Oral Anticoagulation and Adverse Outcomes after Ischemic Stroke in Heart Failure Patients without Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The safety and effectiveness of oral anticoagulation (OAC) after an ischemic stroke in older patients with heart failure (HF) without atrial fibrillation remains uncertain. METHODS: Utilizing Get With The Guidelines Stroke national clinical registry data linked to Medicare claims from 2009-2014, we assessed the outcomes of eligible patients with a history of HF who were initiated on OAC during a hospitalization for an acute ischemic stroke. The cumulative incidences of adverse events were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratios were compared between patients discharged on or off OAC. RESULTS: A total of 8,261 patients from 1,370 sites were discharged alive after an acute ischemic stroke and met eligibility criteria. Of those, 747 (9.0%) were initiated on OAC.  Patients on OAC were younger (77.2±8.0 vs. 80.5±8.9 years, p<0.01). After adjustment for clinical covariates, the likelihood of 1 year mortality was higher in those on OAC (aHR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.05-1.41, p<0.01), while no significant differences were noted for ICH (aHR: 1.34, 95% CI 0.69-2.59, p=0.38) and recurrent ischemic stroke (aHR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.54-1.15, p = 0.21).  The likelihood of all-cause bleeding (aHR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.29-1.96, p<0.01) and all-cause re-hospitalization (aHR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.27, p = 0.02) was higher for those on OAC. CONCLUSION: Initiation of OAC after an ischemic stroke in older patients with HF in the absence of atrial fibrillation is associated with death, bleeding and re-hospitalization without an associated reduction in recurrent ischemic stroke. If validated, these findings raise caution for prescribing OAC to such patients.

Transcatheter treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Severe tricuspid regurgitation is a commonly prevalent valvular heart disease that is an independent adverse prognostic marker. However, the majority of patients with tricuspid regurgitation are managed medically; isolated tricuspid valve surgery is rarely performed, partly owing to high associated in-hospital mortality. Therefore, several transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions (TTVIs) that have been developed over the last few years to address this unmet clinical need. RECENT FINDINGS: The early experience with TTVI has shown that most devices can be safely implanted with excellent rates of technical success and acceptable safety outcomes. Most TTVI recipients have significant improvement in tricuspid regurgitation severity, functional class, and quality of life. Recent retrospective data also suggest mortality benefit of TTVI compared with medical management. There are several issues that need to be addressed prior to widespread adoption of TTVI, including more effective tricuspid regurgitation reduction and need for longer term efficacy data. SUMMARY: TTVI has emerged as an attractive treatment option for management of high-risk patients with tricuspid regurgitation. In this review, we will discuss the anatomical considerations specific to tricuspid valve, patient selection, preprocedure planning, and summarize the current evidence and future perspectives on TTVI.

Association of Post-discharge Service Types and Timing with 30-Day Readmissions, Length of Stay, and Costs.

BACKGROUND: Although early follow-up after discharge from an index admission (IA) has been postulated to reduce 30-day readmission, some researchers have questioned its efficacy, which may depend upon the likelihood of readmission at a given time and the health conditions contributing to readmissions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between post-discharge services utilization of different types and at different timepoints and unplanned 30-day readmission, length of stay (LOS), and inpatient costs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The study sample included 583,199 all-cause IAs among 2014 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries that met IA inclusion criteria. MAIN MEASURES: The outcomes were probability of 30-day readmission, average readmission LOS per IA discharge, and average readmission inpatient cost per IA discharge. The primary independent variables were 7 post-discharge health services (institutional outpatient, primary care physician, specialist, non-physician provider, emergency department (ED), home health care, skilled nursing facility) utilized within 7 days, 14 days, and 30 days of IA discharge. To examine the association with post-discharge services utilization, we employed multivariable logistic regressions for 30-day readmissions and two-part models for LOS and inpatient costs. KEY RESULTS: Among all IA discharges, the probability of unplanned 30-day readmission was 0.1176, the average readmission LOS per discharge was 0.67 days, and the average inpatient cost per discharge was $5648. Institutional outpatient, home health care, and primary care physician visits at all timepoints were associated with decreased readmission and resource utilization. Conversely, 7-day and 14-day specialist visits were positively associated with all three outcomes, while 30-day visits were negatively associated. ED visits were strongly associated with increases in all three outcomes at all timepoints. CONCLUSION: Post-discharge services of different types and at different timepoints have varying impacts on 30-day readmission, LOS, and costs. These impacts should be considered when coordinating post-discharge follow-up, and their drivers should be further explored to reduce readmission throughout the health care system.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interventional cardiology fellowship training in the New York metropolitan area: A perspective from the United States epicenter.

