Is mechanical dyssynchrony a therapeutic target in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found a high frequency of mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), hence suggesting that cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may be considered in HFpEF. The present study was designed to compare the amount of mechanical dyssynchrony between HFpEF patients and (1) HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) patients with an indication for CRT (HFrEF-CRT(+)) group, (2) HFrEF patients with QRS duration < 120 ms (HFrEF-QRS < 120 ms) group, and (3) hypertensive controls (HTN). METHODS: Electrical (ECG) and mechanical dyssynchrony (atrio-ventricular dyssynchrony, interventricular dyssynchrony, intraventricular dyssynchrony) were assessed using conventional, tissue Doppler, and Speckle Tracking strain echocardiography in 40 HFpEF patients, 40 age- and sex-matched HTN controls, 40 HFrEF-QRS < 120 ms patients, and 40 HFrEF-CRT(+) patients. RESULTS: The frequency of left bundle branch block was low in HFpEF patients (5%) and similar to HTN controls (5%, P = 0.85). Indices of dyssynchrony were similar between HFpEF and HTN patients or HFrEF-QRS < 120 ms patients. In contrast, most indices of dyssynchrony differed between HFpEF and HFrEF-CRT(+) patients. The principal components analysis on the entire cohort of 160 patients yielded 2 homogeneous groups of patients in terms of dyssynchrony, the first comprising HFrEF-CRT(+) patients and the second comprising HTN, HFrEF-QRS < 120 ms and HFpEF patients. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical dyssynchrony in HFpEF does not differ from that of patients with HTN or patients with HFrEF and a narrow QRS. This data raises concerns regarding the role of dyssynchrony in the pathophysiology of HFpEF and thereby the potential usage of CRT in HFpEF.

Novel approach for atrial fibrillation ablation during open-heart surgery using cryoballoon technology.

BACKGROUND: The role of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a 61-year-old man with persistent AF and severe mitral valve regurgitation, surgical cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation was performed during open-heart surgery, without complication. CONCLUSION: Surgical cryoballoon ablation is feasible and can effectively isolate PV.

Collateral nervous damages after cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation.

INTRODUCTION: Various types of complications have been reported after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using radiofrequency energy, but those have not been well defined when using cryoballoon ablation technique. The objective of this prospective study was to assess types, incidence, and outcome of complications after cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective monocentric study included 66 consecutive patients (39 males, age 57 ± 11 years) who underwent cryoballoon PVI for symptomatic paroxysmal AF. Phrenic nerve (PN) integrity was assessed by pacing from the superior vena cava during isolation of the right PVs. Before discharge, all patients were subjected to 24-hour Holter electrocardiograms, echocardiography, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Cardiac MRI was scheduled between 1 and 3 months postprocedure. At 3.7 ± 1.7 months after ablation, patients underwent clinical review and 24-hour Holter electrocardiograms. The mean number of cryoballoon applications was 10.0 ± 2.1 per patient and 2.5 ± 1.0 per vein. A 28 mm cryoballoon was used in 49 patients (74%) and a 23 mm cryoballoon in the remaining 17 patients (26%). Twelve complications (18%) attributing to collateral nervous damage were noticed in 9 patients: asymptomatic gastroparesis was observed in 6 patients (9%), transient PN palsy (PNP) in 5 (8%), and symptomatic inappropriate sinus tachycardia requiring beta-blocker treatment in 1 (1%). Neither cryoballoon-related esophageal ulceration nor PV stenosis was observed. CONCLUSION: Gastroparesis and PNP could be observed in a significant number of cases after cryoballoon ablation of AF. These complications are likely due to cryo-induced damages to nervous structures surrounding the heart.

Anticoagulant therapy and risk of cerebrovascular events after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in the elderly.

