Large- and medium-sized arterial aneurysms in two patients with SMAD4-related juvenile polyposis syndrome.

Germline SMAD4 pathogenic variants (PVs) cause juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), which is known for an increased risk of gastrointestinal juvenile polyps and gastrointestinal cancer. Many patients with SMAD4 PV also show signs of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and some patients have aneurysms and dissections of the thoracic aorta. Here we describe two patients with a germline SMAD4 PV and a remarkable clinical presentation including multiple medium-sized arterial aneurysms. More data are needed to confirm whether the more extensive vascular phenotype and the other described features in our patients are indeed part of a broader JPS spectrum.

Longitudinal changes in systemic right ventricular remodeling in adult patients with transposition of the great vessels as assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Systemic right ventricular (sRV) physiology occurs in patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) and D-TGA post atrial switch repair, and the natural history is of progressive sRV dysfunction. No study has assessed longitudinal changes in sRV remodeling by serial CMR. METHODS: Patients evaluated at two adult congenital heart disease centers and who underwent ≥2 CMR exams were studied. Indexed sRV end-diastolic volume (sRVEDVi), end-systolic volume (sRVESVi), and ejection fraction (sRVEF) were determined by a core laboratory. Concurrent echocardiograms were assessed for degree of systemic TR (sTR). Tricuspid valve events were defined as ≥moderate sTR, or interval tricuspid replacement (TVR). Generally, the earliest and most recent studies were compared. A subset of patients were followed with ≥moderate sTR, and then subsequently underwent interval TVR. For these patients, two study time-intervals were defined to analyze the impact of each event independently. RESULTS: 67 patients were studied (33±11 years, 47% male, 33% ccTGA), with 72 total time intervals studied (median interval 9.0 years [IQR 4.6-13.3]). There was a small increase in sRVEDVi over time (ΔsRVEDVi 5.5±15.8ml/m2, p<0.001), but mean change in sRVEF was not significant (ΔsRVEF 0.1±6.9%, p=0.86); notably, confidence intervals were wide for both. ccTGA patients had a trend towards greater decrement in sRVEF (ΔsRVEF -1.7±6.8 vs 1.3±6.7%, p=0.06). For each 25ml/m2 increase in baseline sRVEDVi, there was a 1.8% decrease in sRVEF (95% CI -3.2% to -0.5%, p=0.01). Patients without significant sTR had lesser deterioration in sRVEF compared to those with ≥moderate sTR or with interval TR intervention (ΔsRVEF 1.8±6.9% vs -2.1±6.6% and -2.6±4.5, p<0.05). Interval sRV conduction delay was associated with a trend towards greater decrements in sRVEF (ΔsRVEF -3.9±6.3 vs. 0.9±6.8%, p=0.07). Overall, underlying congenital anatomy, baseline sRVEDVi, advanced sTR or interval TVR, and sRV conduction delay explained only 16% of the variability in ΔsRVEF over time. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal changes in sRV remodeling were small, with great heterogeneity. Apparent risk factors in our study, namely underlying congenital anatomy, baseline sRVEDVi, TR events, and sRV conduction disease accounted for only 16% of the variability seen in the longitudinal change of sRVEF.

Long-term global longitudinal strain abnormalities in paediatric patients after multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children correlate with cardiac troponin T: a single-centre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is an inflammatory syndrome related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with a high risk of cardiovascular complications (vasoplegia, cardiac shock). We investigated the cardiac outcomes in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, focusing on the identification of predictors for late cardiac function impairment. METHODS: Clinical characteristics, conventional echocardiography (left ventricle ejection fraction, fractional shortening), 4-chamber left ventricular global longitudinal strain, and cardiac MRI of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children patients (n = 48) were collected during admission, 6 weeks, 6 months, >12-≤18 months, and >18-≤24 months post-onset. Paired over-time patterns were assessed and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for late global longitudinal strain impairment. RESULTS: In total, 81.3% of patients had acute cardiac dysfunction (left ventricle ejection fraction <50% and/or fractional shortening <28%). The left ventricle ejection fraction and fractional shortening reached a plateau level ≤6 weeks, while the global longitudinal strain continued to decrease in the first 6 months post-onset (median -17.3%, P < 0.001 [versus acute]). At 6 months, 35.7% of the patients still had an abnormal global longitudinal strain, which persisted in 5/9 patients that underwent echocardiography >12-≤18 months post-onset and in 3/3 patients >18-≤24 months post-onset. In a multivariable analysis, soluble troponin T (>62.0 ng/L [median]) was associated with reduced global longitudinal strain at 6 months. Our cardiac MRI findings indicated acute myocardial involvement (increased T1/T2 value) in 77.8% (7/9), which recovered quickly without signs of fibrosis on convalescent cardiac MRIs. CONCLUSIONS: Late global longitudinal strain impairment is seen in some multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children patients up to one-year post-onset. Careful cardiac follow-up in patients with elevated troponin in the acute phase and patients with persistent abnormal global longitudinal strain is warranted until resolution of the global longitudinal strain since the long-term implications of such abnormalities are still unclear.

