Characteristics, management, and outcomes of active cancer patients with cardiogenic shock.

AIMS: Characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with active cancer admitted for cardiogenic shock remain largely unknown. This study aimed to address this issue and identify the determinants of 30-day and 1-year mortality in a large cardiogenic shock cohort of all aetiologies. METHODS AND RESULTS: FRENSHOCK is a prospective multicenter observational registry conducted in French critical care units between April and October 2016. 'Active cancer' was defined as a malignancy diagnosed within the previous weeks with planned or ongoing anticancer therapy. Among the 772 enrolled patients (mean age 65.7 ± 14.9 years; 71.5% male), 51 (6.6%) had active cancer. Among them, the main cancer types were solid cancers (60.8%), and hematological malignancies (27.5%). Solid cancers were mainly urogenital (21.6%), gastrointestinal (15.7%), and lung cancer (9.8%). Medical history, clinical presentation, and baseline echocardiography were almost the same between groups. In-hospital management significantly differed: patients with cancers received more catecholamines or inotropes (norepinephrine 72% vs. 52%, P = 0.005 and norepinephrine-dobutamine combination 64.7% vs. 44.5%, P = 0.005), but had less mechanical circulatory support (5.9% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.016). They presented a similar 30-day mortality rate (29% vs. 26%) but a significantly higher mortality at 1-year (70.6% vs. 45.2%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, active cancer was not associated with 30-day mortality but was significantly associated with 1-year mortality in 30-day survivors [HR 3.61 (1.29-10.11), P = 0.015]. CONCLUSION: Active cancer patients accounted for almost 7% of all cases of cardiogenic shock. Early mortality was the same regardless of active cancer or not, whereas long-term mortality was significantly increased in patients with active cancer.

Impact of Mitral Regurgitation Etiology on Mitral Surgery After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: From the CUTTING-EDGE Registry.

BACKGROUND: Although >150,000 mitral TEER procedures have been performed worldwide, the impact of MR etiology on MV surgery after TEER remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to compare outcomes of mitral valve (MV) surgery after failed transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) stratified by mitral regurgitation (MR) etiology. METHODS: Data from the CUTTING-EDGE registry were retrospectively analyzed. Surgeries were stratified by MR etiology: primary (PMR) and secondary (SMR). MVARC (Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium) outcomes at 30 days and 1 year were evaluated. Median follow-up was 9.1 months (IQR: 1.1-25.8 months) after surgery. RESULTS: From July 2009 to July 2020, 330 patients underwent MV surgery after TEER, of which 47% had PMR and 53.0% had SMR. Mean age was 73.8 ± 10.1 years, median STS risk at initial TEER was 4.0% (IQR: 2.2%-7.3%). Compared with PMR, SMR had a higher EuroSCORE, more comorbidities, lower LVEF pre-TEER and presurgery (all P < 0.05). SMR patients had more aborted TEER (25.7% vs 16.3%; P = 0.043), more surgery for mitral stenosis after TEER (19.4% vs 9.0%; P = 0.008), and fewer MV repairs (4.0% vs 11.0%; P = 0.019). Thirty-day mortality was numerically higher in SMR (20.4% vs 12.7%; P = 0.072), with an observed-to-expected ratio of 3.6 (95% CI: 1.9-5.3) overall, 2.6 (95% CI: 1.2-4.0) in PMR, and 4.6 (95% CI: 2.6-6.6) in SMR. SMR had significantly higher 1-year mortality (38.3% vs 23.2%; P = 0.019). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the actuarial estimates of cumulative survival were significantly lower in SMR at 1 and 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of MV surgery after TEER is nontrivial, with higher mortality after surgery, especially in SMR patients. These findings provide valuable data for further research to improve these outcomes.