BACKGROUND: The healthcare burden posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the New York Metropolitan area has necessitated the postponement of elective procedures resulting in a marked reduction in cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) volumes with a potential to impact interventional cardiology (IC) fellowship training. METHODS: We conducted a web-based survey sent electronically to 21 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited IC fellowship program directors (PDs) and their respective fellows. RESULTS: Fourteen programs (67%) responded to the survey and all acknowledged a significant decrease in CCL procedural volumes. More than half of the PDs reported part of their CCL being converted to inpatient units and IC fellows being redeployed to COVID-19 related duties. More than two-thirds of PDs believed that the COVID-19 pandemic would have a moderate (57%) or severe (14%) adverse impact on IC fellowship training, and 21% of the PDs expected their current fellows' average percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) volume to be below 250. Of 25 IC fellow respondents, 95% expressed concern that the pandemic would have a moderate (72%) or severe (24%) adverse impact on their fellowship training, and nearly one-fourth of fellows reported performing fewer than 250 PCIs as of March 1st. Finally, roughly one-third of PDs and IC fellows felt that there should be consideration of an extension of fellowship training or a period of early career mentorship after fellowship. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant reduction in CCL procedural volumes that is impacting IC fellowship training in the NY metropolitan area. These results should inform professional societies and accreditation bodies to offer tailored opportunities for remediation of affected trainees.

Association of Acute Kidney Injury with Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Although transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) is a contrast-free procedure, prior single-center studies have demonstrated a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following TMVr. The main objective of this study was to examine risk factors for AKI, and its association with outcomes in patients undergoing TMVr. METHODS: We queried the National Readmission Database to identify TMVr procedures performed between January 2014 and December 2017. Complex samples multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with AKI, as well as to determine the association between AKI and clinical outcomes (in-hospital mortality, index length of stay (LOS), 30-day all-cause readmissions, and 30-day heart failure [HF] readmissions). RESULTS: Of 14,623 patients who underwent TMVr during the study period, 2,001 (13.6%) had a diagnosis of AKI. HF, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, fluid/electrolyte disorder, weight loss, nonelective admission, cardiogenic shock, and bleeding/transfusion were independently associated with an increased risk of AKI. In patients undergoing TMVr, AKI was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.92-8.34), 30-day all-cause readmissions (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.49-2.46), 30-day HF readmissions (aOR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.38-3.84), and longer index LOS (adjusted parameter estimate, 5.78; 95% CI, 5.26-6.41). CONCLUSION: AKI in the setting of TMVr is common and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine if optimizing renal function prior to TMVr may improve outcomes, as well as to understand the impact of TMVr itself on renal function.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interventional cardiology training in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the effect of COVID-19 related reduction in elective cardiac procedures and acute coronary syndrome presentations on interventional cardiology (IC) training. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare in the United States, including cardiovascular services. The impact of COVID-19 on IC fellow training in the United States has not been assessed. METHODS: The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) surveyed IC fellows training in both accredited and advanced non-accredited programs, as well as their program directors (PD). RESULTS: Responses were received from 135 IC fellows and 152 PD. All respondents noted reductions in procedural volumes beginning in March 2020. At that time, only 43% of IC fellows had performed >250 PCI. If restrictions were lifted by May 15, 2020 78% of IC fellows believed they would perform >250 PCI, but fell to only 70% if restrictions persisted until the end of the academic year. 49% of IC fellows felt that their procedural competency was impaired by COVID-19, while 97% of PD believed that IC fellows would be procedurally competent at the end of their training. Most IC fellows (65%) noted increased stress at work and at home, and many felt that job searches and/or existing offers were adversely affected by the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected IC training in the United States, with many fellows at risk of not satisfying current program procedural requirements. These observations support a move to review current IC program requirements and develop mitigation strategies to supplement gaps in education related to reduced procedural volume.