INTRODUCTION: Factors associated with cerebrovascular events (CVEs) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) have not been well defined in elderly patients (≥65 years). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of CVEs after RFA in patients with AF ≥65 years old, in comparison to patients <65 years, and with or without AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 508 consecutive patients ≥65 years old (mean age: 70 ± 4 years), who underwent RFA for paroxysmal (297) or persistent (211) AF. A stratified group of 508 patients < 65 years old who underwent RFA for AF served as a control group. All patients were anticoagulated with warfarin for ≥3 months after RFA. A perioperative CVE (≤4 weeks after RFA) occurred in 0.8% and 1% of patients ≥65 and <65 years old, respectively (P = 1). Among the patients ≥65 years old who remained in sinus rhythm after RFA, warfarin was discontinued in 60% and 56% of the patients with a CHADS(2) score of 0 and ≥1, respectively. Paroxysmal AF, no history of CVE, and successful RFA were independent predictors of discontinuing warfarin. During a mean follow-up of 3 ± 2 years, a late CVE (>4 weeks after the RFA) occurred in 15 of 508 (3%) of patients ≥65 years old (1% per year) and in 5 of 508 (1%) patients <65 years old (0.3% per year, P = 0.03). Among patients ≥65 years old, age >75 years old (OR = 4.9, ±95% CI: 3.3-148.5, P = 0.001) was the only independent predictor of a CVE. Among patients <65 years old, body mass index was the only independent predictor of a late CVE (OR = 1.2, ±95% CI: 1.03-1.33, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of a periprocedural CVE after RFA of AF is similar among patients ≥65 and <65 years old. Late CVEs after RFA are more prevalent in older than younger patients with AF, and age >75 years old is the only independent predictor of late CVEs regardless of the rhythm, anticoagulation status, or the CHADS(2) score (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥ 75 years, Diabetes mellitus and prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack).

Electrocardiographic abnormalities in centenarians and octogenarians: a case-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Centenarians have been proposed as a model of successful aging but recent studies suggest a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Some findings on their electrocardiograms (ECGs) are simply age-related and others mirror underlying diseases. We aimed to identify ECG features truly associated with extreme age. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 55 centenarians hospitalized between January 2000 and June 2010. Each centenarian was matched with three octogenarians according to gender, presence of hypertension, aortic stenosis, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease. RESULTS: A history of hypertension was present in 32 (58%) centenarians, aortic stenosis in 6 (11%), heart failure in 8 (15%), and ischemic heart disease in 6 (11%). Centenarians had a higher heart rate than octogenarians (81 ± 15 bpm vs. 72 ± 15 bpm, respectively, P < 0.001) but were less frequently on beta-blockers (7% vs. 36%, respectively, P < 0.001). Centenarians displayed more frequently atrial premature beats than octogenarians (18% vs. 3%, respectively, P < 0.001) but tended to have less atrial fibrillation (15% vs. 22% respectively, P = 0.21). Centenarians had more frequently left QRS axis deviation (48% vs. 28%, P = 0.009) and Q waves (14% vs. 1%, P = 0.02). QT interval was more prolonged in centenarians (446 ± 42 ms vs. 429 ± 39 ms, P = 0.008). Two centenarians (4%) and 24 (15%) octogenarians had a strictly normal ECG (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal ECG is a common finding in centenarians, with different characteristics than in younger elderly individuals. These differences are unrelated to the presence of cardiac diseases.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy as rescue therapy in end-stage heart failure: illustration by three-dimensional speckle tracking strain echocardiography.

We report the case of a 73-year-old man admitted for refractory heart failure following implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography with speckle tracking area strain identified severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and LV dyssynchrony following right ventricular pacing. As the patient's clinical condition rapidly worsened despite optimal medical treatment, a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacemaker was successfully implanted as rescue therapy. Symptoms rapidly regressed and echocardiographic assessment following CRT demonstrated an immediate improvement in LV systolic function, confirmed at 9-month follow-up with evidence of reverse remodeling. New imaging technologies such as 3D echocardiography with speckle tracking area strain may help to identify and follow up patients who will benefit from CRT as rescue therapy.

