Recent advances in the diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

Cardiac amyloidosis is a progressive disease characterized by the buildup of amyloid fibrils in the extracellular space of the heart. It is divided in 2 main types, immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), and ATTR amyloidosis is further divided in 2 subtypes, non-hereditary wild type ATTR and hereditary mutant variant amyloidosis. Incidence and prevalence of ATTR cardiac amyloidosis is increasing over the last years due to the improvements in diagnostic methods. Survival rates are improving due to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Tafamidis is the only disease-modifying approved therapy in ATTR amyloidosis so far. However, the most recent advances in medical therapies have added more options with the potential to become part of the therapeutic armamentarium of the disease. Agents including acoramidis, eplontersen, vutrisiran, patisiran and anti-monoclonal antibody NI006 are being investigated on cardiac function in large, multicenter controlled trials which are expected to be completed within the next 2-3 years, providing promising results in patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. However, further and ongoing research is required in order to improve diagnostic methods that could provide an early diagnosis, as well as survival and quality of life of these patients.

Prevention of Anthracyclines and HER2 Inhibitor-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis and systematic review aim to consolidate evidence on cardiotoxicity prevention and treatment strategies in patients receiving anthracyclines or HER2 receptor inhibitors, vital treatments for breast cancer and hematologic malignancies. By synthesizing existing research, the goal is to provide impactful insights that enhance patient care and outcomes. METHODS: Comprehensive research across PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials was conducted, selecting clinical trials focusing on cardioprotection in anthracyclines or HER2 inhibitor-treated individuals. Effect sizes were computed using OpenMeta (Analyst), with leave-out meta-analysis to assess potential small study effects. Meta-regression explored treatment duration and sample size effects. Evidence quality for primary outcomes was evaluated using ROB, Robins 2, and Newcastle-Ottawa tools. RESULTS: Twenty -three studies involving a total of 14,652 patients (13,221 adults and 1431 kids) were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis. The risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies suggested good and moderate quality. Patients prescribed ß-blockers demonstrated a 74% lower likelihood of exhibiting cardiotoxicity symptoms (OR 1.736). Similarly, the use of dexrazoxane was linked to a threefold decrease in cardiac abnormalities risk (OR 2.989), and ACE inhibitor administration showed half the risk compared with the control group (OR 1.956). CONCLUSIONS: Through this systematic review and meta-analysis, it was shown that there is a reduction in cardiotoxicity from either anthracyclines or HER2 inhibitors in patients receiving pharmacoprophylaxis.

Assessment of Myocardial Viability in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy With Reduced Left Ventricular Function Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND: We aim to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge of myocardial viability assessment in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with a focus on the clinical markers of viability for each imaging modality. We also compare mortality between patients with viable myocardium and those without viability who undergo CABG. METHODS: A systematic database search with meta-analysis was conducted of comparative original articles (both observations and randomized controlled studies) of patients undergoing CABG with either viable or nonviable myocardium, in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar, from inception to 2022. Imaging modalities included were dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET). RESULTS: A total of 17 studies incorporating a total of 2317 patients were included. Across all imaging modalities, the relative risk of death post-CABG was reduced in patients with versus without viability (random-effects model: odds ratio: 0.42; 95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.61; p < 0.001). Imaging for myocardial viability has significant clinical implications as it can affect the accuracy of the diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, and predict patient outcomes. Generally, based on local availability and expertise, either SPECT or DSE should be considered as the first step in evaluating viability, while PET or CMR would provide further evaluation of transmurality, perfusion metabolism, and extent of scar tissue. CONCLUSION: The assessment of myocardial viability is an essential component of preoperative evaluation in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing surgical revascularization. Careful patient selection and individualized assessment of viability remain paramount.

