Loss of Independent Living in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The recommendation for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients 65 to 80 years of age is equivocal, leaving patients with a difficult decision. We evaluated whether TAVR compared to SAVR is associated with reduced odds for loss of independent living in patients ≤65, 66 to 79, and ≥80 years of age. Further, we explored mechanisms of the association of TAVR and adverse discharge. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing TAVR or SAVR within a large academic medical system who lived independently before the procedure were included. A multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for a priori defined confounders including patient demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and a risk score for adverse discharge after cardiac surgery, was used to assess the primary association. We tested the interaction of patient age with the association between aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedure and loss of independent living. We further assessed whether the primary association was mediated (ie, percentage of the association that can be attributed to the mediator) by the procedural duration as prespecified mediator. RESULTS: A total of 1751 patients (age median [quartiles; min-max], 76 [67, 84; 23-100]; sex, 56% female) were included. A total of 27% (222/812) of these patients undergoing SAVR and 20% (188/939) undergoing TAVR lost the ability to live independently. In our cohort, TAVR was associated with reduced odds for loss of independent living compared to SAVR (adjusted odds ratio [OR adj ] 0.19 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.14-0.26]; P < .001). This association was attenuated in patients ≤65 years of age (OR adj 0.63 [0.26-1.56]; P = .32) and between 66 and 79 years of age (OR adj 0.23 [0.15-0.35]; P < .001), and magnified in patients ≥80 years of age (OR adj 0.16 [0.10-0.25]; P < .001; P -for-interaction = .004). Among those >65 years of age, a shorter procedural duration mediated 50% (95% CI, 28-76; P < .001) of the beneficial association of TAVR and independent living. CONCLUSIONS: Patients >65 years of age undergoing TAVR compared to SAVR had reduced odds for loss of independent living. This association was partly mediated by shorter procedural duration. No association between AVR approach and the primary end point was found in patients ≤65 years of age.

Prognostic role of neoplastic markers in Takotsubo syndrome.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure syndrome with significant rates of in and out-of-hospital mayor cardiac adverse events (MACE). To evaluate the possible role of neoplastic biomarkers [CA-15.3, CA-19.9 and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)] as prognostic marker at short- and long-term follow-up in subjects with TTS. Ninety consecutive subjects with TTS were enrolled and followed for a median of 3 years. Circulating levels of CA-15.3, CA-19.9 and CEA were evaluated at admission, after 72 h and at discharge. Incidence of MACE during hospitalization and follow-up were recorded. Forty-three (46%) patients experienced MACE during hospitalization. These patients had increased admission levels of CEA (4.3 ± 6.2 vs. 2.2 ± 1.5 ng/mL, p = 0.03). CEA levels were higher in subjects with in-hospital MACE. At long term follow-up, CEA and CA-19.9 levels were associated with increased risk of death (log rank p < 0.01, HR = 5.3, 95% CI 1.9-14.8, HR = 7.8 95% CI 2.4-25.1, respectively, p < 0.01). At multivariable analysis levels higher than median of CEA, CA-19.9 or both were independent predictors of death at long term (Log-Rank p < 0.01). Having both CEA and CA-19.9 levels above median (> 2 ng/mL, > 8 UI/mL respectively) was associated with an increased risk of mortality of 11.8 (95% CI 2.6-52.5, p = 0.001) at follow up. Increased CEA and CA-19.9 serum levels are associated with higher risk of death at long-term follow up in patients with TTS. CEA serum levels are correlated with in-hospital MACE.

Endo-epicardial ablation vs endocardial ablation for the management of ventricular tachycardia in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The pathologic process of ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) typically originates in the epicardium or subepicardial layers with progression toward endocardium. However, in the most recent ARVC international task force consensus statement, epicardial ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is recommended as a Class I indication only in patients with at least one failed endocardial VT ablation attempt. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the outcomes of ARVC patients undergoing combined endo-epicardial VT ablation, as compared to endocardial ablation alone. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane was performed for studies reporting clinical outcomes of endo-epicardial VT ablation vs endocardial-only VT ablation in patients with ARVC. Fixed-Effect model was used if I2 < 25 and the Random-Effects Model was used if I2 ≥ 25%. RESULTS: Nine studies consisting of 452 patients were included (mean age 42.3 ± 5.7 years; 70% male). After a mean follow-up of 48.1 ± 21.5 months, endo-epicardial ablation was associated with 42% relative risk reduction in VA recurrence as opposed to endocardial ablation alone (risk ratio [RR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.75; P < .0001). No significant differences were noted between endo-epicardial and endocardial VT ablation groups in terms of all-cause mortality (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.03-47.08; P = .93) and acute procedural complications (RR, 5.39; 95% CI, 0.60-48.74; P = .13). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that in patients with ARVC, endo-epicardial VT ablation is associated with a significant reduction in VA recurrence as opposed to endocardial ablation alone, without a significant difference in all-cause mortality or acute procedural complications.

Fluoroless Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation: Technique and Clinical Outcomes.

