The Cardiac Amyloidosis Registry Study (CARS): Rationale, Design and Methodology.

BACKGROUND: CARS (Cardiac Amyloidosis Registry Study) is a multicenter registry established in 2019 that includes patients with transthyretin (ATTR, wild-type and variant) and light chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis (CA) evaluated at major amyloidosis centers between 1997 and 2025. CARS aims to describe the natural history of CA with attention to clinical and diagnostic variables at the time of diagnosis, real-world treatment patterns, and associated outcomes of patients in a diverse cohort that is more representative of the at-risk population than that described in CA clinical trials. METHODS AND RESULTS: This article describes the design and methodology of CARS, including procedures for data collection and preliminary results. As of February 2023, 20 centers in the United States enrolled 1415 patients, including 1155 (82%) with ATTR and 260 (18%) with AL CA. Among those with ATTR, wild-type is the most common ATTR (71%), and most of the 305 patients with variant ATTR have the p.V142I mutation (68%). A quarter of the total population identifies as Black. More individuals with AL are female (39%) compared to those with ATTR (13%). CONCLUSIONS: CARS will answer crucial clinical questions about CA natural history and permit comparison of different therapeutics not possible through current clinical trials. Future international collaboration will further strengthen the validity of observations of this increasingly recognized condition.

PAMAM dendrimers and graphene: materials for removing aromatic contaminants from water.

We present results from experiments and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations on the remediation of naphthalene by polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers and graphene oxide (GrO). Specifically, we investigate 3rd-6th generation (G3-G6) PAMAM dendrimers and GrO with different levels of oxidation. The work is motivated by the potential applications of these emerging nanomaterials in removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants from water. Our experimental results indicate that GrO outperforms dendrimers in removing naphthalene from water. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the prominent factors driving naphthalene association to these seemingly disparate materials are similar. Interestingly, we find that cooperative interactions between the naphthalene molecules play a significant role in enhancing their association to the dendrimers and GrO. Our findings highlight that while selection of appropriate materials is important, the interactions between the contaminants themselves can also be important in governing the effectiveness of a given material. The combined use of experiments and molecular dynamics simulations allows us to comment on the possible factors resulting in better performance of GrO in removing polyaromatic contaminants from water.

Dendrite-free lithium deposition with self-aligned nanorod structure.

Suppressing lithium (Li) dendrite growth is one of the most critical challenges for the development of Li metal batteries. Here, we report for the first time the growth of dendrite-free lithium films with a self-aligned and highly compacted nanorod structure when the film was deposited in the electrolyte consisting of 1.0 M LiPF6 in propylene carbonate with 0.05 M CsPF6 as an additive. Evolution of both the surface and the cross-sectional morphologies of the Li films during repeated Li deposition/stripping processes were systematically investigated. It is found that the formation of the compact Li nanorod structure is preceded by a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer formed on the surface of the substrate. Electrochemical analysis indicates that an initial reduction process occurred at ∼ 2.05 V vs Li/Li(+) before Li deposition is responsible for the formation of the initial SEI, while the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that the presence of CsPF6 additive can largely enhance the formation of LiF in this initial SEI. Hence, the smooth Li deposition in Cs(+)-containing electrolyte is the result of a synergistic effect of Cs(+) additive and preformed SEI layer. A fundamental understanding on the composition, internal structure, and evolution of Li metal films may lead to new approaches to stabilize the long-term cycling stability of Li metal and other metal anodes for energy storage applications.

Exploiting the physicochemical properties of dendritic polymers for environmental and biological applications.

In this perspective we first examine the rich physicochemical properties of dendritic polymers for hosting cations, anions, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. We then extrapolate these conceptual discussions to the use of dendritic polymers in humic acid antifouling, oil dispersion, copper sensing, and fullerenol remediation. In addition, we review the state-of-the-art of dendrimer research and elaborate on its implications for water purification, environmental remediation, nanomedicine, and energy harvesting.

Myocardial recovery following left ventricular assist device implantation.

Durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have consistently shown improved mortality and morbidity in patients with end-stage heart failure. Select patients with LVADs may experience significant enough myocardial recovery after device implantation to allow for explantation or decommissioning. While earlier trials suggested a high incidence of recovery, real-world clinical data have demonstrated this to be a much rarer phenomenon. Whether or not patients experience recovery, practices such as speed optimization and usage of guideline-directed medical therapy can improve patient outcomes.

