18F-FDG PET/CT improves diagnostic certainty in native and prosthetic valve Infective Endocarditis over the modified Duke Criteria.

BACKGROUND: International guidance recognizes the shortcomings of the modified Duke Criteria (mDC) in diagnosing infective endocarditis (IE) when transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is equivocal. 18F-FDG PET/CT (PET) has proven benefit in prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), but is restricted to extracardiac manifestations in native disease (NVE). We investigated the incremental benefit of PET over the mDC in NVE. METHODS: Dual-center retrospective study (2010-2018) of patients undergoing myocardial suppression PET for NVE and PVE. Cases were classified by mDC pre- and post-PET, and evaluated against discharge diagnosis. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and net reclassification index (NRI) assessed diagnostic performance. Valve standardized uptake value (SUV) was recorded. RESULTS: 69/88 PET studies were evaluated across 668 patients. At discharge, 20/32 had confirmed NVE, 22/37 PVE, and 19/69 patients required surgery. PET accurately re-classified patients from possible, to definite or rejected (NRI: NVE 0.89; PVE 0.90), with significant incremental benefit in both NVE (AUC 0.883 vs 0.750) and PVE (0.877 vs 0.633). Sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 92% in NVE; 87% and 86% in PVE. Duration of antibiotics and C-reactive Protein level did not impact performance. No diagnostic SUV cut-off was identified. CONCLUSION: PET improves diagnostic certainty when combined with mDC in NVE and PVE.

Clinical and echocardiographic predictors of decompensation in acute severe aortic regurgitation due to infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute severe aortic regurgitation (AR) due to infective endocarditis can progress rapidly from the hemodynamically stable patient to pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock. We sought to identify patients at risk of decompensation where emergent surgery should be undertaken. METHODS: We identified 90 patients with acute severe AR from the echocardiography laboratory database. Baseline clinical, hemodynamic (heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP)), and echocardiographic data including mitral filling, premature mitral valve closure (PMVC), and diastolic mitral regurgitation (DMR) were identified. The primary endpoint was subsequent development of pulmonary edema or severe hemodynamic instability. RESULTS: Patients who met the primary endpoint had a higher HR (98.5 bpm vs 80.5 bpm), lower diastolic BP (54 mm Hg vs 61.5 mm Hg), higher mitral E-wave velocity (113 cm/s vs 83 cm/s), higher E/e' ratio (12.4 vs 8), higher proportion of DMR (27.8% vs 7.4%), and PMVC (25% vs 9.3%) than patients who did not meet the endpoint. The proportion of patients with the primary endpoint increased as HR increased ((≤81 bpm) 3/30 (10%), (81-94 bpm) 11/31 (35.5%), (≥94 bpm) 22/29 (75.9%), P < .0001) and as the diastolic BP reduced ((≤54 mm Hg) 19/31 (61.3%), (54-63 mm Hg) 12/31 (38.7%), (≥63 mm Hg) 5/28 (17.9%), P = .003). Independent predictors were a higher HR (OR 1.08 (95% CI 1.04-1.13) P = .0003) and DMR (OR 4.71 (95% CI 1.23-18.09), P = .02). CONCLUSION: Decompensation in acute severe AR is common. Independent predictors of decompensation are increasing HR(≥94 bpm) and the presence of DMR. Those with these adverse markers should be considered for emergent surgery.

Association of Vegetation Size With Valve Destruction, Embolism and Mortality.

AIM: The mortality of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) is high. The management of patients with large vegetations is controversial. This study sought to investigate the association of vegetation size on outcomes including valve destruction, embolism and mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and forty-two (142) patients with definite IE and transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) imaging available for analysis were identified and data retrospectively reviewed. Vegetation length, width and area were measured. Severe valve destruction was defined as the composite of one or more of severe valve regurgitation, abscess, pseudoaneurysm, perforation or fistula. Associations with 6-month mortality were identified by Cox regression analysis. Eighty (80) (56.3%) patients had evidence of valve destruction on TEE. Vegetation length ≥10 mm and vegetation area ≥50 mm2 were significantly associated with increased risk of valve destruction, (both odds ratio OR 1.21, p=0.03 and p=0.02 respectively). Thirty-nine (39) (72.2%) patients who had an embolic event, did so prior initiation of antibiotics. Six (6)-month mortality was 18.3%. In the surgically managed group, vegetation size was not associated with mortality. In the medically managed group, vegetation area (mm2) was associated with increased mortality (HR 1.01, p<0.01) along with age (HR 1.06, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Vegetation length ≥10 mm or area ≥50 mm2 are associated with increased risk of valve destruction. Vegetation size may also predict mortality in medically managed but not surgically managed patients with IE. Further studies to evaluate whether surgery in patients with large vegetation size improves outcomes is warranted.

