ST-elevation myocardial infarction in nonagenarians: A nationwide analysis of trends and outcomes in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To assess ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) trends and outcomes in nonagenarians undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) compared to medical management. BACKGROUND: Although nonagenarians (age greater than 90 years) represent the fast-growing age decade of the US population, limited evidence is available regarding trends and outcomes of treatment strategies for STEMI in this population cohort. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify nonagenarians presenting with STEMI and treated with either pPCI or medical management. In-hospital mortality, in-hospital complications, length of stay and in-hospital costs were analyzed. RESULTS: Between 2010-2017, 41,042 STEMI hospitalizations were identified in nonagenarians, of which 11, 155 (27.2%) included pPCI whereas 29, 887 (72.8%) included medical management. STEMI hospitalizations among nonagenarians decreased over the study period. Overall unadjusted in-hospital mortality was 21.6%, and the hospitalizations that included pPCI had significantly lower mortality compared to the medical management (13.6% vs. 24.5%, p < .001). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, hospitalizations that included pPCI had 42.1% lower odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.67, p < .001). Altogether, in-hospital cardiac, bleeding and vascular complications, length of stay and in-hospital costs were higher in pPCI hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: In nonagenarians, STEMI mortality is high, but pPCI is associated with superior outcomes compared to medical management alone. Therefore, pPCI can be considered an acceptable treatment strategy in this population.

Incidence and outcomes of prosthetic valve endocarditis in adults with tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: The risk of endocarditis varies with CHD complexity and the presence of prosthetic valves. The purpose of the study was therefore to describe incidence and outcomes of prosthetic valve endocarditis in adults with repair tetralogy of Fallot. METHODS: Retrospective review of adult tetralogy of Fallot patients who underwent prosthetic valve implantation, 1990-2017. We defined prosthetic valve endocarditis-related complications as prosthetic valve dysfunction, perivalvular extension of infection such abscess/aneurysm/fistula, heart block, pulmonary/systemic embolic events, recurrent endocarditis, and death due to sepsis. RESULTS: A total of 338 patients (age: 37 ± 15 years) received 352 prosthetic valves (pulmonary [n = 308, 88%], tricuspid [n = 13, 4%], mitral [n = 9, 3%], and aortic position [n = 22, 6%]). The annual incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis was 0.4%. There were 12 prosthetic valve endocarditis-related complications in six patients, and these complications were prosthetic valve dysfunction (n = 4), systemic/pulmonary embolic events (n = 2), heart block (n = 1), aortic root abscess (n = 1), recurrent endocarditis (n = 2), and death due to sepsis (n = 1). Three (50%) patients required surgery at 2 days, 6 weeks, and 23 weeks from the time of prosthetic valve endocarditis diagnosis. Altogether three of the six (50%) patients died, and one of these deaths was due to sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence, complication rate, and outcomes of prosthetic valve endocarditis in tetralogy of Fallot patients underscore some of the risks of having a prosthetic valve. It is important to educate the patients on the need for early presentation if they develop systemic symptoms, have a high index of suspicion for prosthetic valve endocarditis, and adopt a multi-disciplinary care approach in this high-risk population.

Risk stratification and clinical outcomes after surgical pulmonary valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: To determine if RV volume was predictive of survival and cardiovascular adverse event (CAE) after pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). METHODS: We reviewed the MACHD (Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease) database for patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) undergoing PVR, 2000-2015. The patients were divided into quartiles based on RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI); those in the lowest quartile (Group A, n = 46) and the top quartile (Group B, n = 42) were selected as the study cohort. RESULTS: In comparison to Group A, Group B patients were older at time of PVR (28 ±â€¯4 vs 33 ±â€¯5 years, P = .011) and had larger RV volumes (RVEDVI 127 [117-138] mL/m2 vs 1 91 [179-208], P < .001; RVESVI 64 [57-73] mL/m2 vs 122 [103-136], P < .001). A total of 28 CAE occurred in 23 patients during 69 (33-94) months follow-up: death (n = 4), heart transplant listing (n = 1), initiation of palliative care (n = 1), heart failure hospitalization (n = 11), stroke (n = 2) and sustained ventricular tachycardia/aborted sudden cardiac death (n = 9). Survival was similar between Groups A and B (95% vs 91% at 10 years, P = .273) but freedom from CAE was significantly lower in Group B (67% vs 36% at 10 years, P = .002). Combination of RVESVI: >95 mL/m2 and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/RV systolic pressure (TAPSE/RVSP) <0.4 predicted CAE with sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 92%. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing PVR at larger RV volumes had similar survival but more overall CAE. A larger study population with a longer follow-up will be required to determine if early PVR provides survival benefit in the long-term.

