The impact of anxiety level on decision to seek medical care of non-COVID cardiac patients during the pandemic outbreak-single-center experience in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly the delivery of healthcare all around the world. In part, an abnormal and unexplained high non-COVID-related cardiovascular mortality rate was reported during the outbreak. We assess the correlation between anxiety level and decision to seek medical care (DSMC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited patients with cardiovascular complaints admitted to the emergency department in a single institute in Israel between February and September 2020. Anxiety level was measured using available questionnaires. DSMC was assessed with a newly designed questionnaire (DM-19). RESULTS: Two-hundreds seventy patients were included in the study. The mean age was 52.6 ± 14.9 (females represent 36.2%). 23.6% of the patients had at least moderate cardiovascular risk. High anxiety levels were (HAL) reported in nearly half of the patients (57.1% and 49.8% for General Anxiety Disorder Assessment [GAD-7] and Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], respectively). It was more prevalent in old, married, and unemployed patients (significant p-value for all in both questionnaires). Age was an independent factor (χ2 = 6.33, p < 0.001, odds-ratio: 4.8) and had a positive correlation on anxiety level (r = 0.81, p < 0.001 and r = 0.62, p < 0.001, for GAD-7 and BAI, respectively). The DM-19 revealed a strong and positive correlation of seeking medical care with anxiety level (R2 linear = 0.44, r = 0.70, p < 0.001 and R2 linear = 0.30, r = 0.58, p < 0.001 for GAD-7 and BAI, respectively) and results in deferring medical care for several days than patient with low anxiety level (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We observed an abnormal prevalence of a high level of anxiety among non-COVID patients with cardiovascular complaints, which affected the patient's likelihood to seek medical care and resulted in an unreasonable postponement of medical treatment. Our results may explain cardiovascular mortality trends during the outbreak and should be considered in health crisis management. Future studies will involve multi-institutional efforts to address reproducibility of our findings across geographic regions in the state of the global impact. Additionally, it is imperative to understand the effects of the coronavirus vaccine on patient consideration to seek medical care.

[ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION FOLLOWING COVID-19].

INTRODUCTION: A 30 years old woman suffered from Covid-19 that resolved after 4 days. A week later she complained of chest pain and referred to the emergency room. Myocarditis was the first working diagnosis, but in the following few hours acute ST elevation myocardial infarction was diagnosed according to clinical signs, ECG changes, laboratory and coronary angiography findings. She successfully underwent stenting of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. The patient was discharged a week later in good condition. At 6 months follow-up her clinical condition had improved and an echocardiography showed LVEF=45%. Covid-19 infection may be a trigger for ST elevation myocardial infarction even in young people without a clear presence of cardiovascular risk factors.

Sinus Node Dysfunction due to Occlusion of the Sinus Node Artery during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Sinus node artery occlusion (SNO) is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We analyze both the short- and long-term consequences of SNO. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1379 consecutive PCI's involving RCA and Cx arteries performed in our heart institute from 2016 to 2019. Median follow-up was 44 ± 5 months. RESULTS: Among the 4844 PCIs performed during the study period, 284 involved the RCA and the circumflex's proximal segment. Periprocedural SNO was estimated by angiography observed in 15 patients (5.3%), all originated from RCA. The majority of SNO occurred during urgent and primary PCIs following acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Sinus node dysfunction (SND) appeared in 12 (80%) of patients. Four (26.6%) patients had sinus bradycardia, which resolved spontaneously, and 8 (53.3%) patients had sinus arrest with an escaped nodal rhythm, which mostly responded to medical treatment during the first 24 hours. There was no association between PCI technique and outcome. Three patients (20%) required urgent temporary ventricular pacing. One patient had permanent pacemaker implantation. Pacemaker interrogation during follow-up revealed a recovery of the sinus node function after one month. CONCLUSION: SNO is rare and seen mostly during angioplasty to the proximal segment of the RCA during ACS. The risk of developing sinus node dysfunction following SNO is high. SND usually appears during the first 24 h of PCI. The majority of SND patients responded to medical treatment, and only in rare cases were permanent pacemakers required.

