Combination anticoagulation strategy in pregnancy with mechanical valves: The KYBELE study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal first-trimester anticoagulation is still challenging in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves (MHVs) requiring high-dose warfarin. This multicenter prospective study aims to determine the optimal anticoagulation regimens for pregnant patients with MHVs. METHODS: All women were allocated to one of three treatment options during first trimester including lone low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), combination of LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin, and LMWH+4 mg warfarin. Primary maternal outcome included a combination of death, thromboembolism, severe bleeding, and need for treatment of mechanical valve thrombosis (MVT). Any fetal loss was determined as primary fetal outcome. RESULTS: The study included 78 pregnancies in 65 women with MHVs. Primary maternal outcome rate was 44%, 12.5%, 3.5%, respectively. The rates of primary maternal outcome (44 vs 3.5%, P < .001), obstructive MVT (16 vs 0%, P = .04), MVT requiring treatment (28 vs 0%, P = .003), and cerebral embolism (24 vs 3.4%, P = .041) were found to be significantly higher in lone LMWH group compared to LMWH + 4 mg warfarin group. Moreover, the rates of primary maternal outcome (12.5 vs 44%, P = .015) and treatment for MHV thrombus (4.2 vs 28%, P = .049) were significantly lower in LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin group compared to lone LMWH group. The incidences of fetal loss were 8 (32%) in the lone LMWH group, 8 (33.3%) in LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin group, and 11 (37.9%) in LMWH + 4 mg warfarin group (P = .890 for 3-group).Warfarin related-embryopathy was not observed in any case. CONCLUSIONS: The combined anticoagulation strategy of LMWH plus low-dose warfarin during the first trimester of pregnancy may result in less maternal complications with comparable fetal outcomes in patients with MHVs. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is thought to be safer for the fetus, however it is suspected to be less protective for the mother. To solve this dilemma, the authors suggested a novel anticoagulation strategy in pregnant women with prosthetic valves. Seventy-eight pregnancies of 65 women (median age 32 [27-35] years) were included in the study. A combination of LMWH and a reduced dose warfarin were associated with low rates of thrombus-related complications in pregnant patients with mechanical heart valves.

Prognostic Importance of Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index and Right Ventricular Stroke Work Index in End-Stage Heart Failure Patients.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) failure is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with left ventricular (LV) end-stage heart failure (ESHF). Pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) and RV stroke work index (RVSWI) are invasive parameters related to RV function. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of PAPi and RVSWI in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, 416 patients with ESHF were included. The adverse cardiac event (ACE) was defined as LV assist device implantation, urgent heart transplantation, or cardiac mortality. There were 218 ACE cases and 198 non-ACE cases over a median follow-up of 503.50 days. Patients with ACE had lower PAPi and similar RVSWI compared to those without ACE (3.1 ± 1.9 vs. 3.7 ± 2.3, p = 0.003 and 7.3 ± 4.9 vs. 6.9 ± 4.4, p = 0.422, respectively). According to the results of multivariate analysis, while PAPi (from 2 to 5.65) was associated with ACE, RVSWI (from 3.62 to 9.75) was not associated with ACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.55-0.95], p = 0.031; HR: 0.79, 95% CI: [0.58-1.09], p = 0.081, respectively). Survival analysis revealed that PAPi ≤2.56 was associated with a higher ACE risk compared to PAPi >2.56 (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.11-1.92, p = 0.006). PAPi ≤2.56 could predict ACE with 56.7% sensitivity and 51.3% specificity at 1 year. Furthermore, the association between RVSWI and ACE was nonlinear (J-curve pattern). Low and high values seem to be associated with higher ACE risk compared to intermediate values. CONCLUSION: The low PAPi was an independent risk for ACE and it had a linear association with it. However, RVSWI seems to be have a nonlinear association with ACE (J-curve pattern).