Prevalence and predictors of complications of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Up to 6% of patients experience complications after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and predictors of periprocedural complications after RFA for AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: The subjects were 1,295 consecutive patients (age = 60 ± 10 years) who underwent RFA (n = 1,642) for paroxysmal (53%) or persistent AF (47%) from January 2007 to January 2010. A complication occurred in 57 patients (3.5%); a vascular access complication in 31 (1.9%); pericardial tamponade in 20 (1.2%); a thromboembolic event in 4 (0.2%); deep venous thrombosis in 1 (<0.01%); and pulmonary vein stenosis in 1 patient (<0.01%). There were no procedure-related deaths. On multivariate analysis, female gender (OR = 2.27; ±95% CI: 1.31-2.57, P < 0.01) and procedures performed in July or August (OR = 2.10; ±95% CI: 1.16-3.80, P = 0.01) were independent predictors of any complication. For vascular complications, treatment with clopidogrel (OR = 4.40; ±95% CI: 1.43-13.53, P = 0.01), female gender (OR = 3.65; ±95% CI: 1.72-7.75, P < 0.01) and performing RFA in July or August (OR = 2.71; ±95% CI: 1.25-5.87, P = 0.01) were independent predictors. The only predictor of cardiac tamponade was prior RFA (OR = 3.32; ±95% CI: 0.95-11.61; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of perioperative complications for RFA of AF is 3.5% and vascular access complications constitute the majority. The need for clopidogrel therapy should be carefully considered prior to RFA. At teaching institutions close supervision should be exercised during vascular access early in the year. Improvements in ablation technology and elimination of the need for repeat procedures may decrease the risk of pericardial tamponade.

Facebook activity of residents and fellows and its impact on the doctor-patient relationship.

AIM: Facebook is an increasingly popular online social networking site. The purpose of this study was to describe the Facebook activity of residents and fellows and their opinions regarding the impact of Facebook on the doctor-patient relationship. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was emailed to 405 residents and fellows at the Rouen University Hospital, France, in October 2009. RESULTS: Of the 202 participants who returned the questionnaire (50%), 147 (73%) had a Facebook profile. Among responders, 138 (99%) displayed their real name on their profile, 136 (97%) their birthdates, 128 (91%) a personal photograph, 83 (59%) their current university and 76 (55%) their current position. Default privacy settings were changed by 61% of users, more frequently if they were registered for >1 year (p=0.02). If a patient requested them as a 'friend', 152 (85%) participants would automatically decline the request, 26 (15%) would decide on an individual basis and none would automatically accept the request. Eighty-eight participants (48%) believed that the doctor-patient relationship would be altered if patients discovered that their doctor had a Facebook account, but 139 (76%) considered that it would change only if the patient had open access to their doctor's profile, independent of its content. CONCLUSIONS: Residents and fellows frequently use Facebook and display personal information on their profiles. Insufficient privacy protection might have an impact the doctor-patient relationship.

Outcome of Frail Do-Not-Intubate Subjects With End-Stage Chronic Respiratory Failure and Their Opinion of Noninvasive Ventilation to Reverse Hypercapnic Coma.

BACKGROUND: The use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in the emergency setting to reverse hypercapnic coma in frail patients with end-stage chronic respiratory failure and do-not-intubate orders remains a questionable issue given the poor outcome of this vulnerable population. We aimed to answer this issue by assessing not only subjects' outcome with NIV but also subjects' point of view regarding NIV for this indication. METHODS: A prospective observational case-control study was conducted in 3 French tertiary care hospitals during a 2-y period. Forty-three individuals who were comatose (with pH < 7.25 and PaCO2 > 100 mm Hg at admission) were compared with 43 subjects who were not comatose and who were treated with NIV for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. NIV was applied by using the same protocol in both groups. They all had a do-not-intubate order and were considered vulnerable individuals with end-stage chronic respiratory failure according to well-validated scores. RESULTS: NIV yielded similar outcomes in the 2 groups regarding in-hospital mortality (n = 12 [28%] vs n = 12 [28%] in the noncomatose controls, P > .99) and 6-month survival (n = 28 [65%] vs n = 22 [51%] in the noncomatose controls, P = .31). Despite poor quality of life scores (21.5 ± 10 vs 31 ± 6 in the awakened controls, P = .056) as assessed by using the VQ11 questionnaire 6 months to 1 y after hospital discharge, a large majority of the survivors (n = 23 [85%]) would be willing to receive NIV again if a new episode of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure occurs. CONCLUSIONS: In the frailest subjects with supposed end-stage chronic respiratory failure that justifies treatment limitation decisions, it is worth trying NIV when acute hypercapnic respiratory failure occurs, even in the case of extreme respiratory acidosis with hypercapnic coma at admission.