Tricuspid regurgitation in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients: prevalence, predictors for outcome and long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is common in left-sided heart pathology involving the mitral valve. The incidence, clinical impact, risk factors, and natural history of FTR in the setting of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) are less known. METHOD: We conducted a cohort study based on data collected from January 2012 to December 2014. Patients diagnosed with IMR were eligible for the study. The median follow-up was 5 years. The primary outcome is defined as FTR developing at any stage. RESULTS: Among the 134 IMR patients eligible for the study, FTR was detected in 29.9% (N = 40, 20.0% mild, 62.5% moderate, and 17.5% severe). In the FTR group, the average age was 60.7 ± 9.2 years (25% females), the mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 37.3 ± 6.45 [%], LA area 46.4 ± 8.06 (mm2), LV internal diastolic diameter (LVIDD) 59.6 ± 3.94 (mm), RV fractional area change 22.3 ± 4.36 (%), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) 48.4 ± 9.45 (mmHg). Independent variables associated with FTR development were age ≥ 65y [OR 1.2], failed revascularization, LA area ≥ 42.5 (mm2) [OR 17.1], LVEF ≤ 24% [OR 32.5], MR of moderate and severe grade [OR 419.4], moderate RV dysfunction [OR 91.6] and pulmonary artery pressure of a moderate or severe grade [OR 33.6]. During follow-up, FTR progressed in 39 (97.5%) patients. Covariates independently associated with FTR progression were lower LVEF, RV dysfunction, and PHT of moderate severity. LA area and LVIDD were at the margin of statistical significance (p = 0.06 and p = 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: In our cohort study, FTR development and progression due to IMR was a common finding. Elderly patients with ischemic MR following unsuccessful PCI are at higher risk. FTR development and severity are directly proportional to LV ejection fraction, to the extent of mitral regurgitation, and SPAP. FTR tends to deteriorate in the majority of patients over a mean of 5-y follow-up.

Outcomes and safety of concurrent coronary and peripheral catheterization (REVascularization in concomitant PERIpheral artery disease and coronary artery disease REV-PERICAD Study).

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis affects various vascular beds, such as the coronary and carotid arteries and peripheral vessels, of the lower limbs. Current recommendations for treating multiple vascular beds include targeted catheterization at different intervals and are mainly intended to avoid kidney injury. We examined the efficacy and safety of simultaneous coronary and lower limb catheterization. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 121 patients who underwent catheterization between January 2008 and December 2016. Patients were divided into four groups: 20 (16.5%) simultaneously underwent coronary and peripheral vascular bed catheterization; 32 (26%) underwent separate procedures (time interval between procedures >2 months); 50 (41%) underwent staged procedure (time interval ≤2 months); and 19 (16%) underwent only peripheral catheterization (single procedure). RESULTS: No significant between-group differences were observed regarding demographic variables except for sex and diabetes and congestive heart failure incidences. Almost half of all the patients who underwent a single procedure were symptomatic. The successful peripheral catheterization rate was significantly higher in the single procedure group, with no significant difference among the other groups. There were no significant between-group differences with respect to major cardiovascular events, 30-day mortality, mortality within 1 year, and 24-hr vascular complication rate/acute renal failure incidences. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of concurrent catheterization of coronary arteries and lower limb arteries, regardless of the time interval between these two procedures. Simultaneous catheterization of different vascular beds is an effective, timesaving, and safe option. Our findings should be verified in a large-scale prospective study involving additional vascular beds.

Role of thrombin generation assays in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis and non-ST myocardial infarction.

Myocarditis and myocardial infarction share a common clinical characteristics despite significant differences in etiology and pathogenesis. Current guidelines recommend using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or endocardial biopsy for a definite diagnosis; however, these guidelines are not fully implemented due to the high cost and low availability. We used a thrombin generation assay and simple blood test to characterize both diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional study from April to December 2018. Patients with initial clinical suspicions of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or myocarditis were eligible. All patients were recruited prior to anticoagulant treatment. Patients in both groups underwent acceptable standard clinical evaluation. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled; 12 patients in the NSTEMI group and 16 in the myocarditis group. Patients in the NSTEMI group were significantly older than those in the myocarditis group (64.25 ± 9.67 vs. 37.94 ± 19.66 years, p < 0.01, respectively) with a higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease (p < 0.01 for all). There was no difference between the groups regarding INR, PT, aPTT, and serum levels of creatinine, urea, CPK, troponin, and fibrinogen. Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), which represents the total thrombin concentration in the plasma, was significantly higher in the myocarditis group than in the NSTEMI group (2091.88 ± 336.41 vs. 1860.75 ± 438.02 nM × min, p < 0.03). Myocarditis and myocardial infarction have a different pattern of thrombin generation Thrombogram. The myocarditis group had significantly higher plasma ETP than the NSTEMI group. This finding requires further evaluation to define a numerical threshold, thus avoiding invasive or expensive assessment of myocarditis.