Increased Risk of Perioperative Ischemic Stroke in Patients Who Undergo Noncardiac Surgery with Preexisting Atrial Septal Defect or Patent Foramen Ovale.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether a preoperative diagnosis of atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with perioperative stroke in noncardiac surgery and their outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING: United States hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Adults patients (≥18 years old) who underwent major noncardiac surgery from 2010 to 2015 were identified using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Readmission Database. INTERVENTIONS: Preoperative diagnosis of ASD or patent foramen ovale. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among the 19,659,161 hospitalizations for major noncardiac surgery analyzed, 12,248 (0.06%) had a preoperative diagnosis of ASD/PFO. Perioperative ischemic stroke occurred in 723 (5.9%) of patients with ASD/PFO and 373,291 (0.02%) of those without ASD/PFO (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 16.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.9-20.0). Amongst the different types of noncardiac surgeries, obstetric, endocrine, and skin and burn surgery were associated with higher risk of stroke in patients with pre-existing ASD/PFO. Moreover, patients with ASD/PFO also had an increased in-hospital mortality (aOR, 4.6, 95% CI: 3.6-6.0), 30-day readmission (aOR, 1.2, 95% CI: 1.04-1.38), and 30-day stroke (aOR, 7.2, 95% CI: 3.1-16.6). After adjusting for atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke remained significantly high in the ASD/PFO group (aOR: 23.7, 95%CI 19.4-28.9), as well as in-hospital mortality (aOR: 5.6, 95% CI 4.1-7.7), 30-day readmission (aOR: 1.19, 95%CI 1.0-1.4), and 30-day stroke (aOR: 9.3, 95% CI 3.7-23.6). CONCLUSIONS: Among adult patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery, pre-existing ASD/PFO is associated with increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke, in-hospital mortality, 30-day stroke, and 30-day readmission after surgery.

Intracardiac vs transesophageal echocardiography for percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is typically performed utilizing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can be a suitable alternative to guide implantation. Given the limited data, we performed a meta-analysis of all studies that compared ICE vs TEE for percutaneous LAAC. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and major scientific conference sessions for published abstracts and manuscripts until 1 August 2018. Studies reporting clinical outcomes comparing TEE vs ICE for endocardial LAAC in human subjects aged greater than or equal to 18 years were included. Two investigators independently extracted the data and individual quality assessment was performed. The analysis was performed using Cochrane Collaboration software, RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Five eligible studies consisting of 1157 patients (ICE-391 patients and TEE-766 patients) were included. Four studies were retrospective and one was prospective, nonrandomized. Two studies included Watchman, two included the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug/Amulet device, and one included both devices. There was no significant difference in CHA2DS2VASC or HAS-BLED scores between both groups. There was no significant difference in acute procedural success between ICE vs TEE (risk ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99-1.04; P = 0.24). There was no significant difference in fluoroscopy time (mean difference [MD], 1.84 minutes; 95% CI, 0.59-4.27; P = 0.14) and total procedure time (MD, -5.06 minutes; 95% CI, -24.6-14.4; P = 0.61) between both groups. There was also no significant difference in complications including pericardial tamponade, device embolization, and stroke between both groups. CONCLUSION: In our meta-analysis, ICE was as effective as TEE during percutaneous LAAC.

Association of peripheral artery disease with in-hospital outcomes after endovascular transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and its association with in-hospital outcomes after endovascular transcatheter aortic valve replacement (EV-TAVR). BACKGROUND: TAVR is an established treatment for patients at prohibitive, high, or intermediate surgical risk. PAD is a significant comorbidity in the determination of surgical risk. However, data on association of PAD with outcomes after EV-TAVR are limited. METHODS: Patients in the National Inpatient Sample who underwent EV-TAVR between January 1, 2012 and September 30, 2015 were evaluated. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 51,685 patients underwent EV-TAVR during the study period. Of these, 12,740 (24.6%) had a coexisting diagnosis of PAD. The adjusted odds for in-hospital mortality [OR 1.08 (95% CI 0.83-1.41)], permanent pacemaker implantation [OR 0.98 (0.85-1.14)], conversion to open aortic valve replacement [OR 1.05 (0.49-2.26)], or acute myocardial infarction [OR 1.31(0.99-1.71)] were not different in patients with versus without PAD. However, patients with PAD had greater adjusted odds of vascular complications [OR 1.80 (1.50-2.16)], major bleeding [OR 1.20 (1.09-1.34)], acute kidney injury (AKI) [OR 1.19 (1.05-1.36)], cardiac complications [aOR 1.21 (1.01-1.44)], and stroke [OR 1.39(1.10-1.75)] compared with patients without PAD. Length of stay (LOS) was significantly longer for patients with PAD [7.23 (0.14) days vs. 7.11 (0.1) days, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Of patients undergoing EV-TAVR, ~25% have coexisting PAD. PAD was not associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality but was associated with higher risk of vascular complications, major bleeding, AKI, stroke, cardiac complications, and longer LOS.