A Case of Severe Thrombocytopenia, Aseptic Meningitis, and Hepatitis Caused by Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole: A Triple Threat.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), a widely used antibiotic, is associated with both predictable dose-dependent side effects and rare, idiosyncratic adverse reactions. Here, we report the case of a previously healthy, non-G6PD-deficient, 27-year-old male who developed three idiosyncratic reactions: severe thrombocytopenia, aseptic meningitis, and hepatitis concurrently following TMP-SMX administration. The Naranjo adverse reaction probability score was 7, implying TMP-SMX as the probable cause of the clinical presentation. After a comprehensive workup to rule out alternate etiologies, we have established TMP-SMX as the culprit. Our case highlights the importance of early recognition of TMP-SMX-induced rare adverse events for appropriate management to mitigate long-term sequelae and ensure favorable patient outcomes.

A Review of the Current FDA-Approved Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Landmark Clinical Trials and Indications.

Despite considerable treatment progress, cancer remains among the leading causes of death worldwide. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), a rapidly growing class of systemic therapy, show promise by combining the properties of conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Antibody-drug conjugates have been shown to be more efficacious than traditional chemotherapy. To date, there are 13 ADCs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating various hematological and solid organ cancers. There are several new promising ADCs that are being developed and are in clinical trials. This review provides an overview of the current FDA-approved ADCs, the landmark clinical trials that led to their approval, the common toxicities seen in the landmark trials, the challenges associated with ADCs, and the potential future directions.

The role of echocardiography for quantitative assessment of right ventricular size and function in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative assessment of right ventricular (RV) systolic function by echocardiography is challenging in patients with congenital heart disease because of the complex geometry of the RV and the iatrogenic structural abnormalities resulting from prior cardiac surgeries. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between echocardiographic indices of RV systolic function and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) derived RV ejection fraction (RVEF) in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). METHODS: Quantitative assessment of RV function was performed with RV tissue Doppler systolic velocity (RV s'), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and fractional area change (FAC). These echocardiographic indices were compared to RVEF from CMRI performed on the same day as echocardiogram. RESULTS: Of 209 patients, the mean RV FAC was 39 ± 9%, TAPSE was 18 ± 4 mm, RV s' was 10 ± 2 cm/s, and RVEF was 40 ± 10%. There was a good correlation between TAPSE and RVEF (r = 0.79, P < .001), good correlation between RV s' and RVEF (r = 0.71, P < .001), and modest correlation between FAC and RVEF (r = 0.66, P < .001). TAPSE < 17 mm effectively discriminated between patients with RV systolic dysfunction defined as RVEF < 47% (sensitivity 81%, specificity 79%, area under the curve [AUC] 0.805). FAC < 40% was associated with RVEF < 47% (sensitivity 72%, specificity 63%, AUC 0.719). RV s' < 11 cm was associated with RVEF < 47% (sensitivity 83%, specificity 68%, AUC 0.798). CONCLUSION: Despite the structural and functional abnormalities of the RV in patients with repaired TOF, quantitative assessment of RV systolic function by echocardiography is feasible and had good correlation with CMRI-derived RVEF.

Atrial Fibrillation Therapy and Heart Failure Hospitalization in Adults With Tetralogy of Fallot.