Contemporary Use of Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients: A "Real-World" Experience.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the association between in-hospital initiation of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and outcomes in hospitalized heart failure (HHF) patients utilizing data from a Greek center. Methods: The present work was a single-center, retrospective, observational study of consecutive HF patients hospitalized in a tertiary center. The study endpoint was all-cause mortality or HF rehospitalization. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazard models were conducted to investigate the association between SGLT2i administration at discharge and the study endpoint. Results: Sample consisted of 171 patients, 55 of whom (32.2%) received SGLT2is at discharge. Overall, mean follow-up period was 6.1 months (SD = 4.8 months). Patients who received SGLT2is at discharge had a 43% lower probability of the study endpoint compared to those who did not receive SGLT2is at discharge (HR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.36-0.91; p = 0.018). After adjusting for age, gender, smoking, hemoglobin (Hgb), use of SGLT2is at admission, use of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI-Is)/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) at discharge and Sacubitril/Valsartan at discharge, the aforementioned result remained significant (HR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.19-0.73; p = 0.004). The 55 patients who received SGLT2is at discharge were propensity score matched with the 116 patients who did not receive SGLT2is at discharge. Receiving SGLT2is at discharge continued to be significantly associated with a lower probability of the study endpoint (HR= 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20-0.89; p = 0.024). Conclusions: Initiation of SGLT2is in HHF patients may be associated with better outcomes.

Validation of Perioperative Troponin Levels for Predicting Postoperative Mortality and Long-Term Survival in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer.

Background: Hepatopancreato and biliary (HPB) tumors represent some of the leading cancer-related causes of death worldwide, with the majority of patients undergoing surgery in the context of a multimodal treatment strategy. Consequently, the implementation of an accurate risk stratification tool is crucial to facilitate informed consent, along with clinical decision making, and to compare surgical outcomes among different healthcare providers for either service evaluation or clinical audit. Perioperative troponin levels have been proposed as a feasible and easy-to-use tool in order to evaluate the risk of postoperative myocardial injury and 30-day mortality. The purpose of the present study is to validate the perioperative troponin levels as a prognostic factor regarding postoperative myocardial injury and 30-day mortality in Greek adult patients undergoing HPB surgery. Method: In total, 195 patients undergoing surgery performed by a single surgical team in a single tertiary hospital (2020-2022) were included. Perioperative levels of troponin before surgery and at 24 and 48 h postoperatively were assessed. Model accuracy was assessed by observed-to-expected (O:E) ratios, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Survival at one year postoperatively was compared between patients with high and normal TnT levels at 24 h postoperatively. Results: Thirteen patients (6.6%) died within 30 days of surgery. TnT levels at 24 h postoperatively were associated with excellent discrimination and provided the best-performing calibration. Patients with normal TnT levels at 24 h postoperatively were associated with higher long-term survival compared to those with high TnT levels. Conclusions: TnT at 24 h postoperatively is an efficient risk assessment tool that should be implemented in the perioperative pathway of patients undergoing surgery for HPB cancer.

Heart Transplantation.