Predictors of Clinical Success After Transcatheter Paravalvular Leak Closure: An International Prospective Multicenter Registry.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure of a symptomatic prosthetic paravalvular leak (PVL) is feasible, but there is presently no conclusive evidence to show consistent efficacy. We aimed to identify predictors of clinical success after transcatheter PVL closure. METHODS: Consecutive patients referred to 24 European centers for transcatheter PVL closure in 2017 to 2019 were included in a prospective registry (Fermeture de Fuite ParaProthétique, FFPP). Clinical success was absence of any of the following within 1 month: re-admission for heart failure, blood transfusion, open-heart valvular surgery, and death. RESULTS: We included 216 symptomatic patients, who underwent 238 percutaneous PVL closure procedures on the mitral (64.3%), aortic (34.0%), or tricuspid (1.7%) valve. Symptoms were heart failure, hemolytic anemia, or both in 48.9%, 7.8%, and 43.3% of patients, respectively. One, 2, and 3 leaks were treated during the same procedure in 69.6%, 26.6%, and 3.8% of patients, respectively. The PVL was pinpoint or involved 1/8 or 1/4 of the valve circumference in 18.6%, 52.4%, and 28.1% of cases, respectively. The most frequently used devices were the Vascular Plug 3, Ventricular Septal Defect Occluder, Vascular Plug 2, and Paravalvular Leak Device (45.0%, 16.6%, 14.2%, and 13.6% of cases, respectively). Successful device(s) implantation with leak reduction to ≤grade 2 was obtained in 85.0% of mitral and 91.4% of aortic procedures, respectively (P=0.164); with major periprocedural adverse event rates of 3.3% and 1.2%, respectively (P=0.371); and clinical success rates of 70.3% and 88.0%, respectively (P=0.004). By multivariate analysis, technical failure, mechanical valve, and hemolytic anemia were independently associated with absence of clinical success (odds ratios [95% CIs], 7.7 [2.0-25.0]; P=0.002; 3.6 [1.1-11.1]; P=0.036; and 3.7 [1.2-11.9]; P=0.025; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter PVL closure is efficient and safe in symptomatic patients but is associated with a lower clinical success rate in patients with hemolysis and/or a mechanical valve. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifiers: NCT05089136.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair following surgical valve repair with ring implantation: Results from the multicentre "Clip-in-Ring" registry.

BACKGROUND: Management of mitral regurgitation recurrence after failed surgical valve repair with ring implantation is controversial. AIM: To describe the French experience regarding midterm safety and efficacy of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) in patients with failed surgical valve repair with ring implantation. METHODS: The "Clip-in-Ring" registry is a multicentre registry conducted in 11 centres in France, approved by local institutional review boards, of consecutive TEER following surgical valve repair with ring implantation. Outcomes were Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium (MVARC) technical success, modified 30-day device and procedural success (where 10mmHg is considered as a cut-off for significant mitral stenosis) and MVARC complications. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were studied: mean age, 69±10years; male sex, 74%; EuroSCORE II, 16±17; left ventricular ejection fraction, 53±12%; mitral regurgitation grade 3+/4+, 17%/78%; New York Heart Association class III/IV, 47%/22%; median surgery to TEER delay, 23 (6-94) months. Technical success was 100%. At discharge, residual mitral regurgitation grade was≤2+ in 87% and median transmitral gradient was 4 (3-5) mmHg. Thirty-day modified MVARC device and procedural success was 82%: four patients (17%) had residual mitral regurgitation grade>2+, including two patients who needed complementary surgery. No patient had a 30-day transmitral gradient>7mmHg. No patient died or had a stroke or any life-threatening complications. One patient presented a vascular access complication requiring transfusion. No other MVARC-2 adverse event was reported. CONCLUSIONS: TEER in patients with failed mitral ring is feasible and safe. Further studies should delineate its exact role in the therapeutic armamentarium for this medical issue.

Simultaneous transapical aortic and mitral valve implantation in a patient with porcelain aorta.

Left-sided double valve disease in the setting of extensive mitral annular calcifications and porcelain aorta raises multiple surgical challenges when considering an open surgical repair. We herein present the case of a 67-year-old patient with severe symptomatic aortic and mitral stenosis associated with extensive mitral annular calcifications and porcelain aorta, successfully treated by simultaneous transapical transcatheter aortic and mitral valve implantation.

Endocarditis after percutaneous edge-to-edge in a heart transplant recipient: management through the HeartPort technique.

In the case illustrated in this study, a heart transplant recipient received percutaneous mitral edge-to-edge for secondary mitral regurgitation on the basis of increased reoperative risk. After development of mitral endocarditis, reoperation and mitral valve replacement were successfully performed through the HeartPort technique. We discuss the technical aspects, including the positioning of the Intraclude® device and the access to the mitral valve in this context. We address the decision-making issues (role of minimally invasive surgery to reduce operative risk in patients with one or more previous sternotomies).