Effect of Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension Subgroups on Outcomes: Impact of the Updated Definition of Pulmonary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of end-stage heart failure (ESHF) and associated with increased mortality. The definition of PH has recently been changed from a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPm) ≥25 mmHg to a PAPm >20 mmHg. Since this change, there are no data evaluating group 2 PH subgroups on outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of updated group 2 PH subgroups on outcomes, as well as to evaluate the clinical, echocardiographic, and haemodynamic characteristics of subgroups, and determine predictors of PH in patients with ESHF. METHOD: A total of 416 patients with ESHF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤25% were divided into three groups. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as PAPm >20 mmHg. Primary outcome was defined as left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, urgent heart transplantation (HT), or death. Secondary outcome was defined as LVAD implantation and HT. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 503.5 days, combined pre- and postcapillary PH (Cpc-PH) displayed greater risk of primary outcome than those with isolated postcapillary (Ipc-PH) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-1.91; p<0.001) and those with no PH (HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.68-3.63; p<0.001). Patients with Ipc-PH demonstrated greater risk than those with no PH (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.57-1.90; p<0.001). Likelihood ratios of updated PH criteria and old PH criteria (PAPm ≥25 mmHg) in identifying primary outcome were 75.6 (R2=0.179) and 72.09 (R2=0.164). Patients with PAPm 21-24 mmHg had a higher primary outcome than those with PAPm ≤20 mmHg. Severe mitral regurgitation, LVEF, grade 3 diastolic dysfunction, diabetes, and cardiac output were predictors of PH. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary hypertension increases the risk of LVAD, urgent HT, or death, and Cpc-PH further increases risk in patients with ESHF. Compared to the previous definition, a new PH definition better discriminates death, going to urgent HT, or LVAD implantation for PH subgroups.

Temporal association of contamination obsession on the prehospital delay of STEMI during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: One of the modifiable risk factors for ST elevation myocardial infarction is prehospital delay. The purpose of our study was to look at the effect of contamination contamination obsession on prehospital delay compared with other measurements during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHOD: A total of 139 patients with acute STEMI admitted to our heart center from 20 March 2020 to 20 June 2020 were included in this study. If the time interval between the estimated onset of symptoms and admission to the emergency room was >120 min, it was considered as a prehospital delay. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Padua Inventory-Washington State University Revision (PI-WSUR) test were used to assess Contamination-Obbsessive compulsive disorder (C-OCD). RESULT: The same period STEMI count compared to the previous year decreased 25%. The duration of symptoms onset to hospital admission was longer in the first month compared to second and third months (180 (120-360), 120 (60-180), and 105 (60-180), respectively; P = 0.012). Multivariable logistic regression (model-2) was used to examine the association between 7 candidate predictors (age, gender, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, smoking, pain-onset time, and coronary artery disease (CAD) history), PI-WSUR C-OCD, and admission month with prehospital delay. Among variables, PI-WSUR C-OCD and admission month were independently associated with prehospital delay (OR 5.36 (2.11-13.61) (P = 0.01); 0.26 (0.09-0.87) p < 0.001] respectively]. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that contamination obsession was associated with prehospital delay of STEMI patients, however anxiety and depression level was not associated during the pandemic.

Prognostic significance of malnutrition scores in elderly patients for the prediction of contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition reflects the general condition of a patient including physical condition, protein turnover, and immune competence. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a disorder that adversely affects the prognosis of older adults. In our study, we aimed to show the relationship between CI-AKI and malnutrition status in elderly patients over 65 years of age with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Study enrolled 360 consecutive patients with coronary angiography performed because of chronic coronary artery disease. Patients pre-procedural and post-procedural blood samples were taken and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) malnutrition scores were calculated. RESULTS: The median age of the patients included in the study was 69 (67-72, IQR) and CI-AKI was seen in 91 (25.2%) patients. Univariate regression analysis showed that age, diabetes mellitus, baseline creatinine, body weight-adapted contrast agent, haemoglobin, left ventricular ejection fraction, CONUT score, PNI score, and GNRI score were independent predictors of CI-AKI. In model 1, increase in CONUT score (2 to 5) (OR: 3.21 (2.11-4.88), in model 2, increase in PNI score (37.4 to 45) (OR: 0.34, (0.24-0.49)), and in model 3, increase in GNRI score (89.5 to 103.8) (OR: 0.55, (0.38-0.81)) were independently associated with the presence of CI-AKI. PNI showed better results than other models in discriminating the predictable capability for CI-AKI. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition assessment of elderly patients before performing diagnostic or interventional coronary procedures could help clinicians to identify patients with elevated risk for CI-AKI.

Effect of non-dipper pattern on echocardiographic myocardial work parameters in normotensive individuals.