Heart transplantation (HTx) remains the last therapeutic resort for patients with advanced heart failure. The present work is a clinically focused review discussing current issues in heart transplantation. Several factors have been associated with the outcome of HTx, such as ABO and HLA compatibility, graft size, ischemic time, age, infections, and the cause of death, as well as imaging and laboratory tests. In 2018, UNOS changed the organ allocation policy for HTx. The aim of this change was to prioritize patients with a more severe clinical condition resulting in a reduction in mortality of people on the waiting list. Advanced heart failure and resistant angina are among the main indications of HTx, whereas active infection, peripheral vascular disease, malignancies, and increased body mass index (BMI) are important contraindications. The main complications of HTx include graft rejection, graft angiopathy, primary graft failure, infection, neoplasms, and retransplantation. Recent advances in the field of HTx include the first two porcine-to-human xenotransplantations, the inclusion of hepatitis C donors, donation after circulatory death, novel monitoring for acute cellular rejection and antibody-mediated rejection, and advances in donor heart preservation and transportation. Lastly, novel immunosuppression therapies such as daratumumab, belatacept, IL 6 directed therapy, and IgG endopeptidase have shown promising results.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Tight Junction Proteins Demonstrates the Aberrant Expression and Function of Zona Occludens 2 (ZO-2) Protein in Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic aortic aneurysm dissection (TAAD) represents a cardiac surgery emergency characterized by the disrupted integrity of the aortic wall and is associated with poor prognosis. In this context, the identification of biomarkers implicated in the pathobiology of TAAD is crucial. Our aim in the present original in silico study is to assess the differential gene expression profile of the tight junction proteins (TJPs) in patients with TAAD and to propose novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. METHODS: We implemented bioinformatics methodology in order to construct the gene network of the TJPs family, identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in pathologic aortic tissue excised from patients with TAAD as compared to healthy aortic tissue, and assess the related biological functions and the associated miRNA families. RESULTS: Data regarding the transcriptomic profile of selected genes were retrieved and incorporated from three microarray datasets, including 23 TAAD and 20 healthy control samples. A total of 32 TJPs were assessed. The zona occludens 2 (ZO-2) protein encoded by the gene TJP2 was significantly under-expressed in patients with TAAD compared to the control group (p = 0.009). ZO-2 was associated with fair discrimination and calibration traits in predicting the TAAD presentation. CpG islands of ZO-2 were demonstrated. No important difference was found regarding ZO-2 expression between aneurysmal non-dissected and healthy control aortic tissue. Finally, we performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and uncovered the major biological functions and miRNA families (hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-1-3p, hsa-miR-2118-5p, hsa-miR-4691-3p, and hsa-miR-1229-3p) relevant to ZO-2. CONCLUSIONS: These outcomes demonstrated the important role of ZO-2 in the pathobiology of TAAD.

The Short-Term Effect of Olive Oil Extract Enriched with Hydroxytyrosol on Cardiovascular Function.

Olive is rich in polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol (HT) that have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we examined the short-term effects of olive oil extract (OE) enriched with HT on left atrial function, left ventricular (LV) function, and arterial elastic properties in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD). Sixty-one patients with chronic CAD were enrolled. This randomized study had a two-period, two-sequence crossover (AB/BA) design. Group AB (n = 32) initially received OE capsules (500 mg) enriched with HT (5 mg) (two capsules/day) for 30 days, and after a wash out of 48 h, placebo for another 30 days. The opposite occurred in Group BA (n = 29). Exclusion criteria included age >70 years, diabetes, anemia, hypertension, liver and thyroid disease, malignancy, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, use of corticosteroids, weight loss, excessive exercise dietary intervention, and use of antioxidant vitamins. Patients underwent echocardiography/Doppler and applanation tonometry applied to radial artery at the beginning and end of the study. No significant change regarding Vmax, Vp, Vmin, E wave, A wave, deceleration time, LV ejection fraction, central aortic systolic and pulse pressure, and augmentation index. However, a trend toward improvement of E/e' (P = .062) and pulse wave velocity (P = .091) was observed. Use of OE enriched with HT for a limited time period was associated with a trend toward improvement of LV diastolic function and aortic elastic properties in chronic CAD patients. Studies of longer duration are needed to delineate the effect of this promising agent on cardiovascular function and outcomes in chronic CAD.

Diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis: histological evidence vs. imaging.

INTRODUCTION: The prognosis for cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) remains unfavorable. Although early and accurate diagnosis is crucial, the low detection rate of endomyocardial biopsy makes accurate diagnosis challenging. AREAS COVERED: The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) consensus statement and the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS) guidelines are two major diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of CS. While the requirement of positive histology for the diagnosis in the HRS criteria can result in overlooked cases, the JCS guidelines advocate for a group of 'clinical' diagnoses based on advanced imaging, including cardiovascular magnetic resonance and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, which do not require histological evidence. Recent studies have supported the usefulness of clinical diagnosis of CS. However, other evidence suggests that clinical CS may sometimes be inaccurate. This article describes the advantages and disadvantages of the current diagnostic criteria for CS, and typical imaging and clinical courses. EXPERT OPINION: The diagnosis of clinical CS has been made possible by recent developments in multimodality imaging. However, it is still crucial to look for histological signs of sarcoidosis in other organs in addition to the endomyocardium. Additionally, phenotyping based on clinical manifestations such as heart failure, conduction abnormality or ventricular arrhythmia, and extracardiac abnormalities is clinically significant.