OBJECTIVES: This study hypothesized that atrial fibrillation was associated with heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and that patients who received rhythm control therapy had a lower incidence of HF hospitalization and mortality. BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is a known risk factor for HF hospitalization and mortality in patients with acquired heart disease. Although atrial arrhythmias are common in adults with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), data about prevalence and outcomes of therapy for atrial fibrillation are very limited. METHODS: The MACHD (Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease) database was queried for adults with repaired TOF and documented atrial fibrillation from 1990 to 2017. Primary endpoint was HF hospitalization defined as admission for volume overload (pulmonary congestion and/or peripheral edema) requiring intravenous diuretics. Secondary endpoint was the effect of rhythm control therapy on HF hospitalization and all-cause mortality. Patients were divided into rhythm control and rate control groups based on the therapy initiated at the time of arrhythmia diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 415 patients, 27 (7%) had 42 HF hospitalizations. Of these 415 patients, 88 (21%) had atrial fibrillation at age 49 ± 13 years. Atrial fibrillation was an independent risk factor for HF hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.67; 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 7.34; p = 0.045). The 88 patients were divided into the rhythm control group (n = 61, 69%) and the rate control group (n = 27, 31%). The rate control group had higher unadjusted annual incidence of HF hospitalization (13% vs. 3%; p = 0.001) and all-cause mortality (11% vs. 4%; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Atrial fibrillation was a risk factor for HF hospitalization and mortality in TOF patients, and rhythm control therapy was protective against these adverse events.

Role of Doppler echocardiography for assessing right ventricular cardiac output in patients with atrial septal defect.

BACKGROUND: Although Doppler echocardiography is routinely used to assess left ventricle cardiac output, there are limited data about the feasibility of Doppler echocardiography for right ventricular (RV) cardiac output assessment in patients with left-to-right shunt. The purpose of the study was to determine the correlation between Doppler-derived and Fick-derived RV cardiac index (CI), and the interobserver correlation in Doppler-derived RV CI assessment. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients (age ≥18 years) with unrepaired atrial septal defect who underwent cardiac catheterization and echocardiography (within 3 days), 2004-2017. RV CI was calculated using the hydraulic orifice formula: [.785 × (right ventricle outflow tract diameter)2  × right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) time velocity integral × heart rate]/body surface area. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients (age 52 ± 17 years; female 88 [69%]) met the inclusion criteria. There was a modest correlation between Doppler-derived and Fick-derived RV CI (r = .57, P < .001), and the mean difference between Doppler-derived and Fick-derived RV CI was -.3 (95% confidence interval of agreement, -.8 to +.9) L/min/m2 . There was also a modest correlation between Doppler-derived RV CI from observer #1 and observer #2 (r = .62, P < .001), and the mean difference between Doppler-derived RV CI from observer #1 and observer #2 was -.2 (95% confidence interval of agreement, -.9 to +.6). CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated a modest correlation between Doppler-derived and Fick-derived RV cardiac output, and a modest interobserver correlation in Doppler-derived RV cardiac output assessment. Further studies are required to validate these results and to explore other potential applications such as in patients with chronic pulmonary regurgitation.

Use of mechanical valve prostheses in adults with tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data about the outcomes mechanical prostheses in adults with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The purpose of the study was to describe the incidence of mechanical valve related adverse events (MVRAE), reoperation and all-cause mortality in TOF patients with mechanical valve prostheses. METHODS: We reviewed the MACHD (Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease) database and identified all adult TOF patients with mechanical valve prostheses, 1990-2017. MVRAE was defined as valve thrombosis, endocarditis, embolic stroke or major bleeding complications. RESULTS: A total of 44 prostheses were implanted in 29 patients (age 44 ±â€¯13 years; men 18 [62%]), and 10 (36%) patients received multiple mechanical prostheses. The median number of prior sternotomies was 3 (range 2-7). Target intentional normalized ratio (INR) was 2.0-3.0 for patients with isolated mechanical aortic prostheses (n = 12, 41%), 2.5-4.0 for mechanical prostheses in non-aortic positions. There were no surgical deaths, and 10 MVRAE (endocarditis [n = 4], major bleeding complications [n = 5] and valve thrombosis [n = 1]) occurred in 7 (24%) patients during a median follow-up of 11 (5 18) years. The 10-year survival and freedom from reoperation were 87% and 95% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical mortality and valve thrombosis for mechanical valve prostheses are low presumably due to appropriate patient selection and meticulous anticoagulation. Endocarditis and bleeding complications are major concerns. Further studies are required to determine the appropriate target INR that provides the optimal balance between preventing valve thrombosis and avoiding major bleeding complications mechanical valve prostheses in different positions.