Lymph node extracapsular extension as a marker of aggressive phenotype: Classification, prognosis and associated molecular biomarkers.

Lymph node extracapsular extension, also termed extranodal extension or extracapsular spread (ECS) from lymph nodes, is a key characteristic of aggressive phenotype in cancer, carrying a major impact on prognosis. Controversy exists with regards the classification of ECS by different histopathological assessment methods published in the literature. Whilst much focus has been placed on ECS in the setting of head and neck cancer, numerous studies also highlight its significance in a range of other malignancies, including a wide range of gastrointestinal malignancies. Prognostically, the presence of ECS broadly negatively impacts on disease recurrence and survival, with a greater range of studies now demonstrating how the nature and extent of ECS influences disease outcomes. Molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry have identified molecular biomarkers associated with ECS. Knowledge of these biomarkers will help guide future broader studies. Technological advancements resulting from the recent -omics revolution and utilising an early, wide-ranging, and integrated approach, provide the prospect of improved identification of biomarkers associated with aggressive phenotype. These approaches may validate existing putative biomarkers or identify novel independent prognostic and predictive biomarkers, facilitating a future personalized medicine approach.

Can lightning strike twice? Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis associated with rare liver disease.

Wild-type ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CA) is not as rare as previously thought to be. Patients with infiltrative cardiac amyloidosis often present with right-sided heart failure (HF) symptomatology. Clinically significant liver disease and cirrhosis has not been reported in ATTRwt-CA. We present two cases of ATTRwt-CA with right-sided HF and abnormal liver function tests initially thought to be secondary to congestive hepatopathy but found to have rare and unrelated liver disease. These cases highlight the importance of developing a broad differential diagnosis and leveraging a multidisciplinary team approach in evaluating patients for unusual causes of cirrhosis/other chronic liver diseases when ATTR cardiac amyloidosis patients present with congestive hepatopathy.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between phenanthrene and PAMAM dendrimers.

We describe herein an adsorption-induced energy transfer between phenanthrene, a major environmental pollutant, and a fluorescently labeled dendrimer acting as a host molecule. We find experimentally that such energy transfer is the most efficient at a solvent pH of 8 and for a phenanthrene:dendrimer molar ratio of 1:2. Using molecular dynamics simulations we show that the strongest binding interactions occur between phenanthrene and the primary amines of the dendrimer. The simulations provide evidence that at low pH, phenanthrene-phenanthrene interactions are favorable and compete with phenanthrene-dendrimer binding. This study offers a new scheme for detecting dendrimer molecular assembly and a physical basis for exploiting dendrimer nanotechnologies for water purification and environmental remediation.

Atrial fibrillation induced by peripherally inserted central catheters.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), a form of central venous catheter (CVC) inserted into the cephalic or basilic veins, are most commonly used for administration of long-term antibiotics or for total parenteral nutrition. PICCs are associated with fewer complications than traditional CVCs; however, they have been implicated in accidental malpositioning, leading to both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. We present a case of atrial fibrillation possibly triggered by migration of the tip of the PICC deep into the right atrium. Retraction of the tip resulted in resolution of the arrhythmia.

Risk factors for 30-day readmission in adults hospitalized for pulmonary hypertension.

Readmissions for pulmonary hypertension are poorly understood and understudied. We sought to determine national estimates and risk factors for 30-day readmission after pulmonary hypertension-related hospitalizations. We utilized the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmission Database, which has weighted estimates of roughly 35 million discharges in the US. Adult patients with primary International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes of 416.0 and 416.8 for primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension with an index admission between 2012 and 2014 and any readmission within 30 days of the index event were identified. Predictors of 30-day readmission were identified using multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for covariates. Results showed that the national estimate for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension vs Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension-related index events between 2012 and 2014 with 30-day readmission was 247 vs 2550 corresponding to a national readmission risk estimate of 17% vs 18.3%, respectively. The presence of fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and alcohol abuse were associated with increased risk of readmission in Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, while factors associated with Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension readmissions included anemia, congestive heart failure, lung disease, fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, diabetes, and liver disease. The median cost of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension admissions and readmissions were $46,132 (IQR: $25,384-$85,647) and $41,604.50 (IQR: $22,481.50-$84,420.50), respectively. The median costs of Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension admissions and readmissions were $34,893 (IQR: $19,670-$66,143) and $36,279 (IQR: $19,059-$74,679), respectively. In conclusion, approximately 19% of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension hospitalizations result in 30-day readmission, with significant costs accrued during the index hospitalization and readmission. With evolving clinical terminology and diagnostic codes, future study will need to better clarify underlying factors associated with readmissions amongst pulmonary hypertension sub-types, and identify methods and procedures to minimize readmission risk.