Angiotensin receptor blockers and ß blockers in Marfan syndrome: an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised trials.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and ß blockers are widely used in the treatment of Marfan syndrome to try to reduce the rate of progressive aortic root enlargement characteristic of this condition, but their separate and joint effects are uncertain. We aimed to determine these effects in a collaborative individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised trials of these treatments. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, we identified relevant trials of patients with Marfan syndrome by systematically searching MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL from database inception to Nov 2, 2021. Trials were eligible if they involved a randomised comparison of an ARB versus control or an ARB versus ß blocker. We used individual patient data from patients with no prior aortic surgery to estimate the effects of: ARB versus control (placebo or open control); ARB versus ß blocker; and indirectly, ß blocker versus control. The primary endpoint was the annual rate of change of body surface area-adjusted aortic root dimension Z score, measured at the sinuses of Valsalva. FINDINGS: We identified ten potentially eligible trials including 1836 patients from our search, from which seven trials and 1442 patients were eligible for inclusion in our main analyses. Four trials involving 676 eligible participants compared ARB with control. During a median follow-up of 3 years, allocation to ARB approximately halved the annual rate of change in the aortic root Z score (mean annual increase 0·07 [SE 0·02] ARB vs 0·13 [SE 0·02] control; absolute difference -0·07 [95% CI -0·12 to -0·01]; p=0·012). Prespecified secondary subgroup analyses showed that the effects of ARB were particularly large in those with pathogenic variants in fibrillin-1, compared with those without such variants (heterogeneity p=0·0050), and there was no evidence to suggest that the effect of ARB varied with ß-blocker use (heterogeneity p=0·54). Three trials involving 766 eligible participants compared ARBs with ß blockers. During a median follow-up of 3 years, the annual change in the aortic root Z score was similar in the two groups (annual increase -0·08 [SE 0·03] in ARB groups vs -0·11 [SE 0·02] in ß-blocker groups; absolute difference 0·03 [95% CI -0·05 to 0·10]; p=0·48). Thus, indirectly, the difference in the annual change in the aortic root Z score between ß blockers and control was -0·09 (95% CI -0·18 to 0·00; p=0·042). INTERPRETATION: In people with Marfan syndrome and no previous aortic surgery, ARBs reduced the rate of increase of the aortic root Z score by about one half, including among those taking a ß blocker. The effects of ß blockers were similar to those of ARBs. Assuming additivity, combination therapy with both ARBs and ß blockers from the time of diagnosis would provide even greater reductions in the rate of aortic enlargement than either treatment alone, which, if maintained over a number of years, would be expected to lead to a delay in the need for aortic surgery. FUNDING: Marfan Foundation, the Oxford British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, and the UK Medical Research Council.

Ultra-low-dose CT versus chest X-ray for patients suspected of pulmonary disease at the emergency department: a multicentre randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Chest CT displays chest pathology better than chest X-ray (CXR). We evaluated the effects on health outcomes of replacing CXR by ultra-low-dose chest-CT (ULDCT) in the diagnostic work-up of patients suspected of non-traumatic pulmonary disease at the emergency department. METHODS: Pragmatic, multicentre, non-inferiority randomised clinical trial in patients suspected of non-traumatic pulmonary disease at the emergency department. Between 31 January 2017 and 31 May 2018, every month, participating centres were randomly allocated to using ULDCT or CXR. Primary outcome was functional health at 28 days, measured by the Short Form (SF)-12 physical component summary scale score (PCS score), non-inferiority margin was set at 1 point. Secondary outcomes included hospital admission, hospital length of stay (LOS) and patients in follow-up because of incidental findings. RESULTS: 2418 consecutive patients (ULDCT: 1208 and CXR: 1210) were included. Mean SF-12 PCS score at 28 days was 37.0 for ULDCT and 35.9 for CXR (difference 1.1; 95% lower CI: 0.003). After ULDCT, 638/1208 (52.7%) patients were admitted (median LOS of 4.8 days; IQR 2.1-8.8) compared with 659/1210 (54.5%) patients after CXR (median LOS 4.6 days; IQR 2.1-8.8). More ULDCT patients were in follow-up because of incidental findings: 26 (2.2%) versus 4 (0.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term functional health was comparable between ULDCT and CXR, as were hospital admissions and LOS, but more incidental findings were found in the ULDCT group. Our trial does not support routine use of ULDCT in the work-up of patients suspected of non-traumatic pulmonary disease at the emergency department. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR6163.