BACKGROUND: It is known that non-dipper pattern (NDP) is associated with adverse outcomes in hypertensive patients. However, there is insufficient data on the outcome of NDP in normotensive individuals. Using myocardial work (MW) analysis, as a new echocardiographic examination method, this study aimed to determine the early myocardial effects of NDP in normotensive individuals. METHODS: This study included 70 normotensive individuals who were followed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The subjects were divided into two groups according to dipper pattern (DP) and NDP. Conventional, strain, and MW findings were compared between the groups by making echocardiographic evaluations. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and measurements of cardiac chambers, and left ventricular (LV) walls were similar between the groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of LV 3-2-4 chambers strains and global longitudinal strain (GLS) values. LVMW parameters, global work index (GWI), and global constrictive work (GCW) were not statistically different between groups (2012 ± 127, 2069 ± 137, p = 0.16; 2327 ± 173, 2418 ± 296, p = 0.18, respectively). However, global waste work (GWW) and global work efficiency (GWE) parameters were different between the groups (144 ± 63.9, 104 ± 24.8, p < 0.001; 93.2 ± 3.17, 95.4 ± 1.28, p < 0.001, respectively). In regression analysis, GWW was independently associated with NDP. GWW model showed better results with higher likelihood chi-square and R2 values than GLS model in discriminating the predictable capability for NDP status. CONCLUSION: The results of MW analysis in this study showed that GWW values were higher and the GWE values were lower in normotensive individuals with NDP.

The TAPSE/PASP ratio and MELD score in patients with advanced heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in patients with advanced heart failure. METHODS: A total of 103 patients with advanced heart failure evaluated for candidacy for heart transplantation were included in this study. TAPSE was measured by M­mode echocardiography and cardiac catheterization was performed. TAPSE/ PASP ratio and MELD score were calculated. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 49 (40.5-54) years and the majority were male (92%). The percentage of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy was 40%. The mean value of the group's MELD score was 10 ± 3.3 and the median value of TAPSE/PASP 0.24 (0.18-0.34). There was a moderate negative correlation between TAPSE/PASP and MELD score (r: -0.38, p < 0.001). Right atrial pressure (RAP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were also negatively correlated with TAPSE/PASP (correlation coefficients were r: -0.562 and r: -0.575, respectively). In patients with a lower TAPSE/PASP ratio, MELD score, LVEDP and RAP were higher and tricuspid regurgitation was more severe, but there were no significant differences between cardiac output (CO) and mean aortic pressure (mean BP). The presence of ischemia was found to be an independent predictor for lower values of TAPSE/PASP. CONCLUSION: The lower TAPSE/PASP obtained on echocardiography may be a sign of the multi-organ failure defined as a high MELD score in patients with advanced heart failure.

Relative Fat Mass Index can be solution for obesity paradox in coronary artery disease severity prediction calculated by SYNTAX Score.

BACKGROUND: The relation between body mass index (BMI) and coronary artery disease (CAD) extension remains controversial. A new score was developed to estimate body fat percentage (BFP) known as Relative Fat Mass (RFM) Index. This study aimed to evaluate the value of RFM Index in predicting the severity of the CAD, compared with other anthropometric measurements. METHODS: A total of 325 patients with chronic CAD were investigated. RFM, BFP, BMI and other anthropometric characteristics of patients were measured before angiography. CAD severity was determined by SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery trial (SYNTAX) Score. The association between SYNTAX Score and variables was evaluated using linear regression models. In order to compare the model performance, R-squared (R2), Akaike's information criterion, Bayesian information criterion and root mean square error were used. RESULTS: Univariate linear regression outcome variable, SYNTAX was used to determine whether there was any relationship between variables. Independent variables were included in the multivariable linear logistic regression models. The analysis showed that in model 1, RFM (ß coefficient: 2.31 (0.90 to 3.71), p=0.001)), diabetes mellitus (ß coefficient: 3.72 (1.67 to 3.76), p=0.004)), haemoglobin (ß coefficient: -2.12 (-3.70 to -0.53), p=0.03) and age (ß coefficient: 1.83 (0.29 to 3.37), p=0.02)) were statistically significant. The adjusted R2 values in model 1 were higher than model 2 (BFP) and model 3 (BMI) (0.155, 0.137 and 0.130, respectively), and χ2 values of RFM were higher than BFP and BMI (10.5, 3.4 and 1.0, respectively). CONCLUSION: RFM Index is a more reliable and compatible marker of obesity in showing the severity of CAD compared to BMI.

