Antibiotic prophylaxis in invasive urodynamics, a Delphi consensus of the Italian Society of Urodynamics (SIUD).

INTRODUCTION: Although antibiotic prophylaxis (AB) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in bacteriuria after invasive urodynamics (UDS), no significant decrease in the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) has been confirmed. No absolute recommendations on the use of AB in case of relevant potential risk of UTI have been reported, though some categories of patients at increased infective probability after UDS have been recognized. The aim of this study is to report the experts' consensus on the best practice for the use of AB before UDS in the main categories of patients at potential risk of developing UTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed on AB before UDS in males and females. A panel of experts from the Italian Society of Urodynamics, Continence, Neuro-Urology, and Pelvic Floor (SIUD) assessed the review data and decided by a modified Delphi method on 16 statements proposed and discussed by the panel. The cut-off percentage for the consensus was a ≥70% of positive responses to the survey. The study was a Delphi consensus with experts' opinions, not a clinical trial involving directly patients. RESULTS: The panel group was composed of 57 experts in functional urology and UDS, mainly urologists, likewise gynaecologists, physiatrists, infectivologists, pediatric urologists, and nurses. A positive consensus was achieved on 9/16 (56.25%) of the statements, especially on the need for performing AB before UD in patients with neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. Urine analysis and urine culture before UDS are mandatory, and in the event of their positivity, UDS should be postponed. A consensus was reached on avoiding AB in menopausal status, diabetes, age, gender, bladder outlet obstruction, high postvoid residual, chronic catheterization, previous urological surgery, lack of urological abnormalities, pelvic organ prolapse, and negative urine analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for patients without notable risk factors and with a negative urine test due to the potential morbidities that may result from antibiotic administration. However, AB can be used for risk categories such as neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. The evaluation of urine analysis and urine culture and postponing UDS in cases of positive tests were considered good practices, as well as performing AB in the neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression.

Applications of Gene Therapy in Cardiomyopathies.

Gene therapy is defined by the introduction of new genes or the genetic modification of existing genes and/or their regulatory portions via gene replacement and gene editing strategies, respectively. The genetic material is usually delivered though cardiotropic vectors such as adeno-associated virus 9 or engineered capsids. The enthusiasm for gene therapy has been hampered somewhat by adverse events observed in clinical trials, including dose-dependent immunologic reactions such as hepatotoxicity, acquired hemolytic uremic syndrome and myocarditis. Notably, gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy has recently been approved and pivotal clinical trials are testing gene therapy approaches in rare myocardial conditions such as Danon disease and Fabry disease. Furthermore, promising results have been shown in animal models of gene therapy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. This review summarizes the gene therapy techniques, the toxicity risk associated with adeno-associated virus delivery, the ongoing clinical trials, and future targets.

Fulminant myocarditis proven by early biopsy and outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: While endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is recommended in adult patients with fulminant myocarditis, the clinical impact of its timing is still unclear. METHODS: Data were collected from 419 adult patients with clinically suspected fulminant myocarditis admitted to intensive care units across 36 tertiary centres in 15 countries worldwide. The diagnosis of myocarditis was histologically proven in 210 (50%) patients, either by EMB (n = 183, 44%) or by autopsy/explanted heart examination (n = 27, 6%), and clinically suspected cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed in 96 (23%) patients. The primary outcome of survival free of heart transplantation (HTx) or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) at 1 year was specifically compared between patients with early EMB (within 2 days after intensive care unit admission, n = 103) and delayed EMB (n = 80). A propensity score-weighted analysis was done to control for confounders. RESULTS: Median age on admission was 40 (29-52) years, and 322 (77%) patients received temporary mechanical circulatory support. A total of 273 (65%) patients survived without HTx/LVAD. The primary outcome was significantly different between patients with early and delayed EMB (70% vs. 49%, P = .004). After propensity score weighting, the early EMB group still significantly differed from the delayed EMB group in terms of survival free of HTx/LVAD (63% vs. 40%, P = .021). Moreover, early EMB was independently associated with a lower rate of death or HTx/LVAD at 1 year (odds ratio of 0.44; 95% confidence interval: 0.22-0.86; P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: Endomyocardial biopsy should be broadly and promptly used in patients admitted to the intensive care unit for clinically suspected fulminant myocarditis.

Epidemiology and geographic clustering of Erdheim-Chester disease in Italy and France.