Cardiac sequelae in athletes following COVID-19 vaccination: evidence and misinformation.

The recognition of myocarditis as a rare side effect of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination has sparked a global debate on vaccine safety, especially in the realm of sports. The main proposed mechanisms in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination-associated myocarditis (C-VAM) are based on the activation of the innate- and adaptive immune system against a susceptible immune-genetic background, including the recognition of mRNA as an antigen by the immune system, molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and cardiac tissue antigens and inflammatory sex-hormone signalling. The relatively younger age of the athlete population hypothetically constellates an increased risk of C-VAM. A subgroup analysis in individuals under 40 years revealed a low incidence of myocarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination when compared to positive SARS-CoV-2 tests. No confirmed cases of athletes experiencing cardiac complications after mRNA vaccination have been reported. Most athletes only reported mild side effects after COVID-19 vaccination. A small but statistically significant decrease in maximal oxygen consumption in recreational athletes occurred after BNT162b2 mRNA booster vaccine administration. The clinical relevance and temporality of which remain to be determined. Many speculative social media reports attribute sudden cardiac arrest/death (SCA/D) in athletes to mRNA vaccination. Large media outlets have thoroughly debunked these claims. There is currently no evidence to support the claim that COVID-19 mRNA vaccination increases the risk of myocardial sequelae or SCA/D in athletes. However, specific vaccine regimen selection and timing may be appropriate to prevent detrimental performance effects.

A comparison of ECG-based home monitoring devices in adults with CHD.

BACKGROUND: Various electrocardiogram (ECG)-based devices are available for home monitoring, but the reliability in adults with CHD is unknown. Therefore, we determined the accuracy of different ECG-based devices compared to the standard 12-lead ECG in adult CHD. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a single-centre, prospective, cross-sectional study in 176 consecutive adults with CHD (54% male, age 40 ± 16.6 years, 24% severe CHD, 84% previous surgery, 3% atrial fibrillation (AF), 24% right bundle branch block). Diagnostic accuracy of the Withings Scanwatch (lead I), Eko DUO (precordial lead), and Kardia 6L (six leads) was determined in comparison to the standard 12-lead ECG on several tasks: 1) AF classification (percentage correct), 2) QRS-morphology classification (percentage correct), and 3) ECG intervals calculation (QTc time ≤ 40 ms difference). Both tested AF algorithms had high accuracy (Withings: 100%, Kardia 6L: 97%) in ECGs that were classified. However, the Withings algorithm classified fewer ECGs as inconclusive (5%) compared to 31% of Kardia (p < 0.001). Physician evaluation of Kardia correctly classified QRS morphology more frequently (90% accuracy) compared to Eko DUO (84% accuracy) (p = 0.03). QTc was underestimated on all ECG-based devices (p < 0.01). QTc duration accuracy was acceptable in only 51% of Withings versus 70% Eko and 74% Kardia (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Although all devices demonstrated high accuracy in AF detection, the Withings automatic algorithm had fewest uninterpretable results. Kardia 6L was most accurate in overall evaluation such as QRS morphology and QTc duration. These findings can inform both patients and caregivers for optimal choice of home monitoring.

A cross-sectional study on fatigue, anxiety, and symptoms of depression and their relation with medical status in adult patients with Marfan syndrome. Psychological consequences in Marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder affecting the cardiovascular, ocular, and skeletal system, which may be accompanied by psychological features. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fatigue, anxiety, and symptoms of depression in MFS patients, and to assess the degree to which sociodemographic and clinical variables are associated with fatigue and psychological aspects. The prevalence of fatigue, anxiety, and symptoms of depression were assessed in two cohorts of MFS patients and compared with healthy controls. The checklist individual strength (CIS), and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) questionnaires were utilized. Medical status was assessed (family history of MFS, aortic root dilatation >40 mm, previous aortic surgery, aortic dissection, chronic pain, skeletal involvement, and scoliosis). Severe fatigue was experienced by 37% of the total MFS cohort (n = 155). MFS patients scored significantly higher on the CIS questionnaire, concerning severe fatigue, as compared with the general Dutch population (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in HADS anxiety or depression scores. In older MFS patients, with a more severe cardiovascular phenotype, chronic pain, and a higher unemployment rate, significantly more symptoms of depression were observed, when compared with the general population (p = 0.027) or compared with younger MFS patients (p = 0.026). Multivariate analysis, showed that anxiety was associated with chronic pain (p = 0.022) and symptoms of depression with unemployment (p = 0.024). MFS patients report significantly more severe fatigue as compared with the general population. Since the cause of fatigue is unclear, more research may be needed. Psychological intervention, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy, may contribute to a reduction in psychological symptoms.