Recurrence of left atrial myxoma mimicking a mitral annuloplasty ring thrombosis.

Cardiac myxomas (CM) is by far the most common type of primary cardiac neoplasm that commonly arise within the left atria and is composed of primitive connective tissue cells and stroma. Despite the benign nature, the CMs are often surgically removed because they can lead to severe complications. Large, thin, and hypermobile forms are unusual. The frequency of recurrence is about 22% for complex forms and 12% for other familial forms and 1% to 3% for sporadic myxomas, which seldom recur after surgery. Although transesophageal echocardiography shows usually accurate imaging capabilities to detect the myxoma, further imaging methods including computed tomography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography may be useful to diagnosis for it. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment.

Comparison of 30-Day MACE between Immediate versus Staged Complete Revascularization in Acute Myocardial Infarction with Multivessel Disease, and the Effect of Coronary Lesion Complexity.

Background and objective: In patients with acute myocardial infarction and multivessel disease, the timing of intervention to non-culprit lesions is still a matter of debate, especially in patients without shock. This study aimed to compare the effect of multivessel intervention, performed at index percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (MVI-I) or index hospitalization (MVI-S), on the 30-day results of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and to investigate the effect of coronary lesion complexity assessed by the Syntax (Sx) score on the timing of multivessel intervention. Materials and methods: We enrolled 180 patients with MVI-I, and 425 patients with MVI-S. The major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) for this study were identified as mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, acute heart failure, ischemia driven revascularization, major bleeding, and acute renal failure developed within 30 days. Results: The unadjusted MACE rates at 30 days were 11.2% and 5% among those who underwent MVI-I and MVI-S, respectively (OR 3.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51⁻6.02; p=0.002). Associations were statistically significant after adjusting for covariates in the penalized multivariable model (adjusted OR 2.06; 95%CI 1.02⁻4.18; p=0.043), propensity score adjusted multivariable model (adjusted OR 2.46; 95%CI 1.19⁻5.07; p=0.015), and IPW (adjusted OR 2.11; 95%CI 1.28⁻3.47; p=0.041). We found that the Syntax score of lesions did not affect the results. Conclusion: MVI-S was associated with a lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events within 30 days after discharge.

Infarction of the septomarginal band and tricuspid papillary muscle rupture related to alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

We presented a 77-year-old man with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy applied with flail tricuspid leaflet and severe tricuspid regurgitation leading to right heart failure 2 months after the failed septal ablation. The ruptured anterior tricuspid papillary muscle resulted from infarction of the base of anterior papillary muscle of the right ventricle (RV) confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. As the septomarginal band is frequently lit up by intracoronary contrast that particular attention should be paid to the RV papillary muscles. And, if the papillary muscles or the RV free wall is brightened, then the use of that septal artery should be avoided.

The Role of Protein Z and Protein Z-Dependent Protease Inhibitor Polymorphisms in the Development of Prosthetic Heart Valve Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Protein Z (PZ) is a vitamin K-dependent factor that is synthesized mainly by the liver. It acts as an activator of serpin, the protein Z-dependent inhibitor (ZPI), which inhibits factor Xa. The potential role of alterations in protein Z and/or ZPI levels in the pathogenesis of thrombotic and/or hemorrhagic diseases has been previously investigated, but results have been conflicting. The study aim was to evaluate the role of PZ/ZPI polymorphisms in the development of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). METHODS: This prospective, observational cross-sectional study included 50 consecutive patients with PVT [non-obstructive thrombosis (NOT) in 35 patients; obstructive thrombosis (OT) in 15] and 50 consecutive healthy subjects with normally functioning prostheses. gDNA was extracted from ca. 5 × 106 leukocytes, using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen), according to the manufacturer's recommendations. For mutational analysis, a minisequencing method was employed. Results of the analyses were compared between the PVT and control groups, and also between the OT and NOT subgroups. RESULTS: The frequency of A allele (mutant type) of PZG79A was equal in all PVT patients and in controls. With regards to PZ-A13G polymorphisms, frequency of the mutant G allele was 22% in PVT patients and 19% in controls. Serpina-R67X polymorphism was observed in 8% of PVT patients and 6% of controls. Normal variant CC was present in 47 controls (94%), whereas a heterozygotic mutation (CT) was detected in four PVT patients (8%). Frequency of the ZPI-R67X mutation was significantly higher in patients with OT than in those with NOT (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The present study was the first to evaluate the potential impact of PZ (PZ-A13G, PZG79A) and ZPI (R-67X, W303X) polymorphisms in the development of PVT. Based on the results of this small observational case-control study, PZ/ZPI polymorphisms do not appear to play an active role in the development of PVT. Hence, further extensive studies are necessary.