Long-Term Survival of Discharged Patients Admitted to Intensive Coronary Care Unit after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

BACKGROUND: Survival of patients who were discharged from the hospital following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has not been well defined. OBJECTIVES: To verify predictor variables for prognosis of patients following OHCA who survived hospitalization. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical, demographic, and outcome data of consecutive patients who were hospitalized from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2014, into the intensive coronary care unit (ICCU) after aborted OHCA and discharged alive. The patients were followed until December 31, 2015. RESULTS: Of the 180 patients who were admitted into ICCU after OHCA, 64 were discharged alive (59.3%): 55 were male (85.9%), 14 died 16.5 ± 18 months after their discharge. During 1 year follow-up, nine patients (14.1%) died after a median period of 5.5 months and 55 patients (85.9 %) survived. Diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure (CRF) were more frequent in patients who died within 1 year after their hospital discharge than those who survived. Ventricular fibrillation, such as initial arrhythmia, and opening of occluded infarct related artery were more frequent in survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients who were discharged after OHCA were alive at the 1 year follow-up. The risk of death of cardiac arrest survivors is greatest during the first year after discharge. CRF remains a poor long-term prognostic factor beyond the patients' discharge. Ventricular fibrillation, as initial arrhythmia, and opening of occluded infarct related artery have a positive impact on long-term survival.

Sex-Differences in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: Bias or Proper Management?

Background: Studies analyze the degree to which gender-based differences are affected by age and comorbidities show mixed results. Methods: Using a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 327 consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) due to Atrial Fibrillation (AF) from 2014 to 2017 with follow-up at one year. Results: Females with AF were older (p < 0.001), with higher Body Mass Indexes (BMI) (p < 0.001), and a higher rate of hypertension (p < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (p = 0.01), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.05), valvular heart disease (p = 0.05), and thyroid dysfunction (18.3% vs 1.8%, p < 0.001). AF males had higher rate of coronary artery disease (p < 0.001) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (p < 0.001). Females were managed with rate control medications more frequently than with antiarrhythmic (p < 0.001). After adjusting gender to age and comorbidities, females continued to have higher rates of heart failure hospitalization (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.73 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.04-5.89, P-value <0.001) and recurrent AF (OR 3.86, P-value=0.02). Thyroid dysfunction and the lack of antiarrhythmic treatments significantly increased the risk of AF (OR 5.95 95% CI 3.15-9.73, OR 3.42, respectively, P-value <0.001 for both) regardless of gender. The mortality rate differs only in a sub-group of females ≥75 years of age (OR 1.60, P < 0.001). Conclusion: AF males and females differ significantly in baseline characteristics and tend to be treated unnecessarily differently for AF. Heart failure hospitalizations and recurrent AF continued to be associated with female AF patients, even after adjusting gender to age and comorbidities. Thyroid dysfunction and AF treatment may explain the higher rates of recurrent AF in female patients.

Cardiac rehabilitation performance predicts 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac Rehabilitation is an essential following major adverse cardiovascular events however there is no current data correlating rehab performance to long term outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: Patient exercise performance during cardiac rehabilitation reliably predicts future cardiovascular events. METHODS: We conducted a single-center study of 486 consecutive patients who participated in a CR program between January 2018 and August 2021. We assessed patient performance using a novel index, the CR-score, which integrated duration, speed of work, and workload conducted on each training device (TD). We used a binary recursive partition model to determine the optimal thresholds for cumulative CR score. We used Cox regression analysis to assess the mortality rate among patients who developed MACE ("study group") and those who did not ("control group"). RESULTS: Among 486 eligible patients, 1-year MACE occurred in 27 (5.5%) patients and was more common in patients with prior cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack (14.8% vs. 3.5%, p < .001). Age, gender, comorbidities, heart failure, and medical treatment did not significantly affect the outcome. The median cumulative CR score of the study group was significantly lower than the control group (595 ± 185.6 vs. 3500 ± 1104.7, p < .0001). A cumulative CR-score of ≥1132 correlated with the outcome (98.5% sensitivity, 99.6% specificity, 95% CI: 0.985-0.997, area 0.994, p < .0001). Patients older than 55 with a cumulative CR score of <1132 were at particularly high risk (OR: 7.4, 95% CI: 2.84-18.42) for 1-year MACE (log-rank p = .03). CONCLUSION: Our proposed CR-score accurately identifies patients at high risk for 1-year MACE following the rehabilitation program. Multicenter validation is required.

