Comparison of the new risk prediction model (HCM Risk-SCD) and classic risk factors for sudden death in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and defibrillator.

AIMS: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the main causes of sudden death in young people. Recent clinical practice guidelines include a risk prediction model for sudden death (HCM Risk-SCD), which facilitates the decision of whether to implant a defibrillator. The aim of our study was to ascertain the percentage of events in our series of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and whether HCM Risk-SCD predicts the onset of arrhythmic events. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was an observational, retrospective cohort study, which included 48 primary prevention defibrillator recipient patients with HCM. We compiled their demographic and clinical characteristics, estimated 5-year risk using HCM Risk-SCD, and collected the documentation on arrhythmias during follow-up. The majority was male (66.7%) and mean age at implantation was 44.44 ± 14.46 years. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia was the most prevalent risk factor (66.67%), followed by a family history of sudden death (47.92%). Mean HCM Risk-SCD was 6.15 ± 5.01%. HCM Risk-SCD was the only factor independently associated with the onset of ventricular tachyarrhythmia, above any other classic risk factor or association [odds ratio = 1.46 (95% confidence interval 1.051-2.013); P = 0.02]. None of the 11 patients estimated as low risk using HCM Risk-SCD suffered any appropriate events (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: During an average follow-up of 4 years, 16.67% presented appropriate events (4.16%/year). HCM Risk-SCD predicted the onset of events more suitably than classic risk factors.

Combined resynchronization therapy and automatic defibrillator in advanced non-ischaemic heart failure: the importance of QRS width.

AIMS: The combined use of an automatic defibrillator in resynchronization therapy for primary prevention in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is controversial. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed a series of 46 patients (61 +/- 10 years, 64% male) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing resynchronization therapy combined with a defibrillator in primary prevention and the potential relationship between baseline characteristics and the onset of ventricular arrhythmic events. Of the 46 patients included, eight (17%) presented episodes of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation during follow-up (19 +/- 12 months). There were no baseline differences among these patients, except the proportion of males (57.9 vs. 100%, P = 0.02) and QRS width (162 +/- 24 vs. 189 +/- 26 ms, P = 0.008), which was the only independent predictor of arrhythmic events (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.12-1.68; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing resynchronization therapy combined with a defibrillator, baseline QRS is an independent predictor of arrhythmic events.

Persistence of secondary mitral regurgitation and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

AIMS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves survival and quality of life in advanced heart failure (HF). Although mitral regurgitation (MR) reduction has been reported, its presence has been associated with non-response to CRT. This study was undertaken to assess the potential role of significant mitral regurgitation (SMR) persistence after CRT on clinical outcome, major arrhythmic events, and echocardiographic response in the mid-long term. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-six patients (28.9% women, 63 +/- 11 years) with dilated cardiomyopathy in advanced HF were included. SMR, defined as regurgitant orifice area > or =0.20 cm(2), was assessed at baseline and its evolution 6 months after CRT. Clinical outcome (cardiovascular death/HF readmission), major arrhythmic events, and echocardiographic response (reverse remodelling) were recorded on follow-up. Thirty-two patients (42.1%) presented baseline SMR, becoming non-significant in 11 of the 32 patients (34.3%) 6 months after CRT. Its persistence was associated with higher rates of clinical events (46.4 vs. 18.7%, P = 0.011), arrhythmic events (35.7 vs. 14.5%, P = 0.034), and less reverse remodelling (28.5 vs. 83.3%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CRT can reduce moderate or severe baseline MR to non-significant in one-third of patients. However, its persistence was associated with worse clinical evolution, greater incidence of arrhythmic events, and less reverse remodelling.