The Emerging Role of "Failure to Rescue" as the Primary Quality Metric for Cardiovascular Surgery and Critical Care.

We conducted a thorough literature review on the emerging role of failure to rescue (FTR) as a quality metric for cardiovascular surgery and critical care. For this purpose, we identified all original research studies assessing the implementation of FTR in cardiovascular surgery and critical care from 1992 to 2023. All included studies were evaluated for their quality. Although all studies defined FTR as mortality after a surgical complication, a high heterogeneity has been reported among studies regarding the included complications. There are certain factors that affect the FTR, divided into hospital- and patient-related factors. The identification of these factors allowed us to build a stepwise roadmap to reduce the FTR rate. Recently, FTR has further evolved as a metric to assess morbidity instead of mortality, while being also evaluated in the context of interventional cardiology. All these advances are further discussed in the current review, thus providing all the necessary information to surgeons, anesthesiologists, and physicians willing to implement FTR as a metric of quality in their establishment.

Invasive and Non-Invasive Diagnostic Pathways in the Diagnosis of Cardiac Amyloidosis.

The appropriate diagnosis and subtyping of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is frequently missed or delayed due to its vague presentation, clinical overlapping, and diagnostic pitfalls. Recent developments in both invasive and non-invasive diagnostic techniques have significantly changed the diagnostic approach of CA. With the present review, we aim to summarize the current diagnostic approach of CA and to underline the indications of tissue biopsy, either surrogate site or myocardial. The most important factor for timely diagnosis is increased clinical suspicion, especially in certain clinical scenarios. Appropriate imaging with echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can provide significant evidence for the diagnosis of CA. Importantly, all patients should undergo monoclonal proteins assessment, with these results significantly determining the steps to follow. A negative monoclonal protein assessment will lead to a non-invasive algorithm which, in combination with positive cardiac scintigraphy, can establish the diagnosis of ATTR-CA. The latter is the only clinical scenario in which the diagnosis can be established without the need of biopsy. However, if the imaging results are negative but the clinical suspicion remains high, a myocardial biopsy should be performed. In the case of the presence of monoclonal protein, an invasive algorithm follows, first by surrogate site sampling and then by myocardial biopsy if the results are inconclusive or prompt diagnosis is needed. The role of endomyocardial biopsy, even though limited by current advances in other techniques, is highly valuable in selected patients and is the only method to reliably establish a diagnosis in challenging cases.

Coronary Artery Aneurysms: Comprehensive Review and a Case Report of a Left Main Coronary Artery Aneurysm.

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rare anatomical disorders of the coronary arteries. Atherosclerosis and Kawasaki disease are the principal causes of CCAs, while other causes including genetic factors, inflammatory arterial diseases, connective tissue disorders, endothelial damage after cocaine use, iatrogenic complications after interventions and infections, are also common among patients with CAAs. Although there is a variety of noninvasive methods including echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, coronary angiography remains the gold standard diagnostic method. There is still no consensus about the most appropriate therapeutic strategy. Medical therapy including antiplatelets, anticoagulants, statins and ACEs are preferred either in patients with atherosclerosis, inflammatory status and stable CAAs, while percutaneous or surgery interventions are usually applied in patients with acute coronary syndrome due to a CAA culprit, obstructive coronary artery disease or large saccular aneurysms at a high risk of rupturing.