Fully quantitative mapping of abnormal aortic velocity and wall shear stress direction in patients with bicuspid aortic valves and repaired coarctation using 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

BACKGROUND: Helices and vortices in thoracic aortic blood flow measured with 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) have been associated with aortic dilation and aneurysms. Current approaches are semi-quantitative or when fully quantitative based on 2D plane placement. In this study, we present a fully quantitative and three-dimensional approach to map and quantify abnormal velocity and wall shear stress (WSS) at peak systole in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) of which 52% had a repaired coarctation. METHODS: 4D flow CMR was performed in 48 patients with BAV and in 25 healthy subjects at a spatiotemporal resolution of 2.5 × 2.5 × 2.5mm3/ ~ 42 ms and TE/TR/FA of 2.1 ms/3.4 ms/8° with k-t Principal Component Analysis factor R = 8. A 3D average of velocity and WSS direction was created for the normal subjects. Comparing BAV patient data with the 3D average map and selecting voxels deviating between 60° and 120° and > 120° yielded 3D maps and volume (in cm3) and surface (in cm2) quantification of abnormally directed velocity and WSS, respectively. Linear regression with Bonferroni corrected significance of P < 0.0125 was used to compare abnormally directed velocity volume and WSS surface in the ascending aorta with qualitative helicity and vorticity scores, with local normalized helicity (LNH) and quantitative vorticity and with patient characteristics. RESULTS: The velocity volumes > 120° correlated moderately with the vorticity scores (R ~ 0.50, P < 0.001 for both observers). For WSS surface these results were similar. The velocity volumes between 60° and 120° correlated moderately with LNH (R = 0.66) but the velocity volumes > 120° did not correlate with quantitative vorticity. For abnormal velocity and WSS deviating between 60° and 120°, moderate correlations were found with aortic diameters (R = 0.50-0.70). For abnormal velocity and WSS deviating > 120°, additional moderate correlations were found with age and with peak velocity (stenosis severity) and a weak correlation with gender. Ensemble maps showed that more than 60% of the patients had abnormally directed velocity and WSS. Additionally, abnormally directed velocity and WSS was higher in the proximal descending aorta in the patients with repaired coarctation than in the patients where coarctation was never present. CONCLUSION: The possibility to reveal directional abnormalities of velocity and WSS in 3D provides a new tool for hemodynamic characterization in BAV disease.

Long-term clinical outcomes of losartan in patients with Marfan syndrome: follow-up of the multicentre randomized controlled COMPARE trial.

AIMS: The COMPARE trial showed a small but significant beneficial effect of 3-year losartan treatment on aortic root dilatation rate in adults with Marfan syndrome (MFS). However, no significant effect was found on clinical endpoints, possibly due to a short follow-up period. The aim of the current study was therefore to investigate the long-term clinical outcomes after losartan treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the original COMPARE study (inclusion 2008-2009), adult patients with MFS (n = 233) were randomly allocated to either the angiotensin-II receptor blocker losartan® on top of regular treatment (ß-blockers in 71% of the patients) or no additional medication. After the COMPARE trial period of 3 years, study subjects chose to continue their losartan medication or not. In a median follow-up period of 8 years, 75 patients continued losartan medication, whereas 78 patients, originally allocated to the control group, never used losartan after inclusion. No differences existed between baseline characteristics of the two groups except for age at inclusion [losartan 34 (interquartile range, IQR 26-43) years, control 41 (IQR 30-52) years; P = 0.031], and ß-blocker use (losartan 81%, control 64%; P = 0.022). A pathological FBN1 mutation was present in 76% of patients and 58% of the patients were male. Clinical endpoints, defined as all-cause mortality, aortic dissection/rupture, elective aortic root replacement, reoperation, and vascular graft implantation beyond the aortic root, were compared between the two groups. A per-patient composite endpoint was also analysed. Five deaths, 14 aortic dissections, 23 aortic root replacements, 3 reoperations, and 3 vascular graft implantations beyond the aortic root occurred during follow-up. Except for aortic root replacement, all endpoints occurred in patients with an operated aortic root. Patients who used losartan during the entire follow-up period showed a reduced number of events compared to the control group (death: 0 vs. 5, P = 0.014; aortic dissection: 3 vs. 11, P = 0.013; elective aortic root replacement: 10 vs. 13, P = 0.264; reoperation: 1 vs. 2, P = 0.463; vascular graft implantations beyond the aortic root 0 vs. 3, P = 0.071; and composite endpoint: 14 vs. 26, P = 0.019). These results remained similar when corrected for age and ß-blocker use in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a clinical benefit of combined losartan and ß-blocker treatment in patients with MFS.

