Evaluation of the HANDOC score and the 2023 ISCVID and ESC Duke clinical criteria for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis among patients with streptococcal bacteremia.

BACKGROUND: Streptococci are a common cause of infective endocarditis (IE). We aimed to evaluate the performance of the HANDOC score to identify patients at high-risk for IE and the Duke clinical criteria of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC; 2015 and 2023 versions) and the 2023 version from the International Society of Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases (ISCVID) in diagnosing IE among patients with streptococcal bacteremia. METHODS: This retrospective study included adult patients with streptococcal bacteremia hospitalized at Lausanne University Hospital. Episodes were classified as IE by the Endocarditis Team. A HANDOC score >2 classified patients as high-risk for IE. RESULTS: Among 851 episodes with streptococcal bacteremia, IE was diagnosed in 171 episodes (20%). Among 607 episodes with non-beta-hemolytic streptococci, 213 (35%) had HANDOC scores >2 points; 132 (22%) had IE. The sensitivity of the HANDOC score to identify episodes at high-risk for IE was 95% (90-98%), the specificity 82% (78-85%), and the NPV 98% (96-99%). 2015 Duke-ESC, 2023 Duke-ISCVID, and 2023 Duke-ESC clinical criteria classified 114 (13%), 145 (17%), and 126 (15%) episodes as definite IE, respectively. Sensitivity for the 2015 Duke-ESC, 2023 Duke-ISCVID, and 2023 Duke-ESC clinical criteria was calculated at 65% (57-72%), 81% (74-86%), and 73% (65-79%), respectively, with specificity at 100% (98-100%), 99% (98-100%), and 99% (98-100%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The HANDOC score showed an excellent NPV to identify episodes at high-risk for IE. Among the different versions of the Duke criteria, the 2023 Duke-ISCVID version fared better for the diagnosis of IE among streptococcal bacteremia.

Evaluation of the 2023 Duke-ISCVID and 2023 Duke-ESC Clinical Criteria for the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis in a Multicenter Cohort of Patients With Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia.

BACKGROUND: The Duke criteria for infective endocarditis (IE) diagnosis underwent revisions in 2023 by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases (ISCVID). This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these criteria, focusing on patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). METHODS: This Swiss multicenter study conducted between 2014 and 2023 pooled data from three cohorts. It evaluated the performance of each iteration of the Duke criteria by assessing the degree of concordance between definite S. aureus IE (SAIE) and the diagnoses made by the Endocarditis Team (2018-23) or IE expert clinicians (2014-17). RESULTS: Among 1344 SAB episodes analyzed, 486 (36%) were identified as cases of SAIE. The 2023 Duke-ISCVID and 2023 Duke-ESC criteria demonstrated improved sensitivity for SAIE diagnosis (81% and 82%, respectively) compared to the 2015 Duke-ESC criteria (75%). However, the new criteria exhibited reduced specificity for SAIE (96% for both) compared to the 2015 criteria (99%). Spondylodiscitis was more prevalent among patients with SAIE compared to those with SAB alone (10% vs 7%, P = .026). However, when patients meeting the minor 2015 Duke-ESC vascular criterion were excluded, the incidence of spondylodiscitis was similar between SAIE and SAB patients (6% vs 5%, P = .461). CONCLUSIONS: The 2023 Duke-ISCVID and 2023 Duke-ESC clinical criteria show improved sensitivity for SAIE diagnosis compared to 2015 Duke-ESC criteria. However, this increase in sensitivity comes at the expense of reduced specificity. Future research should aim at evaluating the impact of each component introduced within these criteria.

Eyes Wide Shut: A Cohort Study Questioning the Role of Fundoscopy in Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis.

In this retrospective/prospective study, we assessed the role of fundoscopy in 711 episodes with suspected infective endocarditis (IE); 238 (33%) had IE. Ocular embolic events (retinal emboli or chorioretinitis/endophthalmitis) and Roth spots were found in 37 (5%) and 34 (5%) episodes, respectively, but had no impact on IE diagnosis.