Concomitant Valve Replacement and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: Lessons from the Past, Guidance for the Future? A Mortality Analysis in 294 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to analyze parameters influencing early and late mortality after concomitant valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, using early and long-term information from an institutionally available data registry, and to discuss the results in relation to the current treatment strategies and perspectives. METHODS: The study population consisted of 294 patients after combined valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis and CABG surgery. RESULTS: There were 201 men (68.4%) and 93 women (31.6%). Concurrent to the coronary artery bypass grafting, 238 patients (80.9%) underwent aortic-, 46 patients (15.6%) mitral- and 10 patients (3.4%) doublevalve replacement. Cumulative duration of follow up was 1007 patient-years (py) with a maximum of 94 months and was completed in 92.2% (271 cases). Overall hospital mortality (30 days) rate was 6.5% (n = 19). It was significantly higher in patients of female gender, older than 70 y, in those suffering preoperative myocardial infarction, presenting with an additive EuroScore > 8 and being hemodynamically unstable after the operation. Cumulative survival rate at 7.6 y was 78.6%. Determinants of prolonged survival were male gender, age at operation < 70 y, preoperative sinus rhythm, normal renal function, additive EuroScore < 8 and the use of internal thoracic artery for grafting. Subsequent multivariate analysis revealed preoperative atrial fibrillation (HR: 2.1, 95% CI: 0.82-5.44, p: 0.01) and risk group of ES > 8 (HR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.45-9.07, p < 0.01) as independent predictors for lower long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital mortality (30 d) was nearly 2.5-fold higher in female and/or older than 70 y patients. Preoperative atrial fibrillation and/ or a calculated ES > 8 were independent predisposing factors of late mortality for combined VR and CABG surgery. Tailoring the approach, with the employment of the newest techniques and hybrid procedures, to the individual patient clinical profile enables favorable outcomes for concomitant valvular disease and CAD, especially in high-risk patients.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide: A promising therapy in patients with chronic heart failure.

Lyophilized recombinant brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an exogenous peptide synthesized by artificial recombination technology, with a similar structure and similar physiological effects with the endogenous natriuretic peptide secreted by the human body. It's main mechanism of action is to increase cyclic guanosine monophosphate by binding with its corresponding receptor in the body, regulating, thus, the imbalance of the vascular system and cardiac hemodynamics, improving the heart's pumping capacity, and inhibiting sympathetic excitability and myocardial remodeling. Moreover, it can promote mitochondrial metabolism and enhance the use of adenosine triphosphate in cardiomyocytes. In the present study, 102 chronic heart failure (HF) patients were randomly assigned to a control and an observation group consisting of 51 patients each. Patients of the control group were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d including oral metoprolol tartrate tablets, spironolactone, and olmesartanate while patients of the observation group were administered the recombinant human BNP injection for the same time-period, plus the standard HF therapy. The recombinant human BNP group (observation group) demonstrated better physical, emotional, social, and economic scores, as well as cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers such as serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein, N-terminal pro BNP and troponin I levels, compared to the control group. Moreover, cardiac function was also improved, as left ventricular ejection fraction and stroke volume were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group. Interestingly, adverse reactions were not different between the 2 groups. However, these results are not generalizable and the need of large multicenter randomized controlled trials examining the safety and efficacy of recombinant human BNP in HF patients is of major importance.

The effect of SGLT-2i administration on red blood cell distribution width in patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized study.