Newly impaired glucose metabolism and prognosis after percutaneous revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend ad hoc screening of diabetes in patients admitted for macrovascular disease; however, these recommendations are rarely followed in real practice. This study was undertaken to assess whether impaired glucose metabolism, newly diagnosed after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or known diabetes, provides prognostic information. METHODS: We studied 374 patients who underwent PCI. An oral glucose tolerance test was carried out in the known non-diabetic patients with fasting glucose < 7 mmol/L. RESULTS: Eighty-one percent of the patients presented impaired glucose metabolism, from which 35.3% were previously diagnosed with diabetics, 21.4% were newly detected diabetics, and 24.3% were pre-diabetics. After a mean follow-up of 35.8 ± 13.4 months, only a known history of diabetes was an independent predictor of revascularization (OR = 2.03, p = 0.025), non-fatal acute myocardial infarction (OR = 2.70, p = 0.029) and readmission due to heart failure during the follow-up (OR = 3.82, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Screening for impaired glucose metabolism after PCI permits the detection of a high proportion of patients with abnormal glucose regulations. However, previously known diabetes remains the only independent predictor of cardiovascular events in the follow-up.

Diagnostic Approach to Unexplained Cardiac Arrest (from the FIVI-Gen Study).

Unexplained cardiac arrest (UCA) can be caused by low-penetrance genetic disorders. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to assess the usefulness of a new diagnostic protocol: Thirty-five patients were recruited from 9 Spanish centers. Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and coronary catheterization were used to rule out electrical or structural heart disease in all subjects. Patients underwent pharmacologic tests with epinephrine and flecainide, followed by assessment of family members using electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, and next-generation genetic sequencing to analyze 126 genes if all the other test results were negative. A firm diagnosis of channelopathy required phenotypic proof of the condition in unmasking tests, the presence of a pathogenic variant consistent with the phenotype observed, and/or co-segregation of the mutation found in a family member's phenotype. A firm diagnosis was made in 18 cases. The diagnoses were 7 Brugada syndrome, 5 catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, 3 long QT syndrome, 2 early repolarization syndrome, and 1 short QT syndrome. Pharmacologic testing was the most frequent method of diagnosis. In 5 cases, the diagnosis was made based on positive genetic testing without phenotypic alterations. In conclusion, this sequential diagnostic protocol allows diagnoses to be made in approximately half of the UCA cases. These diagnoses are low clinical penetrance channelopathies. If interpreted carefully, genetic tests can be a useful tool for diagnosing UCA without a phenotype.

Factors predicting and having an impact on the need for a permanent pacemaker after CoreValve prosthesis implantation using the new Accutrak delivery catheter system.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the need for a permanent pacemaker after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the CoreValve prosthesis (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota) using the new Accutrak delivery system (Medtronic, Inc.). BACKGROUND: The need for a permanent pacemaker is a recognized complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the CoreValve prosthesis. METHODS: Between April 23, 2008 and May 31, 2011, 195 consecutive patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the self-expanding CoreValve prosthesis. In 124 patients, the traditional delivery system was used, and in 71 patients, the Accutrak delivery system was used. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline electrocardiographic characteristics between the traditional system and the Accutrak patients: PR interval: 153 ± 46 mm versus 165 ± 30 mm, p = 0.12; left bundle branch block: 22 (20.2%) versus 8 (12.7%), p = 0.21; right bundle branch block: 21 (19.3%) versus 8 (12.7%), p = 0.26. The depth of the prosthesis in the left ventricular outflow tract was greater with the traditional system than with the Accutrak system (9.6 ± 3.2 mm vs. 6.4 ± 3 mm, p < 0.001) and the need for a permanent pacemaker was higher with traditional system than with Accutrak (35.1% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.003). The predictors of the need for a pacemaker were the depth of the prosthesis in the left ventricular outflow tract (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08 to 1.34, p < 0.001), pre-existing right bundle branch block (HR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.68 to 7.29, p = 0.001), and use of the traditional system (HR: 27, 95% CI: 2.81 to 257, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The new Accutrak delivery system was associated with less deep prosthesis implantation in the left ventricular outflow tract, which could be related to the lower rate of permanent pacemaker requirement.

