE was significantly associated with HF-B (adjusted odds ratio, 4.4 (95% CI, 1.0-19.1)). Moreover, in the formerly pre-eclamptic group, prehypertension was associated significantly with HF-B (odds ratio, 4.3 (95% CI, 1.4-12.7)), while metabolic syndrome determinants were not. CONCLUSION: PE is associated with a four-fold increased female-specific risk of asymptomatic cardiac abnormalities. Prehypertension apparently increases this risk significantly, while metabolic syndrome determinants do not. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

NT-proBNP and exercise capacity in adult patients with congenital heart disease and a prosthetic valve: a multicentre PROSTAVA study.

OBJECTIVES: N-terminal B­type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is an important biomarker for the detection of heart failure. Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) and a prosthetic heart valve are at risk for heart failure. This study aimed to determine the value of NT-proBNP in ACHD patients with a prosthetic valve and investigate its relationship with cardiac function and exercise capacity. METHODS: In this multi-centre cross-sectional observational study, data regarding medical history, echocardiography, exercise testing (VO2peak) and laboratory blood evaluation (including NT-proBNP) were collected in ACHD patients with a single prosthetic valve (either homografts, heterografts or mechanical valves). RESULTS: A total of 306 ACHD patients with pulmonary valve replacement (PVR, n = 139), aortic valve replacement (n = 141), mitral valve replacement (n = 21) or tricuspid valve replacement (n = 5) were investigated. The majority of patients (77 %) were in NYHA class I or II. Elevated NT-proBNP levels (cut-off ≥125 pg/ml) were found in 50 % of the patients, with the highest levels in patients with mitral valve replacements. In this study population, NT-proBNP levels were associated with gender (p = 0.029) and VO2max (p < 0.001). In PVR patients, NT-proBNP levels were associated with lower VO2peak, also after adjustment for age, gender and age at valve replacement in a multivariate model (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACHD and a prosthetic valve, elevated NT-proBNP levels are frequently observed despite preserved NYHA class. In PVR patients, a higher NT-proBNP level was associated with a lower VO2peak. These results may be of importance in the ongoing discussion about the timing of valve replacement in patients with CHD.

Cardiac adaption during pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease and healthy women.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with deterioration in cardiac function. However, longitudinal data are scarce. This study describes serial changes in cardiac dimensions and function during pregnancy in women with CHD and compares these with healthy pregnant women (controls). METHODS: Eight tertiary centres prospectively enrolled 125 pregnant women with CHD (pregnancy duration <20 weeks). Controls (N=49) were recruited from low-risk midwife practices. Standardised echocardiography at 20 and 32 weeks gestation and 1 year postpartum was performed. RESULTS: Age and parity were comparable between both groups (p>0.1). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% was present in 3.2% of women with CHD and 14.4% had tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) <16 mm. Absolute values of ventricular function parameters and diameters were less favourable in women with CHD. No permanent changes occurred in right and left ventricular function parameters and dimensions in women with CHD. The patterns of change in cardiac function and dimensions were comparable between women with CHD and controls, except for LVEF (p=0.026). In women with right-sided CHD the pattern of TAPSE over time differed from controls (p=0.043) (no decrease in TAPSE postpregnancy in CHD). In women with left-sided CHD left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) tended to increase compared with controls (p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Absolute levels of ventricular function parameters and diameters differ between CHD and controls, but changes during and after pregnancy are generally comparable. However, different patterns over time seen for TAPSE and LVEDD in women with right-sided and left-sided CHD, respectively, compared with controls indicate the importance of echocardiographic follow-up during pregnancy in women with CHD.

Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in congenital heart disease in Singapore versus the Netherlands: age exceeds ethnicity in influencing clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND: Advanced treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in congenital heart disease (CHD) is increasingly applied worldwide following the-mainly Western world based-international PAH-CHD guidelines. However, studies comparing clinical presentation and outcome after the initiation of PAH-specific treatment are lacking. We aimed to analyse this in a Singaporean and Dutch cohort of PAH-CHD patients. METHODS: Adult CHD patients starting PAH-specific therapy, enrolled in two nationwide registries, were analysed. Patients received phosphodiesterase-type-5 inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, or a combination. Change in six-minute walk test (6MWT) during follow-up was analysed using linear mixed model analysis. Determinants for mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazard analyses. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients, 45 Dutch (mean age 47 ± 14 years) and 29 Singaporean (mean age 41 ± 14 years) were analysed. Despite a lower 6MWT (312 versus 395 metres, p = 0.01) and peak VO2 (35 versus 49 % of predicted, p = 0.01) at baseline in Singaporean patients, the treatment effect was similar in the two populations. Age at initiation of therapy (per 5 year lower age, ß = + 4.5, p = 0.017) was the strongest predictor of improvement in exercise capacity, corrected for ethnicity, baseline 6MWT, sex and CHD defect. CONCLUSIONS: Patients from Singapore had a worse clinical performance at baseline compared with the PAH-CHD patients from the Netherlands. No relation between ethnicity and improvement in 6MWT after PAH-specific therapy was found. Age at initiation of PAH-specific therapy was the strongest predictor of treatment efficacy and mortality, emphasising the need for early initiation of treatment in these patients.