Background: Recent studies suggest that the pivotal mechanism of sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) favorable action in patients with heart failure (HF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is the stimulation of erythropoiesis via an early increase in erythropoietin (EPO) production which leads to hematocrit rise. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a simple hematological parameter which reflects the heterogeneity of the red blood cell size (anisocytosis). Since, EPO has been also implicated in the pathophysiology of RDW increase, the current mechanistic study examined the effect of SGLT-2i administration on red blood cells size (RDW) in patients with HF and DM. Methods: The present was a prospective single-center study. Patients (N=110) were randomly assigned to dapagliflozin (10 mg a day on top of antidiabetic treatment) or the control group. Inclusion criteria were: (a) age > 18 years, (b) history of type 2 DM and hospitalization for HF exacerbation within 6 months. The evaluation of patients (at baseline, 6 and 12 months) included clinical assessment, laboratory blood tests, and echocardiography. Data were modeled using mixed linear models with dependent variable the RDW index. In order to find factors independently associated with prognosis (1-year death or HF rehospitalization), multiple logistic regression was conducted with death or HF rehospitalization as dependent variable. Results: An RDW increase both after 6 and after 12 months was observed in the SGLT-2i (dapagliflozin) group (p < 0.001 for all time comparisons), whereas RDW didn't change significantly in the control group. The increase in RDW was positively correlated with EPO, while negatively correlated with ferritin and folic acid (p < 0.005 for all). Baseline RDW was significantly associated with 1-year death or rehospitalization, after adjusting for group (SGLT-2i vs. control), age, gender, smoking and BMI at baseline. Conclusion: RDW increased with time in patients with HF and DM who received SGLT-2i (dapagliflozin). The increased RDW rates in these patients may stem from the induction of hemopoiesis from dapagliflozin. Baseline RDW was found to be independently associated with outcome in patients with HF and DM.

Vaccination Coverage Against Human Papillomavirus in Female Students in Cyprus.

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with the development of several cancers and cardiovascular diseases in females. Nevertheless, there is still poor data on vaccination coverage against HPV in several countries, including Cyprus. The main target of the present research was to assess the vaccination status of female students in Cyprus. Methodology An online survey was conducted via a cloud-based short questionnaire on Google Forms. Students with a known email address were initially invited via email to complete the survey. The questionnaire was distributed to 340 students, aged 18-49 years old, who lived in Cyprus (60% response rate). Results The total vaccination coverage was 38.1%. The mean age of participants was 23.5 (±6.5) years. The major reason for non-vaccination was the belief that participants were not at risk of serious illness from HPV infection (22%), followed by the reported lack of time to get vaccinated (16%) and inertia (13%). The students who had information about the safety of HPV vaccines from electronic sources of information (television, websites, and blogs) had lower vaccination coverage compared to those who had received information from alternative sources (primary health centers, family doctors, or obstetricians) (relative risk (RR) = 1.923, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.9669-3.825; p = 0.033). No significant differences in vaccination rates between participants who were coming from schools of health sciences versus those from financial schools (RR = 1.082, 95% CI = 0.7574-1.544; p = 0.3348) were observed. Conclusions Public health policy interventions and education on HPV vaccines are effective ways to improve the awareness and acceptance rate of HPV vaccination among female students and improve the HPV vaccination coverage level in Cyprus.

Automated Analysis vs. Expert Reading in Nuclear Cardiology: Correlations with the Angiographic Score.

Background and Objectives: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) has an important role in the non-invasive investigation of coronary artery disease. The interpretation of MPI studies is mainly based on the visual evaluation of the reconstructed images, while automated quantitation methods may add useful data for each patient. However, little evidence is currently available regarding the actual incremental clinical diagnostic performance of automated MPI analysis. In the present study, we aimed to assess the correlation between automated measurements of Summed Stress Score (SSS), Summed Rest Score (SRS) and Summed Difference Score (SDS), with the corresponding expert reading values, using coronary angiography as the gold standard. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Nuclear Medicine Laboratory of the University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece, οver an one-year period (January 2019-January 2020). 306 patients, with known or suspected coronary artery disease, were enrolled in the study. Each participant underwent a coronary angiography, prior to or after the scintigraphic study (within a three-month period). Either symptom-limited treadmill test, or pharmacologic testing using adenosine or regadenoson, was performed in all participants, and the scintigraphic studies were carried out using technetium 99m (99mTc) tetrofosmin (one-day stress/rest protocol). Coronary angiographies were scored according to a 4-point scoring system (angiographic score; O: normal study, 1: one-vessel disease, 2: two-vessel disease, 3: three-vessel disease). Moreover, automated measurements of SSS, SRS and SDS were derived by three widely available software packages (Emory Cardiac Toolbox, Myovation, Quantitative Perfusion SPECT). Results: Interclass Correlation Coefficients of SSS, SRS and SDS between expert reading and software packages were moderate to excellent. Visually defined SSS, SRS and SDS were significantly correlated with the corresponding results of all software packages. However, visually defined SSS, SRS and SDS were more strongly correlated with the angiographic score, indicating a better performance of expert reading when compared to automated analysis. Conclusions: Based on our results, visual evaluation continues to have a crucial role for the interpretation of MPI images. Software packages can provide automated measurements of several parameters, particularly contributing to the investigation of cases with ambiguous scintigraphic findings.