Evaluation of the 2023 Duke-International Society of Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases Criteria in a Multicenter Cohort of Patients With Suspected Infective Endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Since publication of Duke criteria for infective endocarditis (IE) diagnosis, several modifications have been proposed. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Duke-ISCVID (International Society of Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases) 2023 criteria compared to prior versions from 2000 (Duke-Li 2000) and 2015 (Duke-ESC [European Society for Cardiology] 2015). METHODS: This study was conducted at 2 university hospitals between 2014 and 2022 among patients with suspected IE. A case was classified as IE (final IE diagnosis) by the Endocarditis Team. Sensitivity for each version of the Duke criteria was calculated among patients with confirmed IE based on pathological, surgical, and microbiological data. Specificity for each version of the Duke criteria was calculated among patients with suspected IE for whom IE diagnosis was ruled out. RESULTS: In total, 2132 episodes with suspected IE were included, of which 1101 (52%) had final IE diagnosis. Definite IE by pathologic criteria was found in 285 (13%), 285 (13%), and 345 (16%) patients using the Duke-Li 2000, Duke-ESC 2015, or the Duke-ISCVID 2023 criteria, respectively. IE was excluded by histopathology in 25 (1%) patients. The Duke-ISCVID 2023 clinical criteria showed a higher sensitivity (84%) compared to previous versions (70%). However, specificity of the new clinical criteria was lower (60%) compared to previous versions (74%). CONCLUSIONS: The Duke-ISCVID 2023 criteria led to an increase in sensitivity compared to previous versions. Further studies are needed to evaluate items that could increase sensitivity by reducing the number of IE patients misclassified as possible, but without having detrimental effect on specificity of Duke criteria.

Prevention of esophageal lesions during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation using esophageal temperature monitoring: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The use of esophageal temperature monitoring (ETM) for the prevention of esophageal injury during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is often advocated. However, evidence supporting its use is scarce and controversial. We therefore aimed to review the evidence assessing the efficacy of ETM for the prevention of esophageal injury. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis and systematic review of the available literature from inception to December 31, 2022. All studies comparing the use of ETM, versus no ETM, during radiofrequency (RF) AF ablation and which reported the incidence of endoscopically detected esophageal lesions (EDELs) were included. RESULTS: Eleven studies with a total of 1112 patients undergoing RF AF ablation were identified. Of those patients, 627 were assigned to ETM (56%). The overall incidence of EDELs was 9.8%. The use of ETM during AF ablation was associated with a non significant increase in the incidence of EDELs (12.3% with ETM, vs. 6.6 % without ETM, odds ratio, 1.44, 95%CI, 0.49, 4.22, p = .51, I2 = 72%). The use of ETM was associated with a significant increase in the energy delivered specifically on the posterior wall compared to patients without ETM (mean power difference: 5.13 Watts, 95% CI, 1.52, 8.74, p = .005). CONCLUSIONS: The use of ETM does not reduce the incidence of EDELs during RF AF ablation. The higher energy delivered on the posterior wall is likely attributable to a false sense of safety that may explain the lack of benefit of ETM. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to provide conclusive results.

[Cardiovascular risk evaluation using the coronary artery calcium score]. / Évaluation du risque cardiovasculaire à l'aide du score calcique coronarien.

The coronary artery calcium score (CAC-score) using imaging is a cardiovascular screening tool that can be used in adults with no known cardiovascular disease and no symptoms suggestive of a cardiovascular pathology. It involves calculating the amount of calcification in the coronary arteries on a low-dose, non-injected chest CT-scan. A positive score above 0 is associated with more cardiovascular events. The CAC-score is currently selectively recommended for certain adults at intermediate cardiovascular risk, when the introduction of lipid-lowering treatment or the intensification of preventive measures remain uncertain.

Le score calcique coronarien (CAC-score) utilisant l'imagerie est un outil de dépistage cardiovasculaire utilisable chez des adultes sans maladie cardiovasculaire connue et symptômes évoquant une pathologie cardiovasculaire. Il s'agit d'un calcul de la quantité de calcifications dans les artères coronaires lors d'un CT-scan thoracique non injecté à faible dose. Un score positif au-dessus de 0 est associé avec plus d'événements cardiovasculaires. Le CAC-score est actuellement recommandé sélectivement chez certains adultes à risque cardiovasculaire intermédiaire, lorsque l'introduction d'un traitement hypolipémiant ou l'intensification des mesures de prévention restent incertaines.

[Cardiac CT in 2024]. / CT cardiaque en 2024.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) has now become an established tool in the diagnostic process for patients suspected of coronary artery disease. In light of rapid technological development, CCTA has evolved into an imaging modality providing both anatomical and functional information to guide patient management. In this article, we describe the role of cardiac CT in assessing atherosclerotic plaque, chest pain evaluation, cardiovascular risk stratification, planning and guiding coronary intervention, as well as structural heart diseases.