Profile trends of non-COVID patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit during the 2020 COVID pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 outbreak, numerous reports indicated a higher mortality rate among cardiovascular patients. We investigated how this trend applied to patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). METHODS: We retrospectively compared CICU patients admitted during the initial peak of the COVID outbreak between February and May 2020 (Covid Era, CE group) to a control group in pre-pandemic time in 2019. We interviewed patients to determine the symptom onset time and the time interval between symptomology and hospital arrival. RESULTS: The data of 292 patients were used in the analysis (119 patients in the CE group and 173 in the control group). CE patients had a higher incidence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) (p<.03), heart failure (p<.04), and psychiatric disorders (p<.001). During COVID time, more patients were hospitalized with myocarditis (OR: 26.45), arrhythmias (OR: 2.88), and new heart failure (HF) (p<.001) and less with STEMI (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.24-0.63). Fewer PCIs were performed in the CE group (p<.001), with an overall lower success rate (p<.05) than reported in the control group. Patients in the CE group reported a longer period between symptom onset to hospital arrival (p<.001, χ2 = 12.42). The six-month survival rate was significantly lower in CE patients (χ2 = 7.01, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Among CICU patients admitted to our center during the initial period of the COVID pandemic, STEMI events were less frequent while cases of newly diagnosed HF sharply increased. Patients waited longer after symptom onset before seeking medical care during the pandemic. The delay may have resulted in clinical deterioration that could explain the high mortality rate and the new HF admission rate.

Clinical and echocardiographic trends in percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis (MS) has significantly changed over the last decades. We intend to examine patient demographics, Echocardiographic characteristics, procedural success rates, and complications throughout 30-years. METHODS: We conducted a single-center descriptive observational study. The study population consists of patients undergone percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) at Emek Medical Center in Israel from January 1990 to May 2019. RESULTS: Four hundred seventeen patients underwent PBMV during the study period and were eligible for the study. Age did not change significantly over time (p = 0.09). The prevalence of Male and patients who were smoking and had multiple comorbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, and chronic kidney disease became increases over time (p = 0.02, p = 0.02, p = 0.001, p = 0.01, p = 0.02, and p = 0.001, respectively). Wilkins score and all its components increased over time, and the total score was higher in females (p = 0.01). Seventy-nine (18.9%) patients had complications. The rate of complications did not change over decades. Patients with Wilkins score > 8, post-procedural MR of ≥2, and post-procedural MVA < 1.5 had the highest risk for the need of Mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery in 2 years following PBMV (3.64, 4.03, 2.44, respectively, CI 95%, p < .0001 for all). The median time in these patients was 630 days compared to 4-5 years in the entire population. Patients with Post-procedural MR of ≥2 and post-procedural MVA < 1.5 had ten times risk for developing heart failure (HR 9.07 and 10.06, respectively, CI 95%, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Our research reveals trends over time in patients' characteristics and echocardiographic features. Our study population consists of more male patients with multiple comorbidities and more complex and calcified valvular structures in the last decade. Wilkins score > 8, post-procedural MR of ≥2, and post-procedural MVA < 1.5 cm2 were in-depended predictors for the time for surgery and heart failure hospitalization.

Primary effusion lymphoma in a patient with a good outcome on steroid alone treatment.

Same clinical entity can have different biology and can behave differently. This must be kept in mind while making therapeutic decisions. Primary effusion lymphoma is a rare and devastating disease with high fatality. Chemotherapy provides limited benefit. We describe a unique case of a good outcome with steroid alone treatment.

Regression of Systolic Anterior Motion in Progressive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND Systolic anterior motion (SAM) is the dynamic anteriorly directed movement of the anterior mitral valve leaflet during systole toward the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The history of SAM in progressive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is unclear. It is believed that SAM is an irreversible process that progresses as the gradient over the LVOT increases. We present a case where SAM regressed after extensive left atrial (LA) and left ventricle (LV) remodeling in a patient with progressive HCM. CASE REPORT A 78-year-old woman presented with effort dyspnea. Echocardiogram revealed HCM with an interventricular septal (IVS) thickness of 20 mm, significant pressure gradient over LVOT, and prominent SAM. The LV chamber dimensions were within normal range. The patient was prescribed medications against heart failure and discharged. Six years later, she was admitted with an acute respiratory infection. She underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms, which showed no systolic function change. The IVS thickness was lower, LV and LA were significantly enlarged, and there was a significant mitral regurgitation with an anteriorly directed jet and no SAM. The transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a posterior leaflet's prolapse with a flail P2 segment, which required percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral repair. CONCLUSIONS Our case highlights the multiple theories behind the mechanism of SAM in HCM. The long-standing pressure gradient over the LVOT lead to extensive left side remodeling, which then altered the geometric, kinetic, and structural forces and, consequently, the Venturi effect. At the end stage of HCM, IVS lost its thickness, pressure gradient declined, and SAM regressed.