Glycoproteomic Analysis of the Aortic Extracellular Matrix in Marfan Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is caused by mutations in FBN1 (fibrillin-1), an extracellular matrix (ECM) component, which is modified post-translationally by glycosylation. This study aimed to characterize the glycoproteome of the aortic ECM from patients with MFS and relate it to aortopathy. Approach and Results: ECM extracts of aneurysmal ascending aortic tissue from patients with and without MFS were enriched for glycopeptides. Direct N-glycopeptide analysis by mass spectrometry identified 141 glycoforms from 47 glycosites within 35 glycoproteins in the human aortic ECM. Notably, MFAP4 (microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4) showed increased and more diverse N-glycosylation in patients with MFS compared with control patients. MFAP4 mRNA levels were markedly higher in MFS aortic tissue. MFAP4 protein levels were also increased at the predilection (convexity) site for ascending aorta aneurysm in bicuspid aortic valve patients, preceding aortic dilatation. In human aortic smooth muscle cells, MFAP4 mRNA expression was induced by TGF (transforming growth factor)-ß1 whereas siRNA knockdown of MFAP4 decreased FBN1 but increased elastin expression. These ECM changes were accompanied by differential gene expression and protein abundance of proteases from ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) family and their proteoglycan substrates, respectively. Finally, high plasma MFAP4 concentrations in patients with MFS were associated with a lower thoracic descending aorta distensibility and greater incidence of type B aortic dissection during 68 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our glycoproteomics analysis revealed that MFAP4 glycosylation is enhanced, as well as its expression during the advanced, aneurysmal stages of MFS compared with control aneurysms from patients without MFS.

Effect of Losartan on Right Ventricular Dysfunction: Results From the Double-Blind, Randomized REDEFINE Trial (Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Tetralogy of Fallot: Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) in Adults With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: The effect of angiotensin II receptor blockers on right ventricular (RV) function is still unknown. Angiotensin II receptor blockers are beneficial in patients with acquired left ventricular dysfunction, and recent findings have suggested a favorable effect in symptomatic patients with systemic RV dysfunction. The current study aimed to determine the effect of losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, on subpulmonary RV dysfunction in adults after repaired tetralogy of Fallot. METHODS: The REDEFINE trial (Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Tetralogy of Fallot: Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective, 1:1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and RV dysfunction (RV ejection fraction [EF] <50%) but without severe valvular dysfunction were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned between losartan (150 mg daily) and placebo with target treatment duration between 18 and 24 months. The primary outcome was RV EF change, determined by cardiovascular MRI in intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: Of 95 included patients, 47 patients received 150 mg losartan daily (age, 38.0±12.4 years; 74% male), and 48 patients received placebo (age, 40.6±11.4 years; 63% male). Overall, RV EF did not change in patients allocated to losartan (n=42) (44.4±5.1% to 45.2±5.0%) and placebo (n=46) (43.2±6.3% to 43.6±6.9%). Losartan did not significantly improve RV EF in comparison with placebo (+0.51%; 95% confidence interval, -1.0 to +2.0; P=0.50). No significant treatment effects were found on secondary outcomes: left ventricular EF, peak aerobic exercise capacity, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (P>0.30 for all). In predefined subgroup analyses, losartan did not have a statistically significant impact on RV EF in subgroups with symptoms, restrictive RV, RV EF<40%, pulmonary valve replacement, or QRS fragmentation. However, in a post hoc analysis, losartan was associated with improved RV EF in a subgroup (n=30) with nonrestrictive RV and incomplete remodeling (QRS fragmentation and previous pulmonary valve replacement) (+2.7%; 95% confidence interval, +0.1 to +5.4; P=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Losartan had no significant effect on RV dysfunction or secondary outcome parameters in repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Future larger studies may determine whether there might be a role for losartan in specific vulnerable subgroups. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02010905.