Outcomes of Anticoagulation Therapy in Adults With Tetralogy of Fallot.

Background Available outcomes data for anticoagulation therapy in adults with congenital heart disease ( CHD ) provide assessment of global risk of this therapy for CHD patients (a heterogeneous population), but the risk of complications for the different CHD diagnoses is unknown. The purpose of the study was to describe the indications for anticoagulation, and the incidence and risk factors for major bleeding complication in adults with tetralogy of Fallot. Methods and Results We queried Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease (MACHD) database for tetralogy of Fallot patients (aged ≥18 years) that received anticoagulation, 1990-2017. Of 130 patients (42±14 years, 75 men [58%]), warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants were used in 125 (96%) and 5 (4%), respectively because atrial arrhythmias (n=109), mechanical prosthetic valve (n=29), intracardiac thrombus (n=4), pulmonary embolism (n=6), stroke (n=3), and perioperative anticoagulation (n=44). The median hypertension, abnormal renal or liver function; stroke; bleeding history or predisposition; labile international normalized ratio; elderly (>65 years); drug or alcohol use score for the entire cohort was 1 (0-2) and 27 (21%) had hypertension, abnormal renal or liver function; stroke; bleeding history or predisposition; labile international normalized ratio; elderly (>65 years); drug or alcohol use score ≥2. There were 14 minor bleeding events (1.6% per year) and 11 major bleeding events (1.3% per year) in 8 patients during median follow-up of 74 months (856 patient-years). Mechanical prosthesis (hazard ratio 1.78, CI 1.29-3.77, P=0.021) and hypertension, abnormal renal or liver function; stroke; bleeding history or predisposition; labile international normalized ratio; elderly (>65 years); drug or alcohol use score ≥2 (hazard ratio 1.41, CI 1.03-3.88, P=0.046) were risk factors for major bleeding events. All-cause mortality was higher in patients with major bleeding events (n=6, 75%) compared with patients without major bleeding events (n=25, 21%), P=0.001. Conclusions Considering the heterogeneity of the CHD population, data from the current study may be better suited for clinical decision-making in tetralogy of Fallot patients.

Outcomes of Pregnancy in Patients With Prior Right Ventricular Outflow Interventions.

Background The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pregnancy-related adverse outcomes ( PRAO ) between patients with versus without hemodynamically significant right ventricle outflow tract ( RVOT) . Methods and Results This was a retrospective cohort study of all pregnant patients with isolated RVOT lesions undergoing evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, 1990 to 2017. Hemodynamic significance was defined as ≥moderate pulmonary/conduit stenosis (≥3 m/s) and/or ≥moderate regurgitation. Patients with concomitant significant left heart disease were excluded. PRAO was defined as cardiovascular, obstetric, and/or neonatal complications occurring during the pregnancy through 6 weeks postpartum. A total of 224 pregnancies in 114 patients with RVOT lesions were identified; 38 pregnancies occurred in 24 patients with hemodynamically significant RVOT . Forty-eight (21%) pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortion. Of the 173 completed pregnancies, median gestational age at delivery was 38 (35-40) weeks and median birth weight 2965 (2065-4122) g. Seven pregnancies (4%) were complicated by cardiovascular events, 14 (8%) by obstetric complications, with adverse neonatal outcomes occurring in 38 (22%). There were no maternal deaths. The incidence of spontaneous abortion and PRAO were similar in both the RVOT and hemodynamically significant RVOT groups. As an isolated condition, Tetralogy of Fallot-pulmonary atresia was associated with spontaneous abortion and neonatal complications. Conclusions The risk of cardiovascular complications was low in patients with isolated RVOT lesions, and hemodynamically significant RVOT lesions were not associated with either cardiovascular complications or PRAO . Further studies are required to explore the factors responsible for PRAO in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot-pulmonary atresia.

Coronary Artery Disease in Adults With Coarctation of Aorta: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes.