Twist deformation for predicting postoperative left ventricular function in patients with mitral regurgitation: A speckle tracking echocardiography study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative LV dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality in patient with mitral regurgitation undergoing surgery. With this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive value of classic and speckle tracking echocardiographic (STE) LV deformational parameters for estimating postoperative LV dysfunction. METHODS: Fifty-nine asymptomatic patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve prolapse, who had sinus rhythm and LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥50%, were included. Patients underwent comprehensive and speckle tracking echocardiographic examination before and 6 months after the surgical procedure. Patients were divided into two groups according to postoperative LV function: group A postoperative LV EF≥50% and group B postoperative LV EF<50%. RESULTS: Patients in group A were found to have higher LV twist (19.7±6.8° vs 11.9±4.2°; P<.001), LV global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) (-21.7±4 vs -16.5±3.4%; P<.001), and circumferential strain (-19.5±5.2 vs -14.4±5.1%; P=.004) values but lower end-systolic diameter (ESD) (3.2±0.6 vs 4.1±0.9 cm; P<.001) when compared to group B. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that GLPS, ESD, and twist were independent predictors of postoperative LV functions. In the ROC analysis, GLPS ≥18.4% and twist>14.4° predicted postoperative LVEF ≥50%. CONCLUSION: GLPS and twist measured by 2DSTE are predictors of LV preservation after surgery in severe MR. These parameters may also be used as prognostic predictors and optimal timing of operation in this patient population.

Prediction of infarct size using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the myocardial damage (infarct size provided by cardiac single-photon emission tomography) in early stages of the infarction using longitudinal strain and rotational parameters of the left ventricle. METHODS: The study included 66 patients with anterior myocardial infarction (AMI) and 62 patients with inferior myocardial infarction (IMI) who underwent primary percutaneous intervention as well as a control group consisting of 50 healthy subjects. LV rotational parameters based on parasternal short-axis views in basal and apical planes and global longitudinal strain were measured with apical four-chamber, apical two-chamber, and apical long-axis views. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between infarct size and GLPSavg (r=-.55 <.001), GTOR angle (r=-.52, P<.001), apical rotation angle (r=-.40 <.001, and EF (r=-.43, <.001). While cutoff values were GLPSavg: 11.9 (AUC=0.78), GTOR angle: 11.4° (AUC=0.77), apical rotation angle: 7.1° (AUC=0.76) for patients with an infarct size greater than 20%, the cutoff values were GLPSavg: 10.7 (AUC=0.75), GTOR angle: 8.7° (AUC=0.86), apical rotation angle: 4.35° (AUC=0.87) for those with an infarct size greater than 40%. CONCLUSION: GLPSavg, GTOR angle, and apical rotation angle values may be used to determine the extent of infarction in early post-MI period, thereby allowing precautions to be taken for remodeling in early stages.

Ultraslow thrombolytic therapy: A novel strategy in the management of PROsthetic MEchanical valve Thrombosis and the prEdictors of outcomE: The Ultra-slow PROMETEE trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-dose (25mg), slow infusion (6hours) of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) with repetition as needed has been shown to provide effective and safer thrombolysis in patients with prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). Further prolonging the infusion time may be rational with regard to reducing complication rates without reducing success rates. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of ultraslow (25hours) infusion of low-dose (25mg) alteplase (t-PA) for PVT. METHODS AND RESULTS: Transesophageal echocardiography-guided thrombolytic therapy (TT) was administered to 114 patients with PVT in 120 different episodes between 2009 and 2013 in a single center. Prosthetic valve thrombosis was obstructive in 77 (64.2%) and nonobstructive in 43 (35.8%) episodes. Ultraslow infusion (25hours) of low-dose (25mg) t-PA, as the TT regimen, was used in all patients admitted with PVT. The end points were thrombolytic success, mortality, and complication rates. The overall success rate of TT was 90% (95% CI 0.85-0.95). The univariate predictors of an unsuccessful result were higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, thrombus cross-sectional area, duration of suboptimal anticoagulation, lower baseline valve area, and presence of atrial fibrillation. The NYHA class was the only independent predictor of TT failure by multiple variable analysis. The overall complication rate was 6.7% (3.3% nonfatal major, 2.5% minor, and 0.8% death). The predictors of complications were presence of atrial fibrillation, higher NYHA class, and thrombus area. CONCLUSION: Ultraslow (25hours) infusion of low-dose (25mg) t-PA without bolus appears to be associated with quite low nonfatal complications and mortality for PVT patients without loss of effectiveness, except for those with NYHA class IV.