Therapeutic hypothermia after out of hospital cardiac arrest improve 1-year survival rate for selective patients.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) is a standard of care after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Previous reports failed to prove a significant benefit for survival or neurological outcomes. We examined whether the proper selection of patients would enhance treatment efficacy. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Data was collected from January 2000 and August 2018. Patients were enrolled after OHCA and classified into two groups, patients treated with TH and patients who were not treated with TH. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were included in the study. 57 (63%) patients were in the TH Group and 34 (37%) in the Non-TH group. There was no statistical difference in favorable neurological outcomes between the groups. Patients presenting with ventricular fibrillation had a higher 1-year survival rate from TH, while patients with asystole were found to benefit only if they were younger than 65 years (p < .007, p < .02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Therapeutic Hypothermia patients failed to demonstrate a significant benefit in terms of improved neurological outcomes. Patients treated with TH following ventricular fibrillation experienced the most benefit in terms of 1-year survival, while patients who had suffered from asystole experienced a modest benefit only if they were younger than 65 years of age. Guidelines should address age and primary arrhythmia for proper treatment selection.

Late myocardial sequelae of electrical injury.

Electrocution poses serious complications seen mostly at the time of the event. Physicians and patients are usually not aware of the progressive nature and its potentially delayed effect as demonstrated in our case. We believe that a risk stratification model should be designed to guide physicians for proper management.

Postoperative New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation following Noncardiac Operations: Prevalence, Complication, and Long-Term MACE.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiothoracic surgery, but little is known regarding its occurrence and outcome following noncardiothoracic surgery. This study was intended to examine the incidence of POAF in noncardiothoracic surgeries performed under general anesthesia and its effects on the length of hospitalization stay, short-term and long-term morbidity, and mortality. Methodology. We conducted a retrospective observational descriptive study. The study population consists of patients hospitalized in surgical wards from January 2014 to December 2017. Surgery was defined as noncardiac or thoracic procedure conducted under general anesthesia. RESULTS: A total of 24,125 general anesthesia operations were performed at 7 surgical wards. About two-fifth of the operations (40%) were operated electively, and the rest underwent emergency surgery. The mean age was 63.78 ± 11.50, and more than half (56.9%) of the participants were female. The prevalence of POAF was 2.69 per 1000 adult patients (95% CI: 2.11-3.43) and vary significantly among wards. The highest prevalence was observed after hip fixation and laparotomy surgeries (54.9 and 26.7 per 1000 patients, respectively). The median length of hospitalization was significantly higher in POAF patients (21.0 vs. 4.8 days, p < 0.001). Patients who developed POAF had significantly higher mortality rates, both inhospital (200 vs. 7.56 deaths per 1000, p=0.001) and 1 year (261.5 vs. 33.3 per 1000, p=0.001, respectively). There was no significant association between outcome and treatment modalities such as rate or rhythm control and anticoagulant use. CONCLUSION: New-onset AF following noncardiac surgery is rare, yet poses significant clinical implications, both immediate and long-term. POAF is associated with a longer length of hospitalization and a significantly higher mortality rate, both in short- and long-term.

Right-Sided Endocarditis involving Eustachian Valve Following the Use of a Central Venous Line.

BACKGROUND Right-sided endocarditis is a well-known condition that occurs predominantly in intravenous drug users and patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, central venous lines, and congenital heart disease. Most cases involve the tricuspid valve apparatus. Eustachian valve endocarditis (EVE) is a very rare and underdiagnosed condition with only a few previously reported cases. CASE REPORT We present a rare case of 2-sided infective thromboembolism from Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis involving both the eustachian and mitral valves in a 27-year-old man with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy disease, which is a rare mitochondrial disease. CONCLUSIONS Endocarditis involving the eustachian valve is rare and presents a significant dilemma in diagnosis and treatment. Late diagnosis can lead to missed thromboembolic events and can have a significant impact on treatment and prognosis. In cases with high suspicion, early use of transesophageal echocardiography and chest CT can greatly advance diagnosis. The international guidelines do not specifically address patients with EVE; therefore, we recommend that the endocarditis team should be involved in any case of EVE to customize a treatment strategy.