Infective endocarditis: Do we have an effective risk score model? A systematic review.

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare, highly morbid condition with 17% in-hospital mortality. A total of 25-30% require surgery and there is ongoing debate with regard to markers predicting patient outcomes and guiding intervention. This systematic review aims to evaluate all IE risk scores currently available. Methods: Standard methodology (PRISMA guideline) was used. Papers with risk score analysis for IE patients were included, with attention to studies reporting area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC/ROC). Qualitative analysis was carried out, including assessment of validation processes and comparison of these results to original derivation cohorts where available. Risk-of-bias analysis illustrated according to PROBAST guidelines. Results: Of 75 articles initially identified, 32 papers were analyzed for a total of 20 proposed scores (range 66-13,000 patients), 14 of which were specific for IE. The number of variables per score ranged from 3 to 14 with only 50% including microbiological variables and 15% including biomarkers. The following scores had good performance (AUC > 0.8) in studies proposing the score (often the derivation cohort); however fared poorly when applied to a new cohort: PALSUSE, DeFeo, ANCLA, RISK-E, EndoSCORE, MELD-XI, COSTA, and SHARPEN. DeFeo score demonstrated the largest discrepancy with initial AUC of 0.88, compared to 0.58 when applied to different cohorts. The inflammatory response in IE has been well documented and CRP has been found to be an independent predictor for worse outcomes. There is ongoing investigation on alternate inflammatory biomarkers which may assist in IE management. Of the scores identified in this review, only three have included a biomarker as a predictor. Conclusion: Despite the variety of available scores, their development has been limited by small sample size, retrospective collection of data and short-term outcomes, with lack of external validation, limiting their transportability. Future population studies and large comprehensive registries are required to address this unmet clinical need.

Recurrent strokes in an occult case of recurrent Cutibacterium acnes prosthetic valve infective endocarditis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a known but uncommon cause of cardioembolic stroke and there are rare but recognized cases of IE without an inflammatory response. Cutibacterium acnes is an increasingly recognized source of invasive infections, including IE, but diagnosis is challenging due to its low virulence and fastidious nature. CASE SUMMARY: A 47-year-old man presented with a multi-focal stroke suggestive of a cardioembolic source. Outpatient transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was concerning for vegetation or thrombus associated with his previous mitral valve repair. He remained clinically well, with no evidence of an inflammatory response and sterile blood cultures. Computed tomography-positron emission tomography (CT-PET) corroborated the TOE findings, however, given the atypical presentation, he was treated for valvular thrombus. Following discharge, he quickly re-presented with further embolic phenomena and underwent emergency mitral valve replacement. Intraoperative findings were consistent with prosthetic valve IE (PVE) and a 6-week course of antibiotics commenced. C. acnes was identified on molecular testing. Eighteen months later, he re-presented with further neurological symptoms. Early TOE and CT-PET were consistent with IE. Blood cultures grew C. acnes after prolonged incubation. Given the absence of surgical indications, he was managed medically, and the vegetation resolved without valvular dysfunction. He continues to be followed up in an outpatient setting. DISCUSSION: In patients presenting with multi-territory stroke, IE should be considered despite sterile blood cultures and absent inflammatory response. C. acnes is an increasingly recognized cause of PVE in this context, often requiring surgical intervention. A high index of suspicion and collaboration with an Endocarditis Team is therefore essential to diagnose and treat.