Background Premature coronary artery disease ( CAD ) is common in patients with coarctation of aorta ( COA ), but there are limited data about any direct relationship (or lack thereof) between COA and CAD . We hypothesized that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors, rather than COA diagnosis, was the primary determinant of CAD occurrence in patients with COA . Methods and Results This is a retrospective study of 654 COA patients and a control group of 876 patients with valvular pulmonic stenosis and tetralogy of Fallot to determine prevalence and independent risk factors for CAD . There was no evidence of a difference in the unadjusted CAD prevalence between the COA and control groups (7.8% versus 6.3%, P=0.247), but premature CAD was more common in COA patients (4.4% versus 1.8%, P=0.002). In the analysis of a propensity-matched cohort of 126 COA and 126 control patients, there was no evidence of a difference in overall CAD prevalence (6.3% versus 5.6% versus P=0.742) and premature CAD prevalence (4.8% versus 3.2%, P=0.518). The multivariable risk factors for CAD were hypertension (odds ratio [ OR ] 2.14; 95% CI 1.36-3.38), hyperlipidemia ( OR 3.33; 95% CI 2.02-5.47), diabetes mellitus ( OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.31-3.61), male sex ( OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.33-3.17), and older age per year ( OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.04-1.07). Conclusions After adjusting for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors, we did not find evidence of a difference in CAD risk between the patients with COA and other patients with congenital heart disease.

Mechanism and Risk Factors for Death in Adults With Tetralogy of Fallot.

One of the goals of lifelong care in adults with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is early identification and treatment of patients at high risk for adverse events. Clinical risk stratification tools are critical for achieving this goal. We reviewed the Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease database and identified 465 TOF patients (age 37 ± 14 years, men 223 [48%]) seen at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1990 and 2017. The aim was to determine the risk factors for death and/or heart transplant through a comprehensive analysis of 8 groups of variables (demographics, co-morbidities, medications, heart rhythm, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, cardiac catheterization, and cardiopulmonary exercise test data) using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. The end point of death and/or transplant occurred in 57 (12%) patients during a follow-up of 13.6 ± 8.2 years, yielding an event rate of 0.9% per year. Independent risk factors were age >42 years, atrial fibrillation, ≥moderate QRS fragmentation, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, right ventricular end-diastolic pressure >16 mm Hg, and left ventricle end-diastolic pressure >16 mm Hg. There is nearly a twofold increase in the risk of death and/or transplant per unit increase in number of risk factors (hazard ratio 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.62 to 2.27, p <0.001). In conclusion, the current study provides risk stratification indices based on a comprehensive risk model of all clinical variables in an unselected TOF population. Further studies are required to determine whether interventions targeted at modifying these risk factors will alter the annual event rate.

Right ventricular and pulmonary vascular function indices for risk stratification of patients with pulmonary regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that echocardiographic indices of right ventricular to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling were comparable to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI)-derived RV volumetric indices in predicting disease severity in chronic pulmonary regurgitation (PR). METHODS: Patients with ≥ moderate PR (2003-2015) with and without prior CMRI scans were enrolled into the study cohort and validation cohort, respectively. Endpoint was to determine the association between noninvasive RV-PA coupling indices (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/right ventricular systolic pressure [TAPSE/RVSP] and fractional area change [FAC]/RVSP ratio) and markers of disease severity, and compared this association to that of CMRI-derived RV volumetric indices and markers of disease severity (peak oxygen consumption [VO2 ], NT-proBNP and atrial and/or ventricular arrhythmias). RESULTS: Of the 256 patients in the study cohort (age 33 ± 6 years), 187 (73%) had tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) while 69 (27%) had valvular pulmonic stenosis (VPS). TAPSE/RVSP (r = 0.73, P < .001) and FAC/RVSP (r = 0.78, P < .001) correlated with peak VO2 . Among the CMRI-derived RV volumetric indices analyzed, only right ventricular end-systolic volume index correlated with peak VO2 (r = -0.54, P < .001) and NT-proBNP (r = 0.51, P < .001). These RV-PA coupling indices were tested in the validation cohort of 218 patients (age 37 ± 9 years). Similar to the study cohort, TAPSE/RVSP (r = 0.59, P < .001) and FAC/RVSP (r = 0.70, P < .001) correlated with peak VO2 . TAPSE/RVSP (but not FAC/RVSP) was also associated with arrhythmia occurrence in both the study cohort and validation cohorts. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive RV-PA coupling may provide complementary prognostic data in the management of chronic PR. Further studies are required to explore this clinical tool.