Delayed but successful response to noninvasive ventilation in COPD patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated a new noninvasive ventilation (NIV) protocol that allows the pursuit of NIV in the case of persistent severe respiratory acidosis despite a first NIV challenge in COPD patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational multicentric pilot study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals over a 12-month study period. A total of 155 consecutive COPD patients who were admitted for AHRF and treated by NIV were enrolled. Delayed response to NIV was defined as a significant clinical improvement in the first 48 h following NIV initiation despite a persistent severe respiratory acidosis (pH <7.30) after the first 2 h of NIV trial. RESULTS: NIV failed in only 10 patients (6.5%). Delayed responders to NIV (n=83, 53%) exhibited similar nutritional status, comorbidities, functional status, frailty score, dyspnea score, and severity score at admission, compared with early responders (n=62, 40%). Only age (66 vs 70 years in early responders; P=0.03) and encephalopathy score (3 [2-4] vs 3 [2-4] in early responders; P=0.015) were different among the responders. Inhospital mortality did not differ between responders to NIV (n=10, 12% for delayed responders vs n=10, 16% for early responders, P=0.49). A second episode of AHRF occurred in 20 responders (14%), equally distributed among early and delayed responders to NIV (n=9, 14.5% in early responders vs n=11, 13% in delayed responders; P=0.83), with a poor survival rate (n=1, 5%). CONCLUSION: Most of the COPD patients with AHRF have a successful outcome when NIV is pursued despite a persistent severe respiratory acidosis after the first NIV trial. The outcome of delayed responders is similar to the one of the early responders. On the contrary, the second episode of AHRF during the hospital stay carries a poor prognosis.

Relationship between two-dimensional speckle-tracking septal strain and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and left bundle branch block: a prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated variable patterns of longitudinal septal deformation in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and left bundle branch block. This prospective single center study was designed to assess the relationship between septal deformation patterns obtained by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS: One hundred one patients with New York Heart Association class II to IV heart failure, LV ejection fractions ≤ 35%, and left bundle branch block underwent echocardiography before CRT. Longitudinal two-dimensional speckle-tracking strain analysis in the apical four-chamber view identified three patterns: double-peaked systolic shortening (pattern 1), early pre-ejection shortening peak followed by prominent systolic stretch (pattern 2), and pseudonormal shortening with a late systolic shortening peak and less pronounced end-systolic stretch (pattern 3). CRT response was defined as a relative reduction in LV end-systolic volume of ≥ 15% at 9-month follow-up. CRT super-response was defined as an absolute LV ejection fraction of ≥ 50% associated with a relative reduction in LV end-systolic volume of ≥ 15% and an improvement in New York Heart Association functional class. Cardiac death or hospitalization for heart failure during follow-up was systematically investigated. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of patients with pattern 1 or 2 were responders to CRT compared with 59% with pattern 3 (P < .0001). Thirty-six percent of patients with pattern 1 were super-responders compared with 15% of those with pattern 2 and 12% of those with pattern 3 (P = .037). The improvement in LV volumes, LV ejection fraction, and global longitudinal strain after CRT was better in patients with pattern 1 or 2 compared with those with pattern 3 (P < .0001 for all). Eighteen-month outcomes were excellent in patients with pattern 1 or 2, with event-free survival of 95 ± 3% compared with 75 ± 7% in patients with pattern 3 (P = .010). CONCLUSIONS: Septal deformation strain pattern 1 or 2 is highly predictive of CRT response. Further studies are needed to identify predictors of "nonresponse" in patients with a pattern 3.