Le scanner coronarien est actuellement un outil reconnu dans le processus diagnostique des patients chez qui on suspecte une maladie coronarienne. Bénéficiant d'un développement technologique rapide et procurant des informations tant morphologiques que fonctionnelles, le CT cardiaque devient une modalité d'imagerie incontournable pour orienter la prise en charge des patients. Dans cet article, nous décrivons le rôle du CT cardiaque dans l'évaluation de la plaque d'athérosclérose, des douleurs thoraciques, de la stratification du risque cardiovasculaire, de la planification et du guidage de l'intervention coronarienne, ainsi que des maladies cardiaques structurelles.

[Cardiology: what's new in 2023]. / Cardiologie: ce qui a changé en 2023.

The year 2023 has been extremely rich in new publications in the various subfields of cardiology. Furthermore, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has issued revised guidelines focused on the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and endocarditis, as well as an update on the recommendations for the management of heart failure and cardiovascular prevention. The most significant updates according to the Cardiology Department of CHUV are summarized in this review article.

L'année 2023 a été extrêmement riche en nouvelles publications dans les différents sous-domaines de la cardiologie. De plus, la Société européenne de cardiologie (ESC) a formulé des directives révisées axées sur le management du syndrome coronarien aigu (SCA) et de l'endocardite ainsi qu'une mise à jour des recommandations sur la prise en charge de l'insuffisance cardiaque et la prévention cardiovasculaire. Les nouveautés les plus importantes selon l'équipe du Service de cardiologie du CHUV sont résumées dans cet article de synthèse.

TAVR in TAVR: Where Are We in 2023 for Management of Failed TAVR Valves?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As TAVR is increasingly performed on younger patients with a longer life expectancy, the number of redo-TAVR procedures is likely to increase in the coming years. Limited data is currently available on this sometimes challenging procedure. We provide a summary of currently published literature on management of patients with a failed transcatheter aortic valve. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent registry data have increased the clinical knowledge on redo-TAVR. Additionally, numerous bench studies have provided valuable insights into the technical aspects of redo-TAVR with various combinations of valve types. Redo-TAVR can be performed safely in selected cases with a high procedural success and good short-term outcomes. However, at present, the procedure remains relatively infrequent and many patients are not eligible. Bench testing can be useful to understand important concepts such as valve expansion, neoskirt, leaflet overhang, and leaflet deflection as well as their potential clinical implications.

Update on Transcatheter Treatment of Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mitral and tricuspid regurgitation represents a clinical challenge. They are associated with a poor prognosis, and many patients are not eligible for conventional surgery. Transcatheter therapies have been the focus of numerous studies and devices over the past decade. Here, we provide a summary of current options for transcatheter treatment of these 2 entities. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of edge-to-edge repair for increasing numbers of patients. Encouraging early results with transcatheter valve replacement are also becoming available. To date, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is currently the first-line transcatheter treatment for both mitral and tricuspid regurgitation for many patients who are not candidates for surgery. A number of transcatheter replacement devices are under development and clinical investigation but, for the most part, their current use is limited to compassionate cases or clinical trials.

[Tricuspid regurgitation in 2023 : Where are we with the treatment of the forgotten valve?] / Insuffisance tricuspide en 2023 : modalités de traitement pour la valve oubliée.

The negative impact of tricuspid regurgitation on prognosis in now well established. It also appears clear that surgical and possibly percutaneous treatment should be performed before reaching a point of no return with advanced heart failure and deterioration of right ventricle function. Percutaneous treatment has been divided into coaptation restoration devices, annuloplasty devices, and ortho- or heterotopic valve replacement. The present article offers a brief review of diagnostic modalities beyond echocardiography, surgical treatment as well as of the multiple recent development in the percutaneous treatment of this frequent condition.

L'impact pronostique défavorable de l'insuffisance tricuspide (IT) est maintenant bien établi, ainsi que la nécessité d'intervenir chirurgicalement ou de manière percutanée lorsque le traitement médicamenteux est insuffisant. Des données récentes suggèrent par ailleurs qu'il est probablement judicieux d'intervenir avant qu'un stade trop avancé d'insuffisance cardiaque et d'atteinte du ventricule droit ne soit atteint. Le traitement percutané est divisé en dispositifs de restauration de la coaptation valvulaire, d'annuloplastie et de remplacement de valve ortho ou hétérotopique. Cet article propose une brève revue des modalités diagnostiques au-delà de l'échocardiographie, du traitement chirurgical ainsi que des multiples développements récents dans le traitement percutané de cette pathologie fréquente.