Case report and systematic review of pulmonary embolism mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: To study trends in the clinical presentation, electrocardiograms, and diagnostic imaging in patients with pulmonary embolism presenting as ST segment elevation. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search for all reported cases of pulmonary embolism mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Pre-specified data such as clinical presentation, electrocardiogram changes, transthoracic echocardiographic findings, cardiac biomarkers, diagnostic imaging, therapy, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: We identified a total of 34 case reports. There were 23 males. Mean age of the population was 56.5 ± 15.5 years. Patients presented with dyspnea (76.4%), chest pain (63.6%), and tachycardia (71.4%). All patients presented with ST-elevations, with the most common location being in the anterior-septal distribution, lead V3 (74%), V2 (71%), V1 (62%) and V4 (47%). ST-segment elevations in the inferior distribution were present in lead II (12%), III (18%), and aVF (21%). Presentation was least likely in the lateral distribution. Troponin was elevated in 78.9% of cases. Right ventricular strain was the most common echocardiographic finding. Over 80% of patients had findings consistent with elevated right ventricular pressure, with 50% reported RV dilatation and 20% RV hypokinesis. The most commonly used imaging modality was contrast-enhanced pulmonary angiography. There was a greater incidence of bilateral compared to unilateral pulmonary emboli (72.4% vs. 10%). About 65% patients received anticoagulation and 36.3% were treated with thrombolytics. Forty-six percent of patients required intensive care and 18.7% intubation. Overall mortality was 25.8%. CONCLUSIONS: A review of the literature reveals that in patients presenting with pulmonary embolism, electrocardiogram findings of ST-segment elevations will occur predominantly in the anterior-septal distribution.

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in nonischemic cardiomyopathy: A propensity score-matched analysis of in-hospital outcomes in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Use and outcome data of catheter ablation for VT in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) are limited. METHODS AND RESULTS: We obtained data from the 2003-2014 National Inpatient Sample databases. We used propensity score matching to compare patients undergoing catheter ablation versus medical therapy of VT related to NICM, and described the temporal trends in utilization and in-hospital outcomes of catheter ablation of VT in patients with NICM in the United States. From 2003 to 2014, of 133,529 patients hospitalized with the principal diagnosis of VT in NICM, 14,651 (11.0%) underwent catheter ablation. In this period, there was an increasing trend in utilization of catheter ablation (9.3% in 2003-2004 to 12.1% in 2003-2014, adjusted OR [per year], 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08-1.16; Ptrend  < 0.001). After propensity score matching, in-hospital mortality occurred in 172 of 14,318 (1.2%) patients in the catheter ablation group, compared with 297 of 14,156 (2.1%) of patients undergoing medical therapy (47% lower; 43% relative difference [adjusted OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.43-0.66]). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with NICM, catheter ablation of VT is associated with lower in-hospital mortality compared with those managed medically. The utilization rates of CA for VT related to NICM have increased in the past decade. Adequately powered randomized trials will be necessary to confirm these findings.