This geoepidemiological study, performed in Italy and France, shows that Erdheim-Chester disease is increasingly diagnosed and cases cluster in specific geographic areas, namely southern Italy and central France. Disease frequency inversely correlates with the Human Development Index.

Pheochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock: A multicentre analysis of clinical profiles, management and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: There is still uncertainty about the management of patients with pheochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock (PICS). This study aims to investigate the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of patients with PICS. METHODS: We collected, retrospectively, the data of 18 patients without previously known pheochromocytoma admitted to 8 European hospitals with a diagnosis of PICS. RESULTS: Among the 18 patients with a median age of 50 years (Q1-Q3: 40-61), 50% were men. The main clinical features at presentation were pulmonary congestion (83%) and cyclic fluctuation of hypertension peaks and hypotension (72%). Echocardiography showed a median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 25% (Q1-Q3: 15-33.5) with an atypical- Takotsubo (TTS) pattern in 50%. Inotropes/vasopressors were started in all patients and temporary mechanical circulatory support (t-MCS) was required in 11 (61%) patients. All patients underwent surgical removal of the pheochromocytoma; 4 patients (22%) were operated on while under t-MCS. The median LVEF was estimated at 55% at discharge. Only one patient required heart transplantation (5.5%), and all patients were alive at a median follow-up of 679 days. CONCLUSIONS: PICS should be suspected in case of a CS with severe cyclic blood pressure fluctuation and rapid hemodynamic deterioration, associated with increased inflammatory markers or in case of TTS progressing to CS, particularly if an atypical TTS echocardiographic pattern is revealed. T-MCS should be considered in the most severe cases. The main challenge is to stabilize the patient, with medical therapy or with t-MCS, since it remains a reversible cause of CS with a low mortality rate.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Myocarditis: A Review.

Importance: Acute myocarditis, defined as a sudden inflammatory injury to the myocardium, affects approximately 4 to 14 people per 100 000 each year globally and is associated with a mortality rate of approximately 1% to 7%. Observations: The most common causes of myocarditis are viruses, such as influenza and coronavirus; systemic autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus; drugs, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors; and vaccines, including smallpox and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Approximately 82% to 95% of adult patients with acute myocarditis present with chest pain, while 19% to 49% present with dyspnea, and 5% to 7% with syncope. The diagnosis of myocarditis can be suggested by presenting symptoms, elevated biomarkers such as troponins, electrocardiographic changes of ST segments, and echocardiographic wall motion abnormalities or wall thickening. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or endomyocardial biopsy are required for definitive diagnosis. Treatment depends on acuity, severity, clinical presentation, and etiology. Approximately 75% of patients admitted with myocarditis have an uncomplicated course, with a mortality rate of approximately 0%. In contrast, acute myocarditis that is complicated by acute heart failure or ventricular arrhythmias is associated with a 12% rate of either in-hospital mortality or need for heart transplant. Approximately 2% to 9% of patients have hemodynamic instability, characterized by inability to maintain adequate end-organ perfusion, and require inotropic agents, or mechanical circulatory devices, such as extracorporeal life support, to facilitate functional recovery. These patients have an approximately 28% rate of mortality or heart transplant at 60 days. Immunosuppression (eg, corticosteroids) is appropriate for patients who have myocarditis characterized by eosinophilic or giant cell myocardial infiltrations or due to systemic autoimmune disorders. However, the specific immune cells that should be targeted to improve outcomes in patients with myocarditis remain unclear. Conclusions and Relevance: Acute myocarditis affects approximately 4 to 14 per 100 000 people per year. First-line therapy depends on acuity, severity, clinical presentation, and etiology and includes supportive care. While corticosteroids are often used for specific forms of myocarditis (eg, eosinophilic or giant cell infiltrations), this practice is based on anecdotal evidence, and randomized clinical trials of optimal therapeutic interventions for acute myocarditis are needed.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis: from pathophysiology to rechallenge of therapy - a narrative review.

Even if immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the landscape of cancer therapy, their use may be complicated by immune-related adverse events. Among these, myocarditis is the most severe complication. The clinical suspicion often arises after clinical symptoms onset and increase in cardiac biomarkers or electrocardiographic manifestations. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are recommended for each patient. However, since they may be misleadingly normal, endomyocardial biopsy remains the gold standard for establishing the diagnosis. Until now, treatment has been based on glucocorticoids even if increasing interest has risen in other immunosuppressive agents. Although myocarditis currently imposes immunotherapy discontinuation, case reports have suggested a safety rechallenge in low-grade myocarditis paving the way for further studies to respond to this unmet clinical need.