Effect of Serum Albumin Levels in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (from the TOPCAT Trial).

Little data are available regarding the determinants and prognostic significance of serum albumin in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). We sought to examine the phenotypic correlates of albumin and its independent prognostic implications in HFpEF. We analyzed data from 3,254 subjects enrolled the TOPCAT trial. We stratified subjects according to tertiles of albumin and examined differences in various phenotypic traits between these strata, including 8 protein biomarkers selected ad hoc and measured from frozen samples available in a subset of participants (n = 372). We also assessed the relationship between albumin and the trial primary endpoint. Lower albumin was associated with older age, black race, and greater prevalence of NYHA class III-IV, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus. Lower albumin was also associated with increased levels of several inflammatory biomarkers, markers of liver fibrosis, albuminuria, and greater arterial stiffness, diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Albumin was a strong predictor of the primary trial endpoint, even after adjustment for the MAGGIC risk score (hazard ratio [HR] 0.72, confidence interval [CI] 0.67 to 0.78; p <0.0001) and prespecified traditional risk factors (HR 0.78, CI 0.71 to 0.85; p <0.0001). Lower albumin was strongly associated with a worse prognosis even well within normal ranges (>3.5 g/dL), with a sharp increase in risk between 4.6 and 3.6 g/dL. In conclusion, albumin is an integrated marker of various adverse processes in HFpEF, including inflammation, subclinical liver disease, arterial stiffness, and renal disease. Albumin is a powerful risk predictor independent of traditional risk prediction models, even within normal ranges.

Clinical and Proteomic Correlates of Plasma ACE2 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2) in Human Heart Failure.

ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) is a key component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Yet, little is known about the clinical and biologic correlates of circulating ACE2 levels in humans. We assessed the clinical and proteomic correlates of plasma (soluble) ACE2 protein levels in human heart failure. We measured plasma ACE2 using a modified aptamer assay among PHFS (Penn Heart Failure Study) participants (n=2248). We performed an association study of ACE2 against ≈5000 other plasma proteins measured with the SomaScan platform. Plasma ACE2 was not associated with ACE inhibitor and angiotensin-receptor blocker use. Plasma ACE2 was associated with older age, male sex, diabetes mellitus, a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, worse New York Heart Association class, a history of coronary artery bypass surgery, and higher pro-BNP (pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) levels. Plasma ACE2 exhibited associations with 1011 other plasma proteins. In pathway overrepresentation analyses, top canonical pathways associated with plasma ACE2 included clathrin-mediated endocytosis signaling, actin cytoskeleton signaling, mechanisms of viral exit from host cells, EIF2 (eukaryotic initiation factor 2) signaling, and the protein ubiquitination pathway. In conclusion, in humans with heart failure, plasma ACE2 is associated with various clinical factors known to be associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including older age, male sex, and diabetes mellitus, but is not associated with ACE inhibitor and angiotensin-receptor blocker use. Plasma ACE2 protein levels are prominently associated with multiple cellular pathways involved in cellular endocytosis, exocytosis, and intracellular protein trafficking. Whether these have a causal relationship with ACE2 or are relevant to novel coronavirus-2 infection remains to be assessed in future studies.

Multiple Plasma Biomarkers for Risk Stratification in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Better risk stratification strategies are needed to enhance clinical care and trial design in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the value of a targeted plasma multi-marker approach to enhance our phenotypic characterization and risk prediction in HFpEF. METHODS: In this study, the authors measured 49 plasma biomarkers from TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) trial participants (n = 379) using a Multiplex assay. The relationship between biomarkers and the risk of all-cause death or heart failure-related hospital admission (DHFA) was assessed. A tree-based pipeline