Thrombolytic therapy for the treatment of prosthetic heart valve thrombosis in pregnancy with low-dose, slow infusion of tissue-type plasminogen activator.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic valve thrombosis during pregnancy is life-threatening for mother and fetus, and the treatment of this complication is unclear. Cardiac surgery in pregnancy is associated with very high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Thrombolytic therapy has rarely been used in these patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose (25 mg), slow infusion (6 hours) of tissue-type plasminogen activator for the treatment of prosthetic valve thrombosis in pregnant women. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2012, tissue-type plasminogen activator was administered to 24 consecutive women in 25 pregnancies with 28 prosthetic valve thrombosis episodes (obstructive, n=15; nonobstructive, n=13). Mean age of the patients was 29±6 years. Thrombolytic therapy sessions were performed under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. The mean dose of tissue-type plasminogen activator used was 48.7±29.5 mg (range, 25-100 mg). All episodes resulted in complete thrombus lysis after thrombolytic therapy. One patient had placental hemorrhage with preterm live birth at the 30th week, and 1 patient had minor bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose, slow infusion of tissue-type plasminogen activator with repeated doses as needed is an effective therapy with an excellent thrombolytic success rate for the treatment of prosthetic valve thrombosis in pregnant women. This protocol also seems to be safer than cardiac surgery or any alternative medical strategies published to date. Thrombolytic therapy should be considered first-line therapy in pregnant patients with prosthetic valve thrombosis.

Value of serum fibrinogen levels in the assessment of mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The evaluation of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is crucial due to higher mortality and morbidity rates. The study aim was to assess the value of fibrinogen in the diagnosis of PVT, an important and a common cause of prosthetic valve failure. METHODS: Between December 2007 and April 2012, 154 patients with PVT and 116 control subjects with a normally functioning prosthesis were enrolled in the study. PVT was diagnosed using transesophageal echocardiography, and fibrinogen levels were measured at presentation. The patients and controls had similar demographic features. RESULTS: NYHA functional class, ineffective anticoagulation, presence of symptoms and moderate to severe left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) were significantly different between the groups. The fibrinogen level was significantly higher in patients with PVT compared to controls (393.46 +/- 127.87 versus 276.93 +/- 69.22 mg/dl, p < 0.001). Ineffective anticoagulation, the presence of symptoms, a poor NYHA functional class, the presence of moderate to severe LASEC and elevated fibrinogen levels were independent predictors of PVT on multivariate regression analysis (p < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) 38.811, 95% confidence interval (CI): 13.319-113.091; p < 0.001, OR 6.745, CI: 2.777-16.386; p = 0.031, OR 3.557, CI: 1.126-11.239; p = 0.026, OR 3.203, CI: 1.146-8.955, and p < 0.001, OR 1.011, CI: 1.007-1.016 respectively). CONCLUSION: Besides known indicators of PVT, including ineffective anticoagulation, the presence of LASEC and decreased NYHA functional capacity, elevated fibrinogen levels may be a valuable marker for the assessment of PVT.

Usability of myocardial work parameters to demonstrate subclinical myocardial involvement in normotensive individuals with exaggerated hypertensive response in treadmill exercise testing.