Long-Term Survival Rate of ATOMS Implant for Male Stress Urinary Incontinence and Management of Late Complications.

BACKGROUND: stress urinary incontinence (SUI) still represents a major drawback of prostate surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate long term efficacy, safety and survival of ATOMS system implant in a single center. METHODS: we retrospectively included al consecutive patients treated with ATOMS implant for SUI from October 2014 to July 2019. Patients received anamnesis, urodynamic evaluation, pre- and postoperative 24 h pad test and count. Patients were considered "continent" when dry or when wearing a security pad (social continence). RESULTS: we treated99 patientswith median age 77.98 years (IQR 72.7-82.52). Most of the patients had undergone radical prostatectomy. Median follow-up was 62.9 months (IQR 47.5-75.9). At last follow-up 74 (74.7%) patients reported continence. We had 21 early (<30 days) postoperative complications, all Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade 1 [11 temporary perineal pain, 4 urinary retention, 3 scrotal edema, 2 superficial wound dehiscence, 1 dysuria]. We had late postoperative complications in 28 patients [7 port dislocations requiring surgical repositioning (CD 3a), 6 device removals (CD 3a) due to port erosion (2), inefficacy (2), cushion leakage (1), mesh detachment (1), perineal pain (5), 2 cases of port extrusion solved with port removal leaving the device in place (CD 3a), 2 superficial wound dehiscence (CD 1), 2 UTI (CD 1), 1 scrotal edema (CD 1), 1 cushion deflate (CD 1), 1 dysuria (CD 1), 1 perineal pain (CD 1)]. The survival of the device was 97% at 12 months, 93% at 24 months, 91% at 36 months, 90% at 48 months and 87.9% at 60 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the good safety and efficacy of ATOMS implant for the treatment of SUI.

Management of complex ischial-urethral fistula in neurogenic patients performing clean intermittent self-catheterization.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic patients performing clean-intermittent self-catheterization (CIC) may develop an urethral erosion, resulting in ischial-urethral fistulas (I-UF). In this work we present our single-center experience in dealing with this peculiar complication. METHODS: In this work we included all neurogenic patients performing CIC treated at out Institution for I-UF. All patients had a spinal cord injury or myelomeningocele. We extracted from the patients' medical records the surgical management and postoperative clinical data. We defined failure the persistence of the fistula at X-ray contrast fistulography, retrograde urethrography, or uretrocystoscopy. RESULTS: We treated 11 patients (8 spinal cord injury, 3 myelomeningocele). Four patients have been treated with the placement of a new generation urethral stent (Uventa) after surgical toilette of the skin ulcer and placement of a temporary suprapubic catheter. All patients demonstrated a complete healing of the urethral lesion at stent removal and continued CIC without any difficulty. Four patients have been treated with perineal urethroplasty, requiring a buccal mucosal graft in two cases. In two patients a suprapubic permanent catheter was placed for a simpler bladder management due to the patients' comorbidities. In one case the incidental finding of an high grade muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer, made it mandatory to perform an uretheroileocutaneostomy. CONCLUSIONS: This work represent a unique series of I-UF in neurogenic patients performing CIC. Surgical urethral reconstruction, often with the use of buccal mucosa in large lesions, may be a difficult solution in neurogenic patients, new generation stents (Uventa) represent a minimally invasive, effective, and safe alternative.

Cardiac magnetic resonance abnormalities in patients with acute myocarditis proven by septal endomyocardial biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest low diagnostic sensitivity of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging based on Lake Louise criteria (LLC) to identify patients with complicated presentations of acute myocarditis (AM). We evaluated classic and updated LLC in patients with AM proven by right ventricular septal endomyocardial biopsy (RVS-EMB). METHODS: From an initial population of 499 patients with clinically suspected AM from a multicenter retrospective cohort, we included 74 patients with histologically proven myocarditis on RVS-EMB and available CMR within 30 days since admission. The prevalence of total and septal CMR abnormalities [namely, T2-weighted images (T2W), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T2 and T1 mapping, and extracellular volume (ECV)] were assessed in patients with complicated vs. uncomplicated AM. RESULTS: Among 74 patients [mean age 38 ± 15 years, 65% males, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 40 ± 18%] with RVS-EMB-proven AM, 53 (72%) had a complicated presentation. The classic LLC were positive in 56/74 patients (76%), whereas the updated ones were positive in 41/41 of cases (100%). Septal involvement, documented in 48/74 patients (65%) by conventional T2W/LGE and in 39/41 cases (95%) by mapping techniques (p < 0.001), was more common in patients with complicated AM. In the 41 patients undergoing both evaluations, CMR sensitivity for myocarditis was 85% for the classic LLC vs. 100% for the updated LLC (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: In patients with myocarditis on RVS-EMB, CMR using updated LLC has high sensitivity in the detection of AM when performed within 30 days. Septal abnormalities are more common in patients with complicated AM.