The Potential Beneficial Effects of Resveratrol on Cardiovascular Complications in Marfan Syndrome Patients⁻Insights from Rodent-Based Animal Studies.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients are at risk for cardiovascular disease. In particular, for aortic aneurysm formation, which ultimately can result in a life-threatening aortic dissection or rupture. Over the years, research into a sufficient pharmacological treatment option against aortopathy has expanded, mostly due to the development of rodent disease models for aneurysm formation and dissections. Unfortunately, no optimal treatment strategy has yet been identified for MFS. The biologically-potent polyphenol resveratrol (RES), that occurs in nuts, plants, and the skin of grapes, was shown to have a positive effect on aortic repair in various rodent aneurysm models. RES demonstrated to affect aortic integrity and aortic dilatation. The beneficial processes relevant for MFS included the improvement of endothelial dysfunction, extracellular matrix degradation, and smooth muscle cell death. For the wide range of beneficial effects on these mechanisms, evidence was found for the following involved pathways; alleviating oxidative stress (change in eNOS/iNOS balance and decrease in NOX4), reducing protease activity to preserve the extracellular matrix (decrease in MMP2), and improving smooth muscle cell survival affecting aortic aging (changing the miR21/miR29 balance). Besides aortic features, MFS patients may also suffer from manifestations concerning the heart, such as mitral valve prolapse and left ventricular impairment, where evidence from rodent models shows that RES may aid in promoting cardiomyocyte survival directly (SIRT1 activation) or by reducing oxidative stress (increasing superoxide dismutase) and increasing autophagy (AMPK activation). This overview discusses recent RES studies in animal models of aortic aneurysm formation and heart failure, where different advantageous effects have been reported that may collectively improve the aortic and cardiac pathology in patients with MFS. Therefore, a clinical study with RES in MFS patients seems justified, to validate RES effectiveness, and to judge its suitability as potential new treatment strategy.

Results of next-generation sequencing gene panel diagnostics including copy-number variation analysis in 810 patients suspected of heritable thoracic aortic disorders.

Simultaneous analysis of multiple genes using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has become widely available. Copy-number variations (CNVs) in disease-associated genes have emerged as a cause for several hereditary disorders. CNVs are, however, not routinely detected using NGS analysis. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield and the prevalence of CNVs using our panel of Hereditary Thoracic Aortic Disease (H-TAD)-associated genes. Eight hundred ten patients suspected of H-TAD were analyzed by targeted NGS analysis of 21 H-TAD associated genes. In addition, the eXome hidden Markov model (XHMM; an algorithm to identify CNVs in targeted NGS data) was used to detect CNVs in these genes. A pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was found in 66 of 810 patients (8.1%). Of these 66 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, six (9.1%) were CNVs not detectable by routine NGS analysis. These CNVs were four intragenic (multi-)exon deletions in MYLK, TGFB2, SMAD3, and PRKG1, respectively. In addition, a large duplication including NOTCH1 and a large deletion encompassing SCARF2 were detected. As confirmed by additional analyses, both CNVs indicated larger chromosomal abnormalities, which could explain the phenotype in both patients. Given the clinical relevance of the identification of a genetic cause, CNV analysis using a method such as XHMM should be incorporated into the clinical diagnostic care for H-TAD patients.

Aortic valve stenosis and aortic diameters determine the extent of increased wall shear stress in bicuspid aortic valve disease.

BACKGROUND: Use of 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging (4D-flow MRI) derived wall shear stress (WSS) heat maps enables identification of regions in the ascending aorta with increased WSS. These regions are subject to dysregulation of the extracellular matrix and elastic fiber degeneration, which is associated with aortic dilatation and dissection. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the presence of aortic valve stenosis and the aortic diameter on the peak WSS and surface area of increased WSS in the ascending aorta. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. SUBJECTS: In all, 48 bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients (38.1 ± 12.4 years) and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: Time-resolved 3D phase contrast MRI with three-directional velocity encoding at 3.0T. ASSESSMENT: Peak systolic velocity, WSS, and aortic diameters were assessed in the ascending aorta and 3D heat maps were used to identify regions with elevated WSS. STATISTICAL TESTS: Comparisons between groups were performed by t-tests. Correlations were investigated by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Elevated WSS was present in 15 ± 11% (range; 1-35%) of the surface area of the ascending aorta of BAV patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) (n = 10) and in 6 ± 8% (range; 0-31%) of the ascending aorta of BAV patients without AS (P = 0.005). The mid-ascending aortic diameter negatively correlated with the peak ascending aortic WSS (R = -0.413, P = 0.004) and the surface area of elevated WSS (R = -0.419, P = 0.003). Multivariate linear regression analysis yielded that the height of peak WSS and the amount of elevated WSS depended individually on the presence of aortic valve stenosis and the diameter of the ascending aorta. DATA CONCLUSION: The extent of increased WSS in the ascending aorta of BAV patients depends on the presence of aortic valve stenosis and aortic dilatation and is most pronounced in the presence of AS and a nondilated ascending aorta. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:522-530.