Cardiovascular CT, MRI, and PET/CT in 2021: Review of Key Articles.

This review focuses on three key noninvasive cardiac imaging modalities-cardiac CT angiography (CTA), MRI, and PET/CT-and summarizes key publications in 2021 relevant to radiologists in clinical practice. Although this review focuses primarily on articles published in Radiology, important studies from other major journals are included to highlight "must-know" articles in the field of cardiovascular imaging. Cardiac CTA has been established as the first-line test for patients with stable chest pain and no known coronary artery disease, and its value remains central to the assessment of surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Artificial intelligence continues to evolve in a number of applications in cardiovascular disease. In cardiac MRI studies, 2021 has seen an emphasis on nonischemic cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, and COVID-19 disease cardiac manifestations and the authors highlight the key articles on these topics. A section featuring the increasing role of cardiac PET/CT in the assessment of cardiac sarcoidosis and prosthetic valves is also provided.

[An update on some atypical electrocardiographic forms of acute coronary syndrome The "STEMI equivalents"]. / Mise au point sur certaines formes électrocardiographiques atypiques du syndrome coronarien aigu - « Équivalents STEMI ¼.

The diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation (STEMI) is based on clinical symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial ischemia and precise ECG criteria. STEMI is due to an acute occlusion or subocclusion of a coronary artery, generating a transmural ischaemia, requiring coronary angiography with urgent coronary revascularization. However, some authors consider the current STEMI ECG criteria to be too restrictive: up to 30 % of patients who do not meet these criteria present with critical coronary artery stenosis or acute coronary occlusion. Atypical electrocardiographic patterns, known as "STEMI equivalents", can be found in some cases and justify a rapid cardiological evaluation. We present a pragmatic review of five STEMI equivalents.

Le diagnostic de syndrome coronarien aigu avec sus-décalage du segment ST (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)) est basé sur une clinique évocatrice d'une ischémie myocardique et des critères ECG précis. Le STEMI est le reflet d'une (sub)occlusion aiguë d'une artère coronaire engendrant une ischémie transmurale, nécessitant une coronarographie avec un geste de revascularisation en urgence. Certains auteurs considèrent les critères ECG actuels du STEMI comme étant trop restrictifs : jusqu'à 30 % des patients ne remplissant pas ces critères présenteraient une sténose coronarienne critique ou une occlusion coronarienne aiguë. Des aspects électrocardiographiques atypiques, dits « équivalents STEMI ¼, peuvent être mis en évidence dans certains cas et justifient une prise en charge cardiologique rapide. Nous présentons une revue pragmatique de cinq équivalents STEMI.

Impact of manual thrombectomy on microvascular obstruction in STEMI patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of manual thrombectomy (MT) on microvascular obstruction (MVO) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-three patients admitted for STEMI and undergoing CMR fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were categorized into two groups (did or did not undergo MT). The two primary endpoints were the occurrence and extent of MVO, analyzed as a categorical variable and as a semicontinuous variable. Among the 383 patients, 49.1% exhibited MVO. Both the incidence of MVO and the median number of segments presenting with MVO were significantly higher in the MT group than in the no-MT group, (59.5 vs. 38.9%, p < .001) and (1.5 [0;4] vs. 0 [0;2], p < .001). Analysis stratified on coronary thrombus grade showed similar results, only in patients with a high thrombus burden (60.7 vs. 43.5%, p = .004, and 2 [0;4] vs. 0 [0;3], p = .001. When adjusting for baseline differences, MT remained a determinant of MVO occurrence and extent (odds ratio, OR 1.802 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.080-3.009], p = .024) and ß = .137, p = .024) in patients with a high thrombus grade. CONCLUSION: In STEMI patients, MT was associated with the occurrence and extent of MVO, on CMR, especially in patients with a high thrombus burden.

[Cardiology]. / Cardiologie.

In 2020, new guidelines have been published by the European Society of Cardiology including those on non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, atrial fibrillation and adult congenital heart disease. Regarding interventional cardiology, POPular TAVI opens the possibility of anti-platelet monotherapy after transcutaneous aortic valve replacement. EMPEROR-Reduced confirms the importance of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Within the field of imaging, stress MRI has now become the first-line technique for the screening of coronary artery disease, demonstrating an excellent cost-benefit ratio. Finally, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors do not appear to increase the risk of an infection by COVID-19.