Comparison of the Transarterial and Transthoracic Approaches in Nontransfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Transfemoral approach stands as the reference access-route for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Nonetheless, alternatives approaches are still needed in a significant proportion of patients. This study aimed at comparing outcomes between transthoracic-approach (transapical or transaortic) and transarterial-approach (transcarotid or subclavian) TAVI. Data from 191 consecutive patients who underwent surgical-approach TAVI from May 2009 to September 2017 were analyzed. Patients were allocated in 2 groups according to the approach. The primary end point was the 30-day composite of death of any cause, need for open surgery, tamponade, stroke, major or life-threatening bleeding, stage 2 or 3 acute kidney injury, coronary obstruction, or major vascular complications. During the study period, 104 patients underwent transthoracic TAVI (transapical: 60.6%, transaortic: 39.4%) whereas 87 patients underwent transarterial TAVI (subclavian: 83.9%, transcarotid: 16.1%). Logistic EuroSCORE I tended to be higher in transthoracic-TAVI recipients. In-hospital and 30-day composite end point rates were 25.0% and 11.5% (p = 0.025), and 26.0% and 14.9% (p = 0.075) for the transthoracic and transarterial cohorts, respectively. Propensity score-adjusted logistic regression demonstrated no significant detrimental association between the 30-day composite end point and transthoracic access (odds ratio 2.12 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 6.42; p = 0.18). Transarterial TAVI was associated with a shorter length of stay (median: 6 vs 7 days, p <0.001). TAVI approach was not an independent predictor of midterm mortality. In conclusion, nontransfemoral transarterial-approach TAVI is safe, feasible, and associated with comparable rates of major perioperative complications, and midterm mortality compared with transthoracic-approach TAVI.

Recognition and significance of pathological T-wave inversions in athletes.

BACKGROUND: Pathological T-wave inversion (PTWI) is rarely observed on the ECG of healthy athletes, whereas it is common in patients with certain cardiac diseases. All ECG interpretation guidelines for use within athletes state that PTWI (except in leads aVR, III and V1 and in V1-V4 when preceded by domed ST segment in asymptomatic Afro-Caribbean athletes only) cannot be considered a physiological adaptation. The aims of the present study were to prospectively determine the prevalence of cardiac pathology in athletes presenting with PTWI, and to examine the efficacy of cardiac magnetic resonance in the work-up battery of further examinations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Athletes presenting with PTWI (n=155) were investigated with clinical examination, ECG, echocardiography, exercise testing, 24h Holter ECG, and cardiac magnetic resonance. Cardiac disease was established in 44.5% of athletes, with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (81%) the most common pathology. Echocardiography was abnormal in 53.6% of positive cases, and cardiac magnetic resonance identified a further 24 athletes with disease. Five athletes (7.2%) considered normal on initial presentation subsequently expressed pathology during follow-up. Familial history of sudden cardiac death and ST-segment depression associated with PTWI were predictive of cardiac disease. CONCLUSIONS: PTWI should be considered pathological in all cases until proven otherwise, because it was associated with cardiac pathology in 45% of athletes. Despite echocardiography identifying pathology in half of these cases, cardiac magnetic resonance must be considered routine in athletes presenting with PTWI with normal echocardiography. Although exclusion from competitive sport is not warranted in the presence of normal secondary examinations, annual follow-up is essential to ascertain possible disease expression.

Efficacy of pre-hospital use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction before mechanical reperfusion in a rapid-transfer network (from the Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry of Brittany).

Previous studies investigating prehospital use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction reached conflicting conclusions. The benefit of this strategy in addition to in-ambulance loading of dual-antiplatelet therapy remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze data from a prospective registry of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions admitted <24 hours after symptom onset (July 2006 to May 2012). A total of 2,052 patients managed in a physician-staffed mobile intensive care unit (MICU)<12 hours after symptom onset and scheduled for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) were retrospectively included. Patients who received GPIs in the MICU were compared with those who did not. The primary end point was infarct-related artery patency, defined as pre-PPCI Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3. GPIs were administered in the MICU to 737 patients (36%), including 430<2 hours after symptom onset, and 1,315 patients (64%) did not received prehospital GPIs. Pre-PPCI TIMI flow grade 3 rate was lower in patients treated in the MICU (17.2% vs 21.3%, p=0.03) because of patients treated >2 hours after symptom onset, of whom only 12.7% reached the primary end point. There was no significant difference between groups in the rate of in-hospital major adverse cardiac events. In conclusion, prehospital GPI use in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions<12 hours after symptom onset scheduled for PPCI neither improved pre-PPCI infarct-related artery patency nor reduced in-hospital major adverse cardiac events.