Changes in atrioventricular conduction and predictors of pacemaker need after percutaneous implantation of the CoreValve®. Aortic valve prosthesis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although changes in atrioventricular conduction frequently occur after percutaneous implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis, little is known about the mechanisms involved or how these changes progress. We investigated ECG abnormalities and predictors of pacemaker need after percutaneous implantation of the CoreValve® aortic valve prosthesis. METHODS: Between April 2008 and October 2009, 65 patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis received a CoreValve® prosthesis. Clinical and ECG parameters were recorded and predictors of pacemaker need due to advanced atrioventricular block were investigated. The analysis excluded three patients because they had pacemakers and a fourth who died during the procedure. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 79 ± 7.8 years and their logistic EuroSCORE was 20 ± 14%. Implantation was successful in 98.4%. After implantation, 47.5% had left bundle branch block and 21 patients (34.4%) required a permanent pacemaker. The need for a pacemaker was associated with a greater depth of prosthesis implantation in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT): 13 ± 2.5 mm vs. 8.8 ± 2.8 mm (P< .001). Moreover, depth was the only predictor: odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.19-3.05 (P< .007). A cutpoint of 11.1 mm for the prosthesis depth in the LVOT had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 84.6% for predicting the need for a pacemaker. CONCLUSIONS: After CoreValve® aortic valve prosthesis implantation, a high percentage of patients needed a permanent pacemaker for advanced atrioventricular block. The only independent predictor was the depth of the prosthesis in the LVOT, which could serve as an early indicator of pacemaker need.

[Benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation who have not undergone atrioventricular node ablation]. / Beneficio de la terapia de resincronización cardiaca en la fibrilación auricular sin ablación del nodo.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on left ventricular function and reverse remodeling in patients in sinus rhythm with the effects in patients with atrial fibrillation who have not undergone atrioventricular node ablation. Echocardiographic and clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months of cardiac resynchronization therapy in 55 patients: 15 had atrial fibrillation and 40 were in sinus rhythm. Device programming was similar in the 2 groups, as were the reductions in QRS interval and echocardiographic measures of asynchrony observed after implantation. However, although significant improvements in end-systolic volume and ejection fraction were seen in both groups, reverse remodeling was greater in patients in sinus rhythm (reduction in end-systolic volume 30.9%+/-24.6% vs 12.5%+/-18.6%; P=.024), as was the relative increase in ejection fraction (15.4%+/-12.6% vs 5.0%+/-7.2%; P=.010). Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation who had not undergone atrioventricular node ablation resulted in significant improvements in ejection fraction and reverse remodeling, but these were less than those observed in patients in sinus rhythm.

Remodelado inverso ecocardiográfico y eléctrico en terapia de resincronización cardiaca / Echocardiographic and electrical reverse remodeling in cardiac resynchronization therapy

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Alteraciones de la conducción auriculoventricular y predictores de la necesidad de marcapasos tras el implante percutáneo de la prótesis aórtica de CoreValve® / Changes in atrioventricular conduction and predictors of pacemaker need after percutaneous implantation of the CoreValve® aortic valve prosthesis