Systemic leak capillary syndrome with myocardial involvement and cardiogenic shock: a case report.

Background: Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a potentially fatal disorder characterized by relapses of hypovolemic shock episodes. Case Summary: We present a case of a 58-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department with a history of recurrent episodes of syncope in the last hours. A few days before medical contact the patient complained of sore throat, fever, and flu-like symptoms. He was initially admitted with a diagnosis of suspected myopericarditis. Forty-eight hours later, the haemodynamic status suddenly deteriorated to a mixed cardiogenic and shock; an endomyocardial biopsy showed localized inflammatory infiltrates and areas of necrosis of cardiomyocytes with positive viral search for parvovirus B19 (PVB19), therefore the patient was treated with methylprednisolone pulses. Based on the concurrent presence of the typical triad of hypotension, hypoalbuminaemia, and haemoconcentration we suspected systemic leak capillary syndrome potentially triggered by the PVB19 infection with acute myocarditis. The clinical conditions further deteriorated with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury: we started continuous veno-venous haemofiltration adding a cytokines adsorber. In the following hours, we observed a significant clinical improvement. The patient was discharged 1 month later and 5 months after discharge he experienced a new attack of SCLS, this time without myocardial involvement and with prompt symptoms resolution. Conclusion: Systemic capillary leak syndrome is a potentially fatal disorder: early recognition of this entity and prompt initiation of supportive therapy are warranted, therefore, it is paramount that an emergency physician thinks of SCLS in patients with signs of cardiogenic shock and the classical triad of hypotension, hypoalbuminia, and haemoconcentration.

Temporal trends in characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of heart failure in octogenarians over two decades.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Octogenarians represent the most rapidly expanding population segment in Europe. The prevalence of heart failure (HF) in this group exceeds 10%. We assessed changes in clinical characteristics, therapy, and 1-year outcomes over 2 decades in chronic HF outpatients aged ≥ 80 years enrolled in a nationwide cardiology registry. METHODS: We included 2520 octogenarians with baseline echocardiographic ejection fraction measurements and available 1-year follow-up, who were recruited at 138 HF outpatient clinics (21% of national hospitals with cardiology units), across 3 enrolment periods (1999-2005, 2006-2011, 2012-2018). RESULTS: At recruitment, over the 3 study periods, there was an increase in age, body mass index, ejection fraction, the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, pre-existing hypertension, and atrial fibrillation history. The proportion of patients with preserved ejection fraction rose from 19.4% to 32.7% (P for trend <.0001). Markers of advanced disease became less prevalent. Prescription of beta-blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists increased over time. During the 1-year follow-up, 308 patients died (12.2%) and 360 (14.3%) were admitted for cardiovascular causes; overall, 591 (23.5%) met the combined primary endpoint of all-cause mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization. On adjusted multivariable analysis, enrolment in 2006 to 2011 (HR, 0.70; 95%CI, 0.55-0.90; P=.004) and 2012 to 2018 (HR, 0.61; 95%CI, 0.47-0.79; P=.0002) carried a lower risk of the primary outcome than recruitment in 1999 to 2005. CONCLUSIONS: Among octogenarians, over 2 decades, risk factor prevalence increased, management strategies improved, and survival remained stable, but the proportion hospitalized for cardiovascular causes declined. Despite increasing clinical complexity, in cardiology settings the burden of hospitalizations in the oldest old with chronic HF is declining.

[ANMCO Position paper: Care pathway for advanced heart failure patients candidate for heart transplantation/ventricular assist device]. / Position paper ANMCO: Percorso assistenziale del paziente con insufficienza cardiaca avanzata candidabile a trapianto/assistenza ventricolare meccanica.

Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome with a severe prognosis, despite therapeutic progress. The management of the advanced stages of the syndrome is particularly complex in patients who are referred to palliative care as well as in those who are candidates for cardiac replacement therapy. For the latter group, a prompt recognition of the transition to the advanced stage as well as an early referral to the centers for cardiac replacement therapy are essential elements to ensure that patients follow the most appropriate diagnostic-therapeutic pathway. The aim of this document is to focus on the main diagnostic and therapeutic aspects related to the advanced stages of heart failure and, in particular, on the management of patients who are candidates for cardiac replacement therapy.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Outcomes of COVID-19-Associated Acute Myocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocarditis (AM) is thought to be a rare cardiovascular complication of COVID-19, although minimal data are available beyond case reports. We aim to report the prevalence, baseline characteristics, in-hospital management, and outcomes for patients with COVID-19-associated AM on the basis of a retrospective cohort from 23 hospitals in the United States and Europe. METHODS: A total of 112 patients with suspected AM from 56 963 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were evaluated between February 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021. Inclusion criteria were hospitalization for COVID-19 and a diagnosis of AM on the basis of endomyocardial biopsy or increased troponin level plus typical signs of AM on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. We identified 97 patients with possible AM, and among them, 54 patients with definite/probable AM supported by endomyocardial biopsy in 17 (31.5%) patients or magnetic resonance imaging in 50 (92.6%). We analyzed patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes among all COVID-19-associated AM. RESULTS: AM prevalence among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was 2.4 per 1000 hospitalizations considering definite/probable and 4.1 per 1000 considering also possible AM. The median age of definite/probable cases was 38 years, and 38.9% were female. On admission, chest pain and dyspnea were the most frequent symptoms (55.5% and 53.7%, respectively). Thirty-one cases (57.4%) occurred in the absence of COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Twenty-one (38.9%) had a fulminant presentation requiring inotropic support or temporary mechanical circulatory support. The composite of in-hospital mortality or temporary mechanical circulatory support occurred in 20.4%. At 120 days, estimated mortality was 6.6%, 15.1% in patients with associated pneumonia versus 0% in patients without pneumonia (P=0.044). During hospitalization, left ventricular ejection fraction, assessed by echocardiography, improved from a median of 40% on admission to 55% at discharge (n=47; P<0.0001) similarly in patients with or without pneumonia. Corticosteroids were frequently administered (55.5%). CONCLUSIONS: AM occurrence is estimated between 2.4 and 4.1 out of 1000 patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The majority of AM occurs in the absence of pneumonia and is often complicated by hemodynamic instability. AM is a rare complication in patients hospitalized for COVID-19, with an outcome that differs on the basis of the presence of concomitant pneumonia.

Immunomodulating Therapies in Acute Myocarditis and Recurrent/Acute Pericarditis.

The field of inflammatory disease of the heart or "cardio-immunology" is rapidly evolving due to the wider use of non-invasive diagnostic tools able to detect and monitor myocardial inflammation. In acute myocarditis, recent data on the use of immunomodulating therapies have been reported both in the setting of systemic autoimmune disorders and in the setting of isolated forms, especially in patients with specific histology (e.g., eosinophilic myocarditis) or with an arrhythmicburden. A role for immunosuppressive therapies has been also shown in severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a condition that can be associated with cardiac injury and acute myocarditis. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials are assessing the role of high dosage methylprednisolone in the context of acute myocarditis complicated by heart failure or fulminant presentation or the role of anakinra to treat patients with acute myocarditis excluding patients with hemodynamically unstable conditions. In addition, the explosion of immune-mediated therapies in oncology has introduced new pathophysiological entities, such as immune-checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis and new basic research models to understand the interaction between the cardiac and immune systems. Here we provide a broad overview of evolving areas in cardio-immunology. We summarize the use of new imaging tools in combination with endomyocardial biopsy and laboratory parameters such as high sensitivity troponin to monitor the response to immunomodulating therapies based on recent evidence and clinical experience. Concerning pericarditis, the normal composition of pericardial fluid has been recently elucidated, allowing to assess the actual presence of inflammation; indeed, normal pericardial fluid is rich in nucleated cells, protein, albumin, LDH, at levels consistent with inflammatory exudates in other biological fluids. Importantly, recent findings showed how innate immunity plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of recurrent pericarditis with raised C-reactive protein, with inflammasome and IL-1 overproduction as drivers for systemic inflammatory response. In the era of tailored medicine, anti-IL-1 agents such as anakinra and rilonacept have been demonstrated highly effective in patients with recurrent pericarditis associated with an inflammatory phenotype.