Investigating consultant-led virtual review as a model for implementing 7-day cardiology services in UK clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Disparities between weekend and weekday care, termed 'the weekend effect', have led to a UK government pledge to provide 7-day services. Despite this, poor outcomes have led to criticism of the programme. This study consequently sought to evaluate consultant-led virtual review as a model for 7-day cardiology services. METHODS: Over 4 weekends, cardiology patients underwent virtual review alongside in-person teams. Outcomes included length of stay, same-day discharge and 30-day mortality rates, as well as duration of ward rounds and change in patient management. Patients were surveyed on attitudes towards virtual review. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in clinical outcomes, while virtual review was noted to significantly decrease time taken (p<0.0001). Attitudes towards virtual review were broadly favourable. CONCLUSION: By demonstrating comparable outcomes compared with conventional review, as well as high acceptability, this study identified virtual review as an effective substitute for in-person care.

High Thrombus Burden in Patients With COVID-19 Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is thought to predispose patients to thrombotic disease. To date there are few reports of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) caused by type 1 myocardial infarction in patients with COVID-19. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the demographic, angiographic, and procedural characteristics alongside clinical outcomes of consecutive cases of COVID-19-positive patients with STEMI compared with COVID-19-negative patients. METHODS: This was a single-center, observational study of 115 consecutive patients admitted with confirmed STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention at Barts Heart Centre between March 1, 2020, and May 20, 2020. RESULTS: Patients with STEMI presenting with concurrent COVID-19 infection had higher levels of troponin T and lower lymphocyte count, but elevated D-dimer and C-reactive protein. There were significantly higher rates of multivessel thrombosis, stent thrombosis, higher modified thrombus grade post first device with consequently higher use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and thrombus aspiration. Myocardial blush grade and left ventricular function were significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 with STEMI. Higher doses of heparin to achieve therapeutic activated clotting times were also noted. Importantly, patients with STEMI presenting with COVID-19 infection had a longer in-patient admission and higher rates of intensive care admission. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with STEMI and concurrent COVID-19 infection, there is a strong signal toward higher thrombus burden and poorer outcomes. This supports the need for establishing COVID-19 status in all STEMI cases. Further work is required to understand the mechanism of increased thrombosis and the benefit of aggressive antithrombotic therapy in selected cases.

Echocardiography in Patients With Infective Endocarditis and the Impact of Diagnostic Delays on Clinical Outcomes.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of timing of echocardiography on IE complications. We studied 151 consecutive patients with definite IE. Valve destruction was defined as ≥1 of severe regurgitation, cardiac abscess, or fistula. A definitive echocardiogram was the first echocardiogram (transthoracic (TTE) or Transesophageal (TEE)) which identified pathology consistent with IE and further echocardiography was not required for the diagnosis. TTE and TEE were performed within 4 days of admission in 62% and 15% patients respectively. Definitive echocardiography was achieved with TTE in 60% patients and required additional TEE in 40% patients. Significantly more in-patient embolic events occurred when definitive echocardiography was performed late (≥4 days) compared with early (<4 days) (40% vs 14%, p = 0.043). A significantly greater proportion of patients who underwent late definitive echocardiography (≥4 days) required valve surgery (73% vs 56%, p = 0.04). Time to definitive echocardiography (odds ratio [OR] 1.015, p = 0.011), male gender (OR 1.254, p = 0.005) and age (OR 0.992, p = 0.002) were predictors of severe valve destruction. Late definitive echocardiography (OR 1.166, p=0.035) was a predictor of in-patient embolism. In conclusion, time to definitive echocardiography is an important predictor of valve destruction, embolic events, and subsequent valve surgery. Pathways to reduce delays to echocardiography are required in patients with suspected IE.

Calculated plasma volume status and prognosis in chronic heart failure.