Introducción y objetivos. Los cambios en la conducción auriculoventricular son frecuentes tras el implante percutáneo de la prótesis aórtica, pero se desconoce qué mecanismos están implicados y su evolución. Analizamos las alteraciones electrocardiográficas y los predictores de la necesidad de marcapasos tras el implante percutáneo con la prótesis aórtica CoreValve®. Métodos. Entre abril de 2008 y octubre de 2009 se ha tratado a 65 pacientes con estenosis aórtica grave sintomática mediante la prótesis aórtica CoreValve®. Se analizaron características clínicas y electrocardiográficas y predictores de la necesidad de marcapasos por bloqueo auriculoventricular avanzado. Del análisis se excluyó a 3 pacientes por tener marcapasos y a un cuarto paciente que falleció durante el procedimiento. Resultados. La media de edad era 79 ± 7,8 años y el EuroSCORE logístico, 20% ± 14%. El éxito del implante fue del 98,4%. Tras el implante de la prótesis, el 47,5% tenía bloqueo de rama izquierda y 21 pacientes (34,4%) precisaron de marcapasos definitivo. La necesidad de marcapasos se relacionó con la mayor profundidad de la prótesis en el tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo (TSVI) (13 ± 2,5 frente a 8,8 ± 2,8 mm; p < 0,001) y fue el único predictor (odds ratio = 1,9; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,19-3,05; p < 0,007. Una profundidad de 11,1 mm de la prótesis en el TSVI presentó una sensibilidad del 81% y una especificidad del 84,6% para predecir la necesidad de marcapasos. Conclusiones. Tras el implante de la prótesis aórtica CoreValve®, un alto porcentaje de pacientes precisan de marcapasos definitivo por bloqueo auriculoventricular avanzado. El único predictor independiente es la profundidad de la prótesis en el TSVI y podría detectar precozmente la necesidad de marcapasos (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Although changes in atrioventricular conduction frequently occur after percutaneous implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis, little is known about the mechanisms involved or how these changes progress. We investigated ECG abnormalities and predictors of pacemaker need after percutaneous implantation of the CoreValve® aortic valve prosthesis. Methods. Between April 2008 and October 2009, 65 patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis received a CoreValve® prosthesis. Clinical and ECG parameters were recorded and predictors of pacemaker need due to advanced atrioventricular block were investigated. The analysis excluded three patients because they had pacemakers and a fourth who died during the procedure. Results. The patients’ mean age was 79±7.8 years and their logistic EuroSCORE was 20±14%. Implantation was successful in 98.4%. After implantation, 47.5% had left bundle branch block and 21 patients (34.4%) required a permanent pacemaker. The need for a pacemaker was associated with a greater depth of prosthesis implantation in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT): 13±2.5 mm vs. 8.8±2.8 mm (P<.001). Moreover, depth was the only predictor: odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.19- 3.05 (P<.007). A cutpoint of 11.1 mm for the prosthesis depth in the LVOT had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 84.6% for predicting the need for a pacemaker. Conclusions. After CoreValve® aortic valve prosthesis implantation, a high percentage of patients needed a permanent pacemaker for advanced atrioventricular block. The only independent predictor was the depth of the prosthesis in the LVOT, which could serve as an early indicator of pacemaker need (AU)

Beneficio de la terapia de resincronización cardiaca en la fibrilación auricular sin ablación del nodo / Benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation who have not undergone atrioventricular node ablation

El objetivo fue comparar el efecto de la terapia de resincronización cardiaca en la función ventricular y el remodelado inverso en pacientes en ritmo sinusal y fibrilación auricular sin ablación del nódulo auriculoventricular. Se analizaron parámetros clínicos y ecocardiográficos antes y 6 meses tras la resincronización de 55 pacientes: 15 en fibrilación auricular y 40 en ritmo sinusal. La programación del dispositivo, el estrechamiento del QRS y la asincronía ecocardiográfica tras el implante fueron similares en ambos grupos. Sin embargo, aunque en ambos grupos se observó mejoría significativa del volumen telesistólico y la fracción de eyección, los pacientes en ritmo sinusal presentaron mayor remodelado inverso (reducción del volumen telesistólico del 30,9% ± 24,6% contra el 12,5% ± 18,6%; p = 0,024) y aumento relativo en la fracción de eyección (el 15,4% ± 12,6% y el 5% ± 7,2%; p = 0,010). La terapia de resincronización en pacientes con fibrilación auricular sin ablación del nódulo mejora significativamente la fracción de eyección y el remodelado inverso, pero menos que en ritmo sinusal

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on left ventricular function and reverse remodeling in patients in sinus rhythm with the effects in patients with atrial fibrillation who have not undergone atrioventricular node ablation. Echocardiographic and clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months of cardiac resynchronization therapy in 55 patients: 15 had atrial fibrillation and 40 were in sinus rhythm. Device programming was similar in the 2 groups, as were the reductions in QRS interval and echocardiographic measures of asynchrony observed after implantation. However, although significant improvements in end-systolic volume and ejection fraction were seen in both groups, reverse remodeling was greater in patients in sinus rhythm (reduction in end-systolic volume 30.9%±24.6% vs 12.5%±18.6%; P=.024), as was the relative increase in ejection fraction (15.4%±12.6% vs 5.0%±7.2%; P=.010). Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation who had not undergone atrioventricular node ablation resulted in significant improvements in ejection fraction and reverse remodeling, but these were less than those observed in patients in sinus rhythm