Fulminant myocarditis in adults: a narrative review.

Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is an uncommon syndrome characterized by sudden and severe hemodynamic compromise secondary to acute myocardial inflammation, often presenting as profound cardiogenic shock, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and/or electrical storm. FM may be refractory to conventional therapies and require mechanical circulatory support (MCS). The immune system has been recognized as playing a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of myocarditis, leading to an increased focus on immunosuppressive treatment strategies. Recent data have highlighted not only the fact that FM has significantly worse outcomes than non-FM, but that prognosis and management strategies of FM are heavily dependent on histological subtype, placing greater emphasis on the role of endomyocardial biopsy in diagnosis. The impact of subtype on severity and prognosis will likewise influence how aggressively the myocarditis is managed, including whether MCS is warranted. Many patients with refractory cardiogenic shock secondary to FM end up requiring MCS, with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation demonstrating favorable survival rates, particularly when initiated prior to the development of multiorgan failure. Among the challenges facing the field are the need to more precisely identify immunopathophysiological pathways in order to develop targeted therapies, and the need to better optimize the timing and management of MCS to minimize complications and maximize outcomes.

Urethral Bulking in the Treatment of Stress and Mixed Female Urinary Incontinence: Results from a Multicenter Cohort and Predictors of Clinical Outcomes.

The aim of the present study is to analyze the outcomes of urethral bulking in the treatment of non-neurogenic female stress and mixed urinary incontinence and to assess predictors of clinical outcomes. We retrospectively included all consecutive patients affected by stress or mixed urinary incontinence and treated with urethral bulking. Outcomes were evaluated via the PGI-I questionnaire and the 24-h pad test. Between January 2010 and January 2020, we treated 216 patients (Bulkamid n = 206; Macro-plastique n = 10). The median age at surgery was 66 years (IQR 55−73.75). The median follow-up was 12 months (IQR 12−24). In total, 23.8% of patients were subjected to prior incontinence surgery, 63.8% of patients were affected by genuine stress urinary incontinence, 36.2% reported mixed urinary incontinence, whereas detrusor overactivity was confirmed in only 24.9%. The dry rate was 32.9%; nevertheless, 69.9% of patients declared themselves "very improved" or "improved" (PGI-I1-2). Low complications were observed, mostly classified as Clavien I. After univariate and multivariate analyses, the only statistically significant independent predictor of "dry" outcome was the 24 h pad test, p < 0.001. Urethral bulking could be proposed with more expectations of success in patients with mild urinary incontinence. Patients affected by moderate−severe incontinence are less likely to obtain clinical success; therefore, they should be carefully counselled about clinical expectations before the procedure.

State-of-the-Art of Endomyocardial Biopsy on Acute Myocarditis and Chronic Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Histologic evidence of myocardial inflammatory infiltrate not secondary to an ischemic injury is required by current diagnostic criteria to reach a definite diagnosis of myocarditis. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is therefore often indicated for the diagnosis of myocarditis, although it may lack sufficient sensitivity considering the limited possibility of myocardial sampling. Improving the diagnostic yield and utility of EMB is of high priority in the fields of heart failure cardiology and myocarditis in particular. The aim of the present review is to highlight indications, strengths, and shortcomings of current EMB techniques, and discuss innovations currently being tested in ongoing clinical studies, especially in the setting of acute myocarditis and chronic inflammatory cardiomyopathy. RECENT FINDINGS: EMB provides unique diagnostic elements and prognostic information which can effectively guide the treatment of myocarditis. Issues affecting the diagnostic performance in the setting of acute myocarditis and chronic inflammatory cardiomyopathies will be discussed in this review in the light of recent expert consensus documents on the management of these conditions and on indication to EMB. Recent innovations using electroanatomic mapping (EAM)-guided EMB and fluoroscopic-guided EMB during temporary mechanical circulatory support have improved the utility of the procedure. EMB remains an important diagnostic test whose results need to be interpreted in the context of (1) clinical pre-test probability, (2) timing of sampling, (3) quality of sampling (4) site of sampling, (5) histologic type of myocarditis, and (6) analytic methods that are applied. Herein we will review these caveats as well as perspectives and innovations related to the use of this diagnostic tool.