Coexisting morbidity burden in elderly hospitalized patients with and without heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: Aging, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and heart failure (HF) increase the coexisting morbidity (CM) burden. This study compared the contribution of HF with this increase in elderly patients hospitalized for CVD by comparing patients with and without HF. METHODS: Consecutive patients aged >65 years, hospitalized with CVD, were included (104 with and 100 without HF). The prevalence of 10 common CM (hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, dyslipidemia, anemia, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and cancer) was examined. The CM burden was assessed with the CM index (number of CM/patient) and multimorbidity (≥2 CM/patient). RESULTS: The CM index was significantly higher [5 (3-6) vs. 3 (2-4), p < 0.0001], whereas multimorbidity [94.2% vs. 86%, p = 0.06] marginally higher in CVD patients with HF than those without HF. Ordinal regression with test of proportional lines revealed that in CVD patients with HF, the odds for a high CM index were approximately 8 times higher compared with CVD patients without HF, given that age and LVEF were held constant. CONCLUSION: HF development was associated with a dramatic increase in the CM index in elderly patients with CVD who already have a high prevalence of multimorbidity.

Red blood cell distribution width in elderly hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is elevated in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). AIM: To determine RDW values and impact of CV and non-CV coexisting morbidities in elderly patients hospitalized with chronic CVD. METHODS: This prospective study included 204 consecutive elderly patients (age 77.5 [7.41] years, female 94 [46%], left ventricular ejection fraction 53.00% [37.50, 55.00]) hospitalized with chronic CVD at the Cardiology Department of Larissa University General Hospital (Larissa, Greece) from January 2019 to April 2019. Elderly patients were selected due to the high prevalence of coexisting morbidities in this patient population. Hospitalized patients with acute CVD (acute coronary syndromes, new-onset heart failure [HF], and acute pericarditis/myocarditis), primary isolated valvular heart disease, sepsis, and those with a history of blood transfusions or cancer were excluded. The evaluation of the patients within 24 h from admission included clinical examination, laboratory blood tests, and echocardiography. RESULTS: The most common cardiac morbidities were hypertension and coronary artery disease, with acutely decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) also frequently being present. The most common non-cardiac morbidities were anemia and chronic kidney disease followed by diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sleep apnea. RDW was significantly elevated 15.48 (2.15); 121 (59.3%) of patients had RDW > 14.5% which represents the upper limit of normal in our institution. Factors associated with RDW in stepwise regression analysis were ADCHF (coefficient: 1.406; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.830-1.981; P < 0.001), AF (1.192; 0.673 to 1.711; P < 0.001), and anemia (0.806; 0.256 to 1.355; P = 0.004). ADCHF was the most significant factor associated with RDW. RDW was on average 1.41 higher for patients with than without ADCHF, 1.19 higher for patients with than without AF, and 0.81 higher for patients with than without anemia. When patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of anemia, ADCHF and AF, heart rate was not increased in those with anemia but was significantly increased in those with ADCHF or AF. CONCLUSION: RDW was elevated in elderly hospitalized patients with chronic CVD. Factors associated with RDW were anemia and CV factors associated with elevated heart rate (ADCHF, AF), suggesting sympathetic overactivity.