Assessment of Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Arterial Coupling in Chronic Pulmonary Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that noninvasively measured right ventricular (RV) to pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) coupling would be abnormal in chronic pulmonary regurgitation (PR) even in the setting of normal RV ejection fraction, and that RV-PA coupling indices would have a better correlation with peak oxygen consumption (VO2) compared with RV systolic indices alone. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 129 adults (repaired tetralogy of Fallot [TOF] n = 84 and valvular pulmonic stenosis [VPS] with previous intervention n = 45) with ≥ moderate native PR and RV ejection fraction > 50%. The 84 TOF patients were propensity matched with 84 patients with normal echocardiogram (control); age 28 ± 7 years and male sex n = 39 (46%). RV-PA coupling was measured according to fractional area change (FAC)/RV systolic pressure (RVSP) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/RVSP. RESULTS: RV systolic function indices were similar between TOF and control groups (FAC 43 ± 6% vs 41 ± 5% [P = 0.164] and TAPSE 22 ± 5 mm vs 24 ± 6 mm [P = 0.263]). However, RV-PA coupling was lower in the TOF group (FAC/RVSP 1.10 ± 0.29 vs 1.48 ± 0.22 [P < 0.001]; TAPSE/RVSP 0.51 ± 0.15 vs 0.78 ± 0.11 [P < 0.001]) because of higher RV afterload (RVSP 42 ± 3 mm Hg vs 31 ± 3 mm Hg [P = 0.012]). FAC/RVSP (r = 0.61; P < 0.001) and TAPSE/RVSP (r = 0.69; P < 0.001) correlated with peak VO2 especially in the patients with impaired exercise capacity whereas FAC and TAPSE were independent of peak VO2. Similar comparisons between VPS and control groups showed no difference in TAPSE and FAC between groups, but lower FAC/RVSP and TAPSE/RVSP in the VPS group. CONCLUSIONS: There is abnormal RV-PA coupling in chronic PR, and noninvasively measured RV-PA coupling might potentially be prognostic because of its correlation with exercise capacity.

Coronary artery disease in adults with tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data about outcomes of coronary artery disease (CAD) in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and treatment of CAD in adults with TOF, and the impact of CAD on long-term survival. METHODS: Retrospective review of MACHD database for adults with repaired TOF who underwent aortic root/selective coronary angiogram, 1990-2017. Patients were categorized into three groups: (1) No CAD defined as normal coronary angiogram; (2) Mild CAD defined as ≤50% stenosis in all vessels; and, (3) Significant CAD defined as >50% stenosis in any vessel. RESULTS: We identified 105 (23%) of 465 TOF patients that had angiograms; mean age 47 ± 12 years. The prevalence of mild CAD and significant CAD was 19% (20 patients) and 15% (16 patients), respectively. Of these 16 patient with significant CAD, 9 (56%), 3 (19%), and 4 (24%) patients received guideline directed medical therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass grafting, respectively. Significant CAD was an independent risk factor for mortality (HR: 2.03, 95% CI 1.64-4.22, P = .022) after adjustment for differences in age, and prevalence of atrial fibrillation and renal dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a review of a selected cohort of 105 TOF patients, the prevalence of mild CAD and significant CAD was 19% and 15%, respectively. Significant CAD was an independent risk factor for mortality. There is need for more research to determine optimal noninvasive diagnostic strategies and optimal patient selections and methods for revascularization.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices in adults with tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: Tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias affect 20%-50% of adult patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and some of these patients will require cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) such as pacemaker and/or internal cardioverter defibrillator. METHODS: The Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease database was queried for patients with repaired TOF and history of CIED implantation, 1990-2017. The study objectives were: (1) determine the occurrence of device-related complications defined as lead failure, lead recall, device infection and lead thrombus; and (2) determine the occurrence and risk factors for defibrillator shock. RESULTS: There were 99 patients (age 46±14 years and 66 (66%) men) with CIED, and the CIEDs were 41 (41%) pacemakers and 73 (73%) defibrillators. Indication for defibrillator implantation was for primary prevention in 28 (38%) and secondary prevention in 45 (62%). Device-related complications occurred in 20 (20%) patients (lead failure 17, lead recall 4, device infection 12 and thrombus 3). Twenty-five per cent of all device infections occurred within 30 days from the time of device generator change. Annualised rates of appropriate and inappropriate shocks were 5.7% and 6.2%, respectively. The use of class III antiarrhythmic drug was protective against defibrillator shock. CONCLUSION: The current study provides useful outcome data to aid patient counselling and clinical decision-making. Further studies are required to explore ways to decrease the risk of postprocedural infection after device generator change, and to determine which patients will benefit from empirical antiarrhythmic therapy as a strategy to decrease incidence of inappropriate defibrillator shock.