Aortic microcalcification is associated with elastin fragmentation in Marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder in which aortic rupture is the major cause of death. MFS patients with an aortic diameter below the advised limit for prophylactic surgery (<5 cm) may unexpectedly experience an aortic dissection or rupture, despite yearly monitoring. Hence, there is a clear need for improved prognostic markers to predict such aortic events. We hypothesize that elastin fragments play a causal role in aortic calcification in MFS, and that microcalcification serves as a marker for aortic disease severity. To address this hypothesis, we analysed MFS patient and mouse aortas. MFS patient aortic tissue showed enhanced microcalcification in areas with extensive elastic lamina fragmentation in the media. A causal relationship between medial injury and microcalcification was revealed by studies in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs); elastin peptides were shown to increase the activity of the calcification marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and reduce the expression of the calcification inhibitor matrix GLA protein in human SMCs. In murine Fbn1C1039G/+ MFS aortic SMCs, Alpl mRNA and activity were upregulated as compared with wild-type SMCs. The elastin peptide-induced ALP activity was prevented by incubation with lactose or a neuraminidase inhibitor, which inhibit the elastin receptor complex, and a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1/2 inhibitor, indicating downstream involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. Histological analyses in MFS mice revealed macrocalcification in the aortic root, whereas the ascending aorta contained microcalcification, as identified with the near-infrared fluorescent bisphosphonate probe OsteoSense-800. Significantly, microcalcification correlated strongly with aortic diameter, distensibility, elastin breaks, and phosphorylated ERK1/2. In conclusion, microcalcification co-localizes with aortic elastin degradation in MFS aortas of humans and mice, where elastin-derived peptides induce a calcification process in SMCs via the elastin receptor complex and ERK1/2 activation. We propose microcalcification as a novel imaging marker to monitor local elastin degradation and thus predict aortic events in MFS patients. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Incidence, risk factors, and predictors of infective endocarditis in adult congenital heart disease: focus on the use of prosthetic material.

AIMS: Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) predisposes to infective endocarditis (IE). Surgical advancements have changed the ACHD population, whereas associated prosthetic material may constitute additional IE targets. We aimed to prospectively determine contemporary incidence, risk factors, and predictors of IE in a nationwide ACHD cohort, focusing on the presence of prosthetics. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified 14 224 patients prospectively followed in the CONCOR ACHD registry (50.5% female, median age 33.6years). IE incidence was determined using Poisson regression, risk factors and predictors using Cox regression. Overall incidence was 1.33 cases/1000 person-years (124 cases in 93 562 person-years). For risk-factor analysis, presence of prosthetics was forced-as separate time-updated variables for specific prosthetics-into a model with baseline characteristics univariably associated with IE. Valve-containing prosthetics were independently associated with greater risk both short- and long term after implantation [0-6 months: hazard ratio (HR) = 17.29; 7.34-40.70, 6-12 months: HR = 15.91; 6.76-37.45, beyond 12 months: HR = 5.26; 3.52-7.86], non-valve-containing prosthetics, including valve repair, only in the first 6 months after implantation (HR = 3.34; 1.33-8.41), not thereafter. A prediction model was derived and validated using bootstrapping techniques. Independent predictors of IE were baseline valve-containing prosthetics, main congenital heart defect, multiple defects, previous IE, and sex. The model had fair discriminative ability and provided accurate predictions up to 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides IE incidence estimates, and determinants of IE risk in a nationwide ACHD cohort. Our findings, essentially informing IE prevention guidelines, indicate valve-containing prosthetics as a main determinant of IE risk whereas other prosthetics, including valve-repair, are not associated with increased risk long term after implantation.

Resveratrol Inhibits Aortic Root Dilatation in the Fbn1C1039G/+ Marfan Mouse Model.