AIMS: Plasma volume (PV) expansion hallmarks worsening chronic heart failure (CHF) but no non-invasive means of quantifying volume status exists. Because weight and haematocrit are related to PV, they can be used to calculate relative PV status (PVS). We tested the validity and prognostic utility of calculated PVS in CHF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: First, we evaluated the agreement between calculated actual PV (aPV) and aPV levels measured using (125)Iodine-human serum albumin. Second, we derived PVS as: [(calculated aPV - ideal PV)/ideal PV] × 100%. Third, we assessed the prognostic implications of PVS in 5002 patients from the Valsartan in Heart Failure Trial (Val-HeFT), and validated this in another 246 routine CHF outpatients. On analysis, calculated and measured aPV values correlated significantly in 119 normal subjects and 30 CHF patients. In the Val-HeFT cohort, mean (+SD) PVS was -9 ± 8% and related to volume biomarkers such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Over 2 years, 977 (20%) patients died. Plasma volume status was associated with death and first morbid events in a 'J-shaped' fashion with the highest risk seen with a PVS > -4%. Stratification into PVS quartiles confirmed that a PVS > -4% was associated with increased mortality (unadjusted hazard ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.44-1.88, χ(2) = 54, P < 0.001) even after adjusting for 22 variables, including brain natriuretic peptide. These results were mirrored in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Relative PVS calculated from simple clinical indices reflects the degree to which patients have deviated from their ideal PV and independently relates to outcomes. The utility of PVS-driven CHF management needs further evaluation.

Serum albumin changes and multivariate dynamic risk modelling in chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: We examined the prognostic utility of rate of change in serum albumin over time in chronic heart failure (CHF), as well as the utility of multivariate dynamic risk modelling. METHODS AND RESULTS: The survival implication of ∆albumin was analysed in 232 systolic CHF patients and validated in 212 patients. A multivariate dynamic risk score predicated on the rate of change in 6 simple indices including albumin was calculated and related to mortality. In derivation patients, 50 (22%) deaths occurred over 13 months. Greater rates of decline in albumin related to higher mortality (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.73, P<0.0001) independently, incrementally and more accurately than other covariates including baseline albumin. A rate of attenuation >0.4 g/dL/month optimally forecasted death and was associated with a 5-fold escalated risk of mortality (HR 5.13, 95% CI 2.92-9.00, P<0.0001). Similar results were seen in the validation cohort. On multivariate dynamic risk modelling, survival at 1-year worsened with higher scores-a score ≥ 3 was associated with a 12-fold greater risk of death than a score of 0, a 6-fold higher risk of death than a score of 1, and a 4-fold enhanced risk of mortality than a score of 2. CONCLUSION: Attenuations in serum albumin over time relate to increased mortality in CHF, and a risk model predicated on the rate of change in 6 simple indices can identify patients at a 12-fold enhanced risk of death over the coming year.

Biliary stent migration as a cause of cardiac tamponade.

Biliary stent implantation is an established treatment of biliary strictures. Stent migration has been previously reported to cause bronchopleuralbiliary fistula. We report a case of pericardialbiliary fistula causing cardiac tamponade as a result of biliary stent migration which has been successfully treated with pericardiocentesis and biliary stent retrieval via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Expansion of the red cell distribution width and evolving iron deficiency as predictors of poor outcome in chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: An elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) and iron deficiency (ID) at baseline predict enhanced mortality in chronic heart failure (CHF), but little is known about the prognostic implications of their temporal trends. We sought to determine the survival implications of temporal changes in RDW and evolving ID in patients with CHF. METHODS: The relation between red cell indices on first consultation and over time with mortality in 274 stable patients with systolic CHF was analysed. The combination of a rising RDW with a falling mean cell volume (MCV) over time defined evolving ID. RESULTS: Over a median 12 month period, 51% and 23% of patients had a rise in RDW and evolving ID, respectively. After a median follow-up of 27 months, 60 (22%) patients died. A rising RDW predicted enhanced all-cause mortality (unadjusted HR for 1% per week rise 9.27, 95% CI 3.58 to 24.00, P<0.0001) independently and incrementally to baseline RDW, with an absolute increase >0.02% per week optimally predictive. Evolving ID also related to higher rates of mortality (HR 2.78, 95% CI 1.64 to 4.73, P<0.001) and was prognostically worse than a rising RDW alone (P<0.005). Patients with evolving ID who maintained their Hb levels over time had a 2-fold greater risk of death than those whose Hb levels declined without evolving ID. CONCLUSIONS: An expanding RDW and evolving iron deficiency over time predict an amplified risk of death in CHF and should be utilised for risk stratification and/or therapeutically targeted to potentially improve outcomes.