Aortic disease and interventions in adults with tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: Aortic dilation and aortic valve disease are known long-term complication of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), but the risk of aortic dissection and the indications for prophylactic aortic surgery are unknown in this population. The purpose of this study was to: (1) determine the prevalence of significant aortic valve disease and/or significant aortic aneurysm (AVD-AA); (2) determine the incidence of progressive aortic dilation and aortic dissection in patients with TOF. METHODS: Retrospective review of adults with repaired TOF, and no prior aortic valve/aorta surgery, who had ≥2 measurements of the thoracic aorta >12 months apart, 1990-2017. The aortic root and mid-ascending aorta were measured at the onset of QRS complex from leading edge to leading edge. Significant aortic valve disease was defined as the presence of ≥moderate aortic stenosis and/or ≥moderate aortic regurgitation. Significant aortic aneurysm was defined as aortic root or mid-ascending aorta dimension ≥50 mm. Progressive aortic dilation was defined as increase in aortic dimension ≥2 mm. RESULTS: Of the 453 consecutive patients (37±13 years, men 216 (49%)) in the study, aortic aneurysm was present in 312 (69%) based on normative data; progressive aortic dilation occurred in 40 (9%), and there was no case of aortic dissection. Significant AVD-AA occurred in 52 (12%) patients; and 15 of them (29%) underwent aortic surgery without any surgical mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Although aortic aneurysm was common, progressive aortic dilation was uncommon and aortic dissection did not occur in our patients with TOF with significant aortic aneurysms who did not undergo aortic surgery. This has important clinical implication in deciding the frequency of imaging follow-up and timing of surgical intervention in this population.

Role of QRS Fragmentation for Risk Stratification in Adults With Tetralogy of Fallot.

Background Patients with tetralogy of Fallot ( TOF ) remain at risk for cardiovascular events despite successful repair. Some of the current risk stratification tools require advanced imaging and invasive studies, and hence are difficult to apply to routine patient care. A recent study showed that QRS fragmentation ( QRS -f) is predictive of mortality in patients with TOF. The current study aims to validate this result by assessing whether severity of QRS -f could predict all-cause mortality in a different TOF population. Methods and Results The authors reviewed the Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease database for patients with TOF who had ECG from 1990-2017. QRS -f was defined as notches in QRS complex in ≥2 contiguous leads on ECG , not related to bundle branch block, and classified as none, mild (≤3 leads), moderate (4 leads), or severe (≥5 leads). Of 465 patients (age 37±14 years) in the study, QRS -f was present in 161 (35%): mild (n=43, 9%), moderate (n=77, 17%), and severe (n=41, 9%). There were 55 deaths (12%) during 13.6±8.2 years of follow-up. Severity of QRS -f remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality after adjustment for other ECG parameters, patient demographics, and atrial and ventricular arrhythmia (hazard ratio, 1.74 per class; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.93 [ P=0.041]). Conclusions The presence of severe QRS -f may be used as complementary data to the usual clinical indices to determine whether interventions such as invasive electrophysiology study should be performed in patients with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia or to proceed with pulmonary valve replacement in patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation with ventricular volumes below the guideline-directed threshold for intervention.