OBJECTIVE: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene. Patients with MFS are at risk of aortic aneurysm formation and dissection. Usually, blood pressure-lowering drugs are used to reduce aortic events; however, this is not sufficient for most patients. In the aorta of smooth muscle cell-specific sirtuin-1-deficient mice, spontaneous aneurysm formation and senescence are observed. Resveratrol is known to enhance sirtuin-1 activity and to reduce senescence, which prompted us to investigate the effectiveness of resveratrol in inhibition of aortic dilatation in the Fbn1(C1039G/+) MFS mouse model. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Aortic senescence strongly correlates with aortic root dilatation rate in MFS mice. However, although resveratrol inhibits aortic dilatation, it only shows a trend toward reduced aortic senescence. Resveratrol enhances nuclear localization of sirtuin-1 in the vessel wall and, in contrast to losartan, does not affect leukocyte infiltration nor activation of SMAD2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2). Interestingly, specific sirtuin-1 activation (SRT1720) or inhibition (sirtinol) in MFS mice does not affect aortic root dilatation rate, although senescence is changed. Resveratrol reduces aortic elastin breaks and decreases micro-RNA-29b expression coinciding with enhanced antiapoptotic Bcl-2 expression and decreased number of terminal apoptotic cells. In cultured smooth muscle cells, the resveratrol effect on micro-RNA-29b downregulation is endothelial cell and nuclear factor κB-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol inhibits aortic root dilatation in MFS mice by promoting elastin integrity and smooth muscle cell survival, involving downregulation of the aneurysm-related micro-RNA-29b in the aorta. On the basis of these data, resveratrol holds promise as a novel intervention strategy for patients with MFS.

Preoperative thresholds for mid-to-late haemodynamic and clinical outcomes after pulmonary valve replacement in tetralogy of Fallot.

AIMS: The right ventricle (RV) remodels early after pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients. Previously reported preoperative thresholds to achieve early postoperative RV normalization were consistently close to 80 mL/m(2) for end-systolic volume (ESV) and 160 mL/m(2) for end-diastolic volume (EDV). Our objective was to determine whether these thresholds were also associated with mid-to-late RV normalization and clinical events. METHODS AND RESULTS: Out of a multicentre cohort of 157 TOF patients who had undergone PVR, in 65 patients (62% male, age 29 ± 8 years, homograft in 98%) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed preoperatively and >3 years (6.3 years, interquartile range: 4.9-9.5) postoperatively. Mid-to-late haemodynamic outcome was classified as: 'RV normalization' [RV ejection fraction (EF) > 48% and RV EDV < 108 mL/m(2)] in 14 of 65 (22%) patients, 'intermediate' in 34 of 65 (52%) patients, and 'suboptimal' (RV EF < 45% and RV EDV > 120 mL/m(2)) in 17 of 65 (26%) patients. Preoperative RV ESV < 80 mL/m(2) was strongly associated with favourable mid-to-late haemodynamic outcome in a proportional odds model [common odds ratio (OR): 0.04 for worse class, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01-0.17]. During 7.8 ± 4.0 years follow-up after PVR, adverse clinical events (death, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or heart failure) occurred in 18 of 106 (17%) patients with preoperative CMR available. Patients with preoperative RV ESV > 95 mL/m(2) were at increased risk for unfavourable mid-to-late haemodynamic outcome (common OR: 25.5, 95% CI: 5.35-122) and events (hazard ratio: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.03-8.11). CONCLUSION: In TOF patients who had undergone PVR, the best preoperative threshold to achieve mid-to-late RV normalization was RV ESV < 80 mL/m(2). Patients with preoperative RV ESV > 95 mL/m(2) were at increased risk for suboptimal haemodynamic outcome and adverse clinical events. Our findings may assist in timing of PVR.

Genotype impacts survival in Marfan syndrome.

AIMS: The aorta in Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients is variably affected. We investigated the assumed genotype-effect on protein production as a risk factor for a severe aortic phenotype in adult MFS patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We collected clinical and genetic data from all 570 adults with MFS who had been included in the Dutch CONgenital CORvitia registry since the start in 2001. Mean age was 36.5 ± 13.5 years (51.2% male, 28.9% prior aortic surgery, 8.2% prior aortic dissection). Patients were prospectively followed for a mean duration of 8.2 ± 3.1 years. Men had more frequently aortic surgery at baseline (38.0 vs. 19.4%, P < 0.001) and during follow-up (24.0 vs. 15.1%, P = 0.008) compared with women. After 10-year follow-up cumulative survival was 93.8% and dissection-free survival was 84.2%. We found a pathogenic FBN1 mutation in 357 patients, of whom 146 patients (40.9%) were positive for a mutation causing haploinsufficiency (reduced fibrillin-1 protein) and 211 (59.1%) for a mutation leading to a DN effect (abnormal fibrillin-1 protein). Corrected for age, sex, and previous aortic complications, patients with a haploinsufficient (HI) mutation had a 2.5-fold increased risk for cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, HR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.0-6.1, P = 0.049), a 2.4-fold increased risk for the combined endpoint comprising death and dissection (HR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4-4.2, P < 0.001) and a 1.6-fold increased risk for any aortic complication compared with patients with a DN mutation (HR: 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3, P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Marfan syndrome patients with an HI mutation are at increased risk for cardiovascular death and aortic dissection compared with patients with a DN mutation.