Decrease in quality of life predicts mortality in adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension due to congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Decrease in quality of life (QoL) in left-sided heart failure precedes poor survival, which can be reversed with exercise training. We investigated whether QoL is associated with mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension due to congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) patients. METHODS: In this observational study, PAH-CHD adults referred for PAH-specific therapy were included. QoL surveys (SF36) were recorded during 2 years of therapy. Based on shift in SF36 scores during this period, patients had either decreased or non-decreased QoL. Subsequently, the patients were followed for mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-nine PAH-CHD patients (mean age 42, 44 % male, 49 % Down's syndrome) were analysed. Following PAH-specific therapy, SF36 physical component summary (PCS) decreased in 13 (35-31 points, p = 0.001) and showed no decrease in 26 patients (34-43 points, mean values, p < 0.001). Post-initiation phase, median follow-up was 4.5 years, during which 12 deaths occurred (31 %), 10 (56 %) in the decreased and 2 (10 %) in the non-decreased group (p = 0.002). Cox regression showed a decrease in SF36 PCS predicted mortality (HR 3.4, 95 % CI 1.03-11, p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: In PAH-CHD patients, decrease in SF36 PCS following initiation of PAH-specific therapy is a determinant of mortality.

Beneficial effect of high dose statins on the vascular wall in patients with repaired aortic coarctation?

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a marker for atherosclerosis. Adult post-coarctectomy patients (CoA) demonstrate an increased cardiovascular risk and increased CIMT compared to controls. This study evaluates the effect of high dose statins on the change in CIMT and cardiovascular risk. METHODS: We designed a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open label trial with blinded endpoint (PROBE design) to evaluate the effect of three year treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg on CIMT and cardiovascular risk. Primary endpoint was CIMT measured by B mode ultrasonography. Secondary endpoints were mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular disease and serum lipids. RESULTS: 155 patients (36.3 ± 11.8 years, 96 (62%) male) were randomized (atorvastatin=80, no treatment=75). There was no significant effect of atorvastatin on the change in CIMT (treatment effect -0.005, 95% CI, -0.039-0.029; P=0.76). A significant effect on serum cholesterol and LDL levels was found (- 0.71, 95% CI, - 1.16 to - 0.26; P = 0.002 vs - 0.66, 95% CI - 1.06 to - 0.26; P = 0.001). There was no difference in secondary outcome measures. Baseline CIMT was higher in hypertensive compared to normotensive CoA. (0.69 ± 0.16 mm vs 0.61 ± 0.98 mm; P=0.002). Hypertension (ß=0.043, P=0.031) was the strongest determinant CIMT. CONCLUSION: Three year treatment with atorvastatin does not lead to a reduction of CIMT and secondary outcome measures, despite a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL levels. Hypertensive CoA demonstrate the highest CIMT and the largest CIMT progression. Blood pressure control should be the main focus in CoA to decrease cardiovascular risk.

Metabolic syndrome and the risk for recurrent pre-eclampsia: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of recurrent pre-eclampsia between women who have and do not have metabolic syndrome when non-pregnant. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Three tertiary referral hospitals in the Netherlands. POPULATION: Formerly pre-eclamptic women. METHODS: The presence or absence of metabolic syndrome was assessed in 480 women at least 6 months after their first pre-eclamptic pregnancy using World Health Organization criteria. We compared the prevalence of recurrent pre-eclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy, calculating odds ratios (OR), adjusted for confounders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Recurrence of pre-eclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy. RESULTS: Subsequent pregnancy outcome data were available for 197 women. Forty women had metabolic syndrome after previous pregnancy (20%). The prevalence of recurrent pre-eclampsia was 18/40 (45%) in women with metabolic syndrome versus 27/157 (17%) in women without metabolic syndrome; OR 3.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.86-8.33, adjusted OR 3.77 (95% CI 1.61-8.81). The risk of recurrent pre-eclampsia increased with each extra component of the metabolic syndrome from 11.8% for absent components up to 43.9% for three or more (P for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Interpregnancy metabolic syndrome predisposes to recurrent pre-eclampsia.

Prosthetic valves in adult patients with congenital heart disease: Rationale and design of the Dutch PROSTAVA study.

BACKGROUND: Data on long-term complications in adult patients with congenital heart disease (ACHD) and a prosthetic valve are scarce. Moreover, the influence of prosthetic valves on quality of life (QoL) and functional outcome in ACHD patients with prosthetic valves has not been studied. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the PROSTAVA study is to investigate the relation between prosthetic valve characteristics (type, size and location) and functional outcome as well as QoL in ACHD patients. The secondary objectives are to investigate the prevalence and predictors of prosthesis-related complications including prosthesis-patient mismatch. METHODS: The PROSTAVA study, a multicentre cross-sectional observational study, will include approximately 550 ACHD patients with prosthetic valves. Primary outcome measures are maximum oxygen uptake during cardiopulmonary exercise testing and QoL. Secondary outcomes are the prevalence and incidence of valve-related complications including prosthesis-patient mismatch. Other evaluations are medical history, physical examination, echocardiography, MRI, rhythm monitoring and laboratory evaluation (including NT-proBNP). IMPLICATIONS: Identification of the relation between prosthetic valve characteristics in ACHD patients on one hand and functional outcome, QoL, the prevalence and predictors of prosthesis-related complications on the other hand may influence the choice of valve prosthesis, the indication for more extensive surgery and the indication for re-operation.

Endocarditis: effects of routine echocardiography during Gram-positive bacteraemia.

BACKGROUND: Despite firm recommendations to perform echocardiography in high-risk patients with Gram-positive bacteraemia, routine echocardiography is not embedded in daily practice in many settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a regime including routine echocardiography results in better outcome. METHODS: A total of 115 patients with Gram-positive bacteraemia and at least one risk factor for developing metastatic infection were prospectively included. Routine echocardiography was advocated and facilitated in these patients. Results were compared with a matched historical control group of 230 patients in whom echocardiography was performed at the discretion of the attending physician. Endocarditis was diagnosed according to the Duke criteria. RESULTS: Echocardiography was performed more often in the study group (82 vs 27%, p.