Combined score using clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters to predict left ventricular remodeling in patients having had cardiac resynchronization therapy six months earlier.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a scoring system integrating clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic measurements can predict left ventricular reverse remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The derivation cohort consisted of 162 patients with heart failure implanted with a CRT device. Baseline clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic characteristics were entered into univariate and multivariate models to predict reverse remodeling as defined by a ≥15% reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume at 6 months (60%). Combinations of predictors were then tested under different scoring systems. A new 7-point CRT response score termed L2ANDS2: Left bundle branch block (2 points), Age >70 years, Nonischemic origin, left ventricular end-diastolic Diameter <40 mm/m(2), and Septal flash (2 points) was calculated for these patients. This score was then validated against a validation cohort of 45 patients from another academic center. A highly significant incremental predictive value was noted when septal flash was added to an initial 4-factor model including left bundle branch block (difference between area under the curve C statistics = 0.125, p <0.001). The predictive accuracy using the L2ANDS2 score was then 0.79 for the C statistic. Application of the new score to the validation cohort (71% of responders) gave a similar C statistic (0.75). A score >5 had a high positive likelihood ratio (+LR = 5.64), whereas a score <2 had a high negative likelihood ratio (-LR = 0.19). In conclusion, this L2ANDS2 score provides an easy-to-use tool for the clinician to assess the pretest probability of a patient being a CRT responder.

[Frequency and type of gifts given by pharmaceutical industry to cardiology residents]. / Fréquence et type de cadeaux reçus par les internes de cardiologie de la part de l'industrie pharmaceutique.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world and cardiologists are an important target for the pharmaceutical industry. We evaluated cardiology residents' exposure to pharmaceutical companies. METHODS: A survey was sent by e-mail in July 2009 to all residents of the Cardiology and Vascular Diseases program endorsed by the French Society of Cardiology. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 149 (56%) residents. Among them, 145 (97%) had at least one promotional item in their white coat. Non-educational gifts (such as pens and notepads) and scientific papers reprints are the most frequently received gifts. Pharmaceutical companies have invited 117 (79%) residents to a local or national congress and 42 (29%) to an international congress. Most residents consider gifts as ethically appropriate, particularly scientific textbooks, invitations to congresses and educational seminars. Among the 128 residents who assessed the value of a gift likely to compromise a physician's judgment, 36 (28%) answered < 100 euro, 51 (40%) between 101 and 1000 euro and 41 (32%) >1000 euro. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiology residents in France frequently interact with the pharmaceutical industry, receiving not only small gifts but also support to their medical education. Interactions with industry are generally considered appropriate and training on their ethical implications and influence on prescribing could be implemented during residency.

Functional decline in elderly patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes: impact on midterm outcome.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are less likely to be enrolled into randomized, controlled trials or receive guideline-recommended therapies, because of a higher burden of comorbidity, including functional decline. AIM: To assess the prognostic value of functional decline in a prospective, observational cohort of elderly ACS patients. METHODS: ACS patients aged > or = 70 years were enrolled. The ACS definition included ST- and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and unstable angina pectoris. Clinical admission and laboratory data and echocardiographic variables were recorded. Functional decline was defined as needing assisted care in daily life. The study endpoint was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Overall, 151 patients were enrolled (mean age 78 + or - 5 years; 52% men). Twenty-eight (19%) patients had functional decline. No significant difference in therapeutic management was observed between patients with functional decline and those living independently. Twenty-seven (18%) patients died during follow-up (median 447 days). Functional decline correlated with poor outcome (p = 0.008; hazard ratio [HR] 2.87 [1.31-6.25]). Other prognostic markers were diabetes, Killip class > or = II, elevated E/Ea ratio, C-reactive protein, B-type natriuretic peptide, haemoglobin, glycaemia and no coronary angiography. By multivariable analysis, C-reactive protein >13 mg/L correlated with poor outcome (p = 0.007; HR 4.77 [1.52-14.96]). There was a trend towards correlation between functional decline and poor outcome (p = 0.051; HR = 2.77 [0.99-7.72]). CONCLUSION: Functional decline seems to portend poor prognosis in elderly ACS patients. Larger, community-based studies are needed to confirm these findings in a multivariable model.