Early determination of changes in myocardial functions is essential for the protection of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate myocardial work parameters in healthy individuals who developed an exaggerated hypertensive response during the treadmill exercise test procedure. The study included a total of 64 patients for whom an exercise electrocardiography test was planned for functional capacity evaluation. The study population was divided according to the presence of exaggerated hypertensive response to exercise (EBPRE) (SBP/DBP ≥210/105 mmHg in males ≥190/105 mmHg in females) and normal blood pressure response to exercise (NBPRE). Patients' echocardiographic evaluations were made at rest, and myocardial work parameters were calculated. There was no statistical difference between the groups (NBPRE vs. EBPRE, respectively) in terms of left ventricular 2,3 and 4 chamber strains and global longitudinal strain (GLS) values (-20.6 ± -2.3, -19.7 ± -1.9, p:.13; -21.3 ± -2.7, -21 ± -2.4, p:.68; -21.2 ± -2.2, -21.2 ± -2.3, p:.93; and -20.8 ± -1.5, -20.4 ± -1.5, p:.23, respectively). Global constrictive work (GCW), global waste work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE) were not statistically different between the two groups (2374 ± 210, 2465 ± 204, p:.10; 142 ± 64, 127 ± 42, p:.31; 94.3 ± 2.5, 95.1 ± 1.5, p:.18, respectively). In contrast, global work index (GWI) parameters were different between the two groups (2036 ± 149, 2147 ± 150, p < .001). The GWI was independently associated with EBPRE (odds ratio with 95% 3.32 (1.02-11.24), p = .03). The partial effect plots were used for GWI to predict EBPRE, according to the results, an increase in GWI predicts probability of exaggerated hypertensive response. In conclusion, Myocardial work analyses might be used to identify early signs of myocardial involvement in normotensive patients with EBPRE.

A Novel Composed Index to Evaluate the Right Ventricle Free-Wall Adaptation Against Ventricular Wall Stress in Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism severity index and simplified pulmonary embolism severity index have been utilized in initial risk evaluation in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. However, these models do not include any imaging measure of right ventricle function. In this study, we proposed a novel index and aimed to evaluate the clinical impact. METHODS: Our study population comprised retrospectively evaluated 502 patients with acute pulmonary embolism managed with different treatment modalities. Echocardiographic and computed tomographic pulmonary angiography evaluations were performed at admission to the emergency room within maximally 30 minutes. The formula of our index was as follows: (right ventricle diameter × systolic pulmonary arterial pressure-echo)/(right ventricle free-wall diameter × tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion). RESULTS: This index value showed significant correlations to clinical and hemodynamic severity measures. Only pulmonary embolism severity index, but not our index value, independently predicted in-hospital mortality. However, an index value higher than 17.8 predicted the long-term mortality with a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 40% (areas under the curve = 0.652, 95% CI, 0.557-0.747, P =.001). According to the adjusted variable plot, the risk of long-term mortality increased until an index level of 30 but remained unchanged thereafter. The cumulative hazard curve also showed a higher mortality with high-index value versus low-index value. CONCLUSIONS: Our index composed from measures of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography and transthoracic echocardiography may provide important insights regarding the adaptation status of right ventricle against pressure/wall stress in acute pulmonary embolism, and a higher value seems to be associated with severity of the clinical and hemodynamic status and long-term mortality but not with in-hospital mortality. However, the pulmonary embolism severity index remained as the only independent predictor for in-hospital mortality.

A New Index for the Prediction of In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism: The Modified Shock Index.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism severity index, its simplified version, and shock index have been used for risk stratification in acute pulmonary embolism. In this study, we proposed a modification in severity index and evaluated the correlates and prognostic value of modification in severity index in this setting. METHODS: The study group comprised retrospectively evaluated 181 patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Systematic workup including pulmonary embolism severity index, its simplified version, shock index, biomarkers, and echocardiographic and multidetector computed tomography assessments was performed in all patients. Moreover, we calculated modification in severity index by multiplying original shock index (heart rate/systolic blood pressure ratio) and a third component, 1/pulse oxymetric saturation (pSat O2%) ratio. The primary endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality and hemodynamic collapse during the hospital stay. RESULTS: On the basis of initial risk stratification, ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis, systemic tissue-type plasminogen activator, and unfractionated heparin therapies were utilized in 83 (45.9%), 37 (20.4%), and 61 (33.7%) patients, respectively. The primary end-point occurred in 13 (7.2%) patients. Receiver-operating curve analysis revealed that modification in severity index had the highest area under the curve of 0.739 (0.588-0.890, P =.002) compared with shock index, pulmonary embolism severity index, or its simplified version. The modification in severity index > 0.989 predicted primary endpoint with 73% sensitivity and 54% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The modification in severity index seems to be a simple, quick, and compre-hensive risk assessment tool for bedside evaluation at initial stratification, in monitoring the clinical benefit from therapies, and decision-making for escalation to other reperfusion strategies in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. However, the prognostic value of modification in severity index needs to be validated with further studies.