Current aspects of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a tertiary referral centre: determinants of survival at follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical results (both early and at follow-up) of patients currently receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for cardiac and/or pulmonary failure. To assess the effect of indications, clinical presentations and ECMO modalities on early/late clinical outcomes. To identify baseline factors associated with worse survival at follow-up. METHODS: We reviewed the prospectively collected data of 325 patients receiving ECMO therapy at a tertiary referral centre during the 2005-2013 period. Follow-up was prospectively conducted by dedicated personnel (average: 84 ± 86 days, 100% complete). Survival was analysed by stratified Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO was employed in 80% of cases (due to early graft failure (EGF) in 13% of cases, post-cardiotomy in 29%, primary cardiogenic shock in 42% for miscellaneous aetiologies, other indications in 15.4%) and veno-venous (VV) ECMO in the remainders (adult respiratory distress syndrome). In the VA and VV groups, weaning rates were 59 and 53%, survival at 30th postimplantation day was 44 and 45% and survival at the end of the follow-up was 41 and 45%, respectively. Implantation under advanced life support (ALS) occurred in 15% of cases (26% survival at 30 days). VA patients had a higher rate of thrombotic/haemorrhagic complications and of transfusion of blood products and shorter ventilation time. Worse early and follow-up survival were observed among patients aged ≥65 years, having pH ≤ 7, lactates >12 mmol/l, creatinine >200 µmol/l at implantation or receiving ECMO under ALS. No difference in survival was noted among VA vs VV patients. Patients receiving ECMO for EGF displayed better early and late survival (64% at 30 days and 53% at 6 months) than post-cardiotomy (36 and 34%, respectively), post-acute myocardial infarction (48 and 40%) and the remaining patients (46 and 45%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite most critical baseline conditions, ECMO therapy is confirmed useful for the treatment of patients with acute cardiopulmonary failure refractory to conventional treatments. The ECMO modality (VA vs VV), as well as indications to support, identifies different patient profiles and dissimilar outcomes. Preimplantation markers of gravity and end-organ damage are useful in the stratification of expected survival. These may facilitate clinical decision-making and appropriate allocation of hospital resources.

Coronary angiography of pregnancy-associated coronary artery dissection: a high-risk procedure.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome occurring predominantly in young women without any cardiovascular risk factors, especially during the peripartum and early postpartum period. Here, we report a case of a 28-year-old pregnant woman who was found to have an isolated distal SCAD of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Coronary angiography was complicated by extensive LAD and circumflex arteries dissection, requiring an emergency coronary artery bypass grafting associated with ventricular assist device implantation and underlying the extreme fragility of coronary arteries in pregnant women.

Prolonged heparin and vitamin K antagonist regimen for early non-obstructive thrombosis of mechanical mitral valve prostheses.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been used to document the incidence of non-obstructive thrombosis (NOT) after mechanical prosthetic mitral valve replacement (MVR). The postoperative occurrence and unpredictable evolution of NOT complicate its management. The study aim was to examine the safety and efficacy of prolonged, combined administration of heparin and vitamin K antagonists (VKA) recommended for this indication. METHODS: All patients who underwent mechanical prosthetic MVR between July 1999 and December 2004 at the authors' institution were systematically studied with TEE immediately after surgery. Patients who presented with > or = 5 mm NOT were treated with combined heparin and VKA until TEE-confirmed resolution of the thrombus. RESULTS: Among 256 patients who underwent 263 MVRs (seven reinterventions), 47 (17.9%) presenting with > or = 5 mm NOT received combined heparin and VKA for between 7 and 115 days (median 17 days). No thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events or deaths were observed during this period of observation. Four patients were treated with danaparoid and VKA because of thrombocytopenia induced by heparin before the diagnosis of NOT. Over a mean follow up of 39 months, one patient died from cancer and another from the sequelae of a stroke. In total, there were five NOT recurrences, three of which were complicated by embolic events without sequelae within eight months, and one by a recurrent stroke. In addition, three patients without demonstrable NOT recurrence suffered transient ischemic attacks. CONCLUSION: Among this small sample of patients, combined heparin and VKA was well tolerated and effective, and could prevent reoperation or thrombolysis. These observations may warrant further study in a larger patient population.

Mitochondriopathy: a rare aetiology of restrictive cardiomyopathy.

When diagnosing a restrictive hypertrophied cardiomyopathy, most echocardiographists consider cardiac amyloidosis as a possible cause, especially after the appearance of 'granular' sparkling echoes on a transthoracic echocardiography. However, other infiltrative diseases (i.e. metabolic myopathies, Gaucher, Hunter's, and Hurler's diseases) or storage cardiomyopathies (haemochromatosis, Fabry's disease, glycogen storage, and Niemann-Pick disease) should be considered. In this paper, we report on another unusual cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy of which all cardiologists should be aware.