Comparison of local versus general anesthesia in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is typically performed under general anesthesia (GA). However, there is increasing data supporting the safety of performing TAVR under local anesthesia/conscious sedation (LA). We performed a meta-analysis to gain better understanding of the safety and efficacy of LA versus GA in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR. METHODS AND RESULTS: We comprehensively searched EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Effect sizes were summarized using risk ratios (RRs) difference of the mean (DM), and 95% CIs (confidence intervals) for dichotomous and continuous variables respectively. Twenty-six studies and 10,572 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The use of LA for TAVR was associated with lower overall 30-day mortality (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57-0.93; P = 0.01), use of inotropic/vasopressor drugs (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.72; P < 0.001), hospital length of stay (LOS) (DM, -2.09; 95% CI, -3.02 to -1.16; P < 0.001), intensive care unit LOS (DM, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.04; P = 0.01), procedure time (DM, -25.02; 95% CI, -32.70 to -17.35; P < 0.001); and fluoroscopy time (DM, -1.63; 95% CI, -3.02 to -0.24; P = 0.02). No differences were observed between LA and GA for stroke, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, permanent pacemaker implantation, acute kidney injury, paravalvular leak, vascular complications, major bleeding, procedural success, conduction abnormalities, and annular rupture. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that use of LA for TAVR is associated with a lower 30-day mortality, shorter procedure time, fluoroscopy time, ICU LOS, hospital length of stay, and reduced need for inotropic support.

Bivalirudin versus heparin in patients undergoing percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bivalirudin may be an effective anticoagulation alternative to heparin as anticoagulant agent in percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve interventions (PAVI). We aimed to compare safety and efficacy of bivalirudin versus heparin as the procedural anticoagulant agent in patients undergoing PAVI. METHODS: We conducted an electronic database search of all published data. The primary efficacy endpoints were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Safety endpoints include major and life-threatening bleed according to VARC and BARC bleeding, blood transfusion, vascular complications, and acute kidney injury. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) computed using the Mantel-Haenszel method. RESULTS: Three studies (n = 1690 patients) were included, one randomized trial and two observational studies. There was a significant difference favoring bivalirudin over heparin for myocardial infarction (OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.20-0.87). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality at 30 days (OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.62-1.52), cardiovascular mortality (OR 1.03, 95%CI 0.52-2.05), stroke (OR 1.23, 95%CI 0.62-2.46), vascular complications (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.70-1.32), acute kidney injury (OR 1.03, 95%CI 0.53-2.00), blood transfusion (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.45-1.01), major and life-threatening bleed (OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.37-1.49), and BARC bleeding (OR 0.52, 95%CI 0.23-1.18). CONCLUSIONS: In patient undergoing aortic valve interventions, no difference was seen between the use of bivalirudin and heparin as the procedural anticoagulant agent, except for a significant lower myocardial infarction events when bivalirudin was used. Further large randomized trials are needed to confirm current results.

Staged versus index procedure complete revascularization in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Complete revascularization of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease reduces adverse events compared to infarct-related artery only revascularization. Whether complete revascularization should be done as multivessel intervention during index procedure or as a staged procedure remains controversial. METHOD: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing outcomes of multivessel intervention in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease as staged procedure versus at the time of index procedure. Composite of death or myocardial infarction was the primary outcome. Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios were calculated using random effect model. RESULTS: Six randomized studies with a total of 1126 patients met our selection criteria. At a mean follow-up of 13 months, composite of myocardial infarction or death (7.2% vs 11.7%, RR: 1.66, 95%CI: 1.09-2.52, P = 0.02), all cause mortality (RR: 2.55, 95%CI: 1.42-4.58, P < 0.01), cardiovascular mortality (RR: 2.8, 95%CI: 1.33-5.86, P = 0.01), and short-term (<30 days) mortality (RR: 3.54, 95%CI: 1.51-8.29, P < 0.01) occurred less often in staged versus index procedure multivessel revascularization. There was no difference in major adverse cardiac events (RR: 1.14, 95%CI: 0.88-1.49, P = 0.33), repeat myocardial infarction (RR: 1.14, 95%CI: 0.68-1.92, P = 0.61), and repeat revascularization (RR: 0.92, 95%CI: 0.66-1.28, P = 0.62). CONCLUSION: In patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease, a strategy of complete revascularization as a staged procedure compared to index procedure revascularization results in reduced mortality without an increase in repeat myocardial infarction or need for repeat revascularization.

Type B Lactic Acidosis Associated With Venlafaxine Overdose.