Fluoroscopy continues to be considered an indispensable part of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation worldwide. Deleterious effects of radiation exposure to patients, physicians, and catheter laboratory personnel are gaining increased consideration. Safety and efficacy of a fluoroless approach for AF ablation is comparable with outcomes achieved with fluoroscopy use. This article focuses on AF ablation with zero fluoroscopy use as well as current evidence on efficacy and safety of this technique. In contrast, minimal fluoroscopy is an alternative. Relying on intracardiac echocardiography for transseptal access and electroanatomic mapping for catheter manipulation can help implement this approach on a wider scale.

Malignancies and outcome in Takotsubo syndrome: a meta-analysis study on cancer and stress cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) can be induced by a large variety of physical/emotional triggers; several cases, however, are related to either an overt or occult malignancy, as shown in retrospective studies and case reports. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with TTS and cancer in a meta-analysis study. In June 2018, a Pubmed systematic research was conducted for studies assessing outcome in patients with TTS and cancer. We assessed Mantel-Haenszel pooled estimates of risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for adverse events at follow-up. After paper retrieval, four studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 123,563 patients. The prevalence of current or previous malignancy among patients admitted with TTS was 6.7% (8258 patients). When compared to control patients, patients with cancer showed an increased risk of clinical events (RR 3.24, 95% CI 3.04-3.45, p < 0.01). The risk of in-hospital events was significantly higher in the cancer group (RR 2.08 95% CI, 1.50-2.87, p < 0.01) and was mainly due to higher need for respiratory support (RR 1.67, 95% CI, 1.58-1.77, p < 0.01). The risk of adverse events at follow-up was also higher in the cancer group (RR 3.30, 95% CI 3.09-3.51, p < 0.01). Cancer, either history or active, is associated with an increased risk of adverse events in TTS.

Don't stop at first glance: pulmonary artery angiosarcoma mimicking chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

We report the case of an incomplete diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, with relevant prognostic implications, missing the presence of a primary pulmonary artery angiosarcoma. After the late neoplasm diagnosis, the patient, treated for months with riociguat, was considered inoperable and died soon after. This case highlights the need to manage patients with suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension by expert referral centers with specific and multi-professional expertise (heart and thoracic imaging) in order to avoid incomplete or delayed diagnoses.

Serum interleukin 6 and 10 levels in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Increased admission levels may predict adverse events at follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Systemic inflammation has been hypothesized as a possible mechanism of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). Aim of the study was to assess the role of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 in subjects with an episode of TTC. METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive subjects with TTC were prospectively enrolled in the study and followed for a mean of 178 days. Circulating levels of IL-6, IL-10, clinical condition and left ventricular ejection fraction were evaluated at admission. Incidence of death, re-hospitalization and recurrence of TTC during follow-up was also recorded. RESULTS: 23% of patients experienced in-hospital complications while 20% of patients had adverse events at follow-up. IL-6 and IL-10 serum levels at admission were higher in subjects with adverse events at follow-up (120 ± 294 vs. 22 ± 40 pg/ml, p<0.05; 13 ± 35 vs. 2 ± 3 pg/ml, p=0.05, respectively). Increased serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were associated with higher adverse events rates at follow-up (Log-Rank p<0.001, <0.05, hazard ratio 8.6, 5.1, respectively) and mortality rates (Log-Rank p<0.001, p<0.05, hazard ratio 20.8, 7.1, respectively). Subjects with both increased IL-6 and IL-10 levels were characterized by an increased risk of adverse events when compared to subjects with only IL-6 or IL-10 increased levels or with values below cutoff values (Log-Rank p<0.01 for any event, <0.001 for death; hazard ratio 1.20 for any event, 1.31 for death), even after correction for age, LVEF and NTproBNP levels in multivariable Cox analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Serum IL-6 and IL-10 admission levels are associated with higher risk of adverse events during follow-up.

Cardiovascular sequelae of radiation therapy.

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the main therapeutic options for malignancy treatment; nevertheless, RT is not free from side effects, including an increased risk for secondary neoplasms and other organs injury. Cardiovascular complications are the second most frequent fatal post-RT sequelae, which physicians should be aware of and ready to diagnose early and cure. This review therefore aims to examine epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical dose-correlated manifestations of RT-induced cardiovascular disease. Future perspectives on screening, prevention and treatment are also provided.

An Uncommon Pericardial Cyst in the Central Mediastinum: Incremental Diagnosis with Contrast-Enhanced Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography.

We report a case of a 76-year-old man, with the occasional finding of a mediastinal cyst because of subtle chronic dysphagia associated to sore throat, belching, and dysphonia. The paraesophageal cyst in the central mediastinum was studied with computed tomography (CT) scan and transesophageal three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography with contrast echo. In order to clarify doubts about localization (intra- versus extrapericardial) of the mediastinal cystic lesion the 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) confirmed the presence of a large round cystic mass located contiguous to the esophagus, the left atrium and the aortic root/pulmonary trunk (located at the front of the lesion), as well as located intrapericardial. The cystic mass showed no blood flow at color Doppler mode and at ultrasound contrast echo with SonoVue agent. Due to the paucity of symptoms and to the definite imaging information of this intrapericardial cyst of nonvascular nature, due to pericardial cyst in an extremely unusual location, surgery was not performed. At follow-up of 1 month echocardiogram and 3 month CT scan the cyst appeared unchanged in dimensions.