L'année 2020 a été marquée par la publication de nouvelles guidelines de la Société européenne de cardiologie dont le syndrome coronarien aigu sans élévation du segment ST, la fibrillation auriculaire et les cardiopathies congénitales à l'âge adulte. En interventionnel, POPular TAVI permet d'envisager la monothérapie antithrombotique après remplacement de la valve aortique par voie transcutanée. EMPEROR-Reduced confirme l'importance des inhibiteurs du cotransporteur sodium-glucose de type 2 dans le traitement de l'insuffisance cardiaque à fraction d'éjection réduite. En imagerie, l'IRM de stress s'impose comme examen de choix pour le dépistage de la maladie coronarienne avec un rapport coût-bénéfice favorable. Enfin, les inhibiteurs du système rénine-angiotensine-aldostérone ne semblent pas augmenter le risque d'une infection au Covid-19.

Interatrial septum dissection and atrial wall hematoma following transseptal puncture: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Interatrial septum (IAS) dissection due to transseptal puncture (TSP) is a rare, underreported complication of the procedure. Data on the mechanism, diagnosis, and management of this complication are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of all reported cases of IAS dissection with or without associated LA hematoma due to TSP, by thoroughly searching MEDLINE and EMBASE through May 2019. RESULTS: After screening of n = 882 studies, eight studies with a total of 19 patients addressed the complication of IAS dissection and/or LA hematoma secondary to TSP. Median age was 63 years with a 1:1 male to female ratio. Ablation of atrial fibrillation was the most frequently reported procedure (84%). Diagnosis was established using fluoroscopy with contrast injection (58%), TEE (32%) or intracardiac echocardiography (5%). The mechanism identified involved puncture of the septum secundum portion of the IAS, leading to transient needle passage into the extracardiac space. In the majority of patients, the hematoma remained localized in the IAS and management was conservative with progressive resolution of the hematoma during follow-up (95%). Two patients (11%) required further intervention by either pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage due to hemodynamic instability. CONCLUSIONS: IAS dissection with or without hematoma after TSP remains an underdiagnosed entity. The main mechanism involves lesion to the septum secundum portion of the IAS, resulting in needle passage into the extracardiac space and local bleeding. Although conservative management may be sufficient in the majority of cases, interventional cardiologists should be familiar with this complication and its diagnosis.

[Cardiotoxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors used in cancer treatment]. / Cardiotoxicité des inhibiteurs de points de contrôle immunitaire utilisés dans le traitement des cancers.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the field of oncology, by reshaping the prognosis of many cancers and are progressively becoming the standard of care. One of the costs of these advances is the emergence of a new spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), of which cardiovascular irAEs are particularly feared. ICI-induced myocarditis is often a diagnostic challenge because of the vast heterogeneity of clinical presentations, and it is associated with a high mortality rate of around 50%. The present article summarizes the cardiac manifestations, the diagnostic strategy and the therapeutic management of patients with ICI-induced myocarditis used in the treatment of cancer.

Les inhibiteurs de points de contrôle immunitaire (ICI), ou immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), ont révolutionné la prise en charge de nombreux cancers en améliorant significativement la survie des patients et en devenant progressivement la norme de soins. Cette efficacité a néanmoins pour prix un taux élevé d'effets indésirables immunomédiés avec un large spectre d'organes touchés. Les toxicités cardiaques, dominées par la myocardite induite par les ICI, sont particulièrement redoutées du fait des difficultés diagnostiques et du risque d'évolution rapidement défavorable associée à une mortalité élevée, de l'ordre de 50 %. Le présent article s'intéresse aux manifestations cardiaques, à la stratégie diagnostique ainsi qu'à la prise en charge des patients présentant une myocardite induite par les ICI utilisés dans le traitement du cancer.

[Cardiac CT in cardiology in 2019†: major role and extended applications]. / CT-scan en cardiologie en 2019†: un rôle central et des applications étendues.

This article aims to clarify the value of cardiac CT as well as its new applications in the different areas of cardiology for both diagnosis and pretreatment evaluation, including stable coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, valvular disease and the functional and morphological evaluation of the heart.

Cet article a pour objectif de préciser l'intérêt du CT-scan cardiaque et de ses nouvelles applications dans les différents domaines de la cardiologie aussi bien pour le diagnostic que pour l'évaluation préthérapeutique, notamment la maladie coronarienne stable, le syndrome coronarien aigu, les maladies valvulaires ainsi que l'évaluation fonctionnelle et morphologique du cœur.