Lactic acidosis that is not secondary to tissue hypoperfusion or hypoxemia (type B lactic acidosis) is a rare but potentially fatal condition that has been associated with drugs like metformin, linezolid, and nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors in patients with HIV. We report the first case of type B lactic acidosis caused by overdose of the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, venlafaxine. A 55-year-old man with no significant medical history was brought to the emergency department after intentional ingestion of around 80 capsules of venlafaxine (a total dose of over 6000 mg) in an attempt to commit suicide. Complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel were unremarkable except for a bicarbonate level of 13 mEq/L and an anion gap of 22 mEq/L. An arterial blood gas revealed a pH of 7.39, partial pressure of CO2 of 19 mm Hg, calculated bicarbonate of 11.5 mEq/L, and a lactate level of 8.6 mmol/L. The patient was started on aggressive intravenous hydration with normal saline along with oral activated charcoal with sorbitol. Repeat laboratory work after 4 hours showed an improvement in anion gap (15 mEq/L) and serum lactate (5.6 mmol/L). The patient remained stable throughout the hospital stay and lactic acidosis resolved in 24 hours. In the absence of hypotension, hypoxemia, kidney or liver dysfunction, myopathy, malignancy, or use of other medications, venlafaxine was the most likely cause of lactic acidosis in our case. Rapid improvement of acidosis was probably related to clearance of the drug.

Association Between Opioid Abuse/Dependence and Outcomes in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients.

Opioid use is associated with unintentional and intentional overdose and is one of the leading causes of emergency room visits and accidental deaths. However, the association between opioid abuse/dependence and outcomes in hospitalized patients has not been well studied. Congestive heart failure (HF) is the fourth most common cause of hospitalization in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of opioid abuse/dependence on outcomes in patients hospitalized with HF. We queried the 2002-2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases to identify all patients aged 18 years and older admitted with the primary diagnosis of HF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to compare the frequency of hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) and in-hospital mortality between patients with and without a history of opioid abuse/dependence. Of 9,993,240 patients with HF, 29,014 had a history of opioid abuse or dependence. Opioid abusers/dependents were likely to be younger men of poor socioeconomic background with self pay or Medicaid as their primary payer. They had a lower prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease (P < 0.001 for all). They were more likely to be smokers and have chronic pulmonary disease, depression, liver disease, and obesity (P < 0.001 for all). Patients with a history of opioid abuse/dependence had lower incidence of HACs (14.8% vs. 16.5%, adjusted odds ratio: 0.71, P < 0.001) and lower in-hospital mortality (1.3% vs. 3.6%, adjusted odds ratio: 0.64, P < 0.001) as compared with patients without prior opioid abuse/dependence. In conclusion, among adult patients aged 18 years and older hospitalized with HF, opioid abuse/dependence was associated with lower frequency of HACs and lower in-hospital mortality.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest in a Patient With Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Case Report and a Brief Review of Literature.

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a phenotypic variant of nonobstructive HCM, in which hypertrophy of the myocardium predominantly involves the left ventricular apex. It is common in Japanese and other Asian populations but is rare in the United States. Apical HCM has a relatively benign prognosis in terms of cardiovascular mortality; however, morbid events such as ventricular aneurysms, apical thrombi, diastolic dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, and myocardial infarction are not uncommon. We report a case of an 18-year-old white man who presented to our hospital after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The patient had a witnessed collapse while playing basketball in the field. He was found to be pulseless and unresponsive by his coach, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately started. Upon arrival of emergency medical services, an automated external defibrillator advised shock and he was defibrillated thrice. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 15 minutes. He was intubated for airway protection and was brought to the hospital. Therapeutic hypothermia was initiated. He demonstrated good neurological status after active rewarming. Subsequent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of apical HCM with right ventricular involvement. The patient underwent an implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement for secondary prevention and was subsequently discharged. In conclusion, apical HCM can rarely be associated with adverse cardiovascular events. The diagnosis may be missed on transthoracic 2-dimensional cardiac echocardiogram, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging should be considered to exclude apical HCM in young patients who present after sudden cardiac arrest.

Optimal antithrombotic strategy following valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic and mitral valve replacement.

The treatment of aortic and mitral valve disease requiring replacement has shifted to an increasing use of bioprosthetic heart valves. Due to their limited durability, there is a growing need for reintervention in the setting of failing bioprosthesis. Even though the gold standard for the treatment of failed bioprosthesis remains surgical repair or replacement, valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic and mitral valve replacement have emerged as safe and effective alternatives for patients who are at high or prohibitive risk for surgery. Both procedures are associated with a substantial risk of postprocedural thromboembolic events and valvular thrombosis that is often higher than transcatheter replacement of native valves. With guidelines lacking specific protocols and a limited number of available studies, the optimal postprocedural antithrombotic therapy remains to be clarified. Multiple factors including valvular hemodynamics, the characteristics of the failing surgical valve, and the choice of the new transcatheter heart valve (THV) must be considered. Additionally, patients are often at an advanced age with multiple comorbidities and may require oral anticoagulation (OAC) due to other indications such as atrial fibrillation. Although the recommended antithrombotic strategy for native transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is antiplatelet monotherapy with aspirin or a P2Y12 inhibitor in the absence of another anticoagulation indication, the use of oral anticoagulants including vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and direct thrombin inhibitors has been shown to be effective in reducing valvular thrombosis and are commonly used after ViV procedures. Prospective studies investigating these results specifically for ViV transcatheter aortic and mitral valve replacement are needed to identify the optimal antithrombotic therapy.

Stroke Risk After Mitral Valve Interventions: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Previous research indicates varying stroke rates after mitral valve (MV) interventions. This study aimed to compare postprocedural stroke risks after transcatheter and surgical MV interventions. Electronic databases were searched from inception to February 2024 for studies comparing stroke rates after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (mTEER), surgical MV repair/replacement, or guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). Primary end points were all-time and early (<30 days) stroke. Secondary outcomes included new-onset atrial fibrillation and 1-year all-cause mortality. A frequentist network meta-analysis was employed to compare outcomes. The network meta-analysis included 18 studies (3 randomized controlled trials and 15 observational), with 51,703 patients. mTEER was associated with a decreased risk of all-time (odds ratio [OR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41 to 0.89) and early stroke (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.51) compared with surgery, and a similar risk of all-time (OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.76 to 3.12) and early stroke (OR 2.12, 95% CI 0.53 to 8.47) compared with GDMT. Conversely, surgery was associated with an increased risk of all-time (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.17 to 5.57) and early stroke (OR 5.15, 95% CI 1.27 to 20.84) compared with GDMT. There were no statistically significant differences in the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.31) and 1-year all-cause mortality (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.91 to 2.24) between mTEER versus surgery. In conclusion, mTEER was associated with a lower risk of stroke and similar risks of new-onset atrial fibrillation and 1-year mortality compared with surgical MV interventions. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of stroke and to determine strategies to reduce stroke risk after MV interventions.

National Trends and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have reported decreased use of an invasive approach for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether prior TAVR affects the use of subsequent coronary revascularization and outcomes of AMI in a contemporary national data set. METHODS: Consecutive TAVR patients from 2016 to 2022 were identified from the U.S. Vizient Clinical Data Base who were hospitalized after the index TAVR hospitalization with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Patients with STEMI or NSTEMI with or without prior TAVR from the same time period were compared for the use of coronary angiography, revascularization, and in-hospital outcomes. Propensity score matching was used to account for imbalances in patient characteristics. RESULTS: Among 206,229 patients who underwent TAVR, the incidence of STEMI was 25 events per 100,000 person-years of follow-up, and that of NSTEMI was 229 events per 100,000 person-years. After propensity matching, the use of coronary revascularization was similar in the prior TAVR and no TAVR cohorts in both the STEMI (65.3% vs 63.9%; P = 0.81) and NSTEMI (41.4% vs 41.7%; P = 0.88) subgroups. Compared with patients without prior TAVR, in-hospital mortality was higher in the prior TAVR cohort in patients with STEMI (27.1% vs 16.7%; P = 0.03) and lower in those with NSTEMI (5.8% vs 8.2%; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this large, national retrospective study, AMI events after TAVR were infrequent. There were no differences in the use of coronary revascularization for STEMI or NSTEMI in TAVR patients compared with the non-TAVR population. In-hospital mortality for STEMI is higher in TAVR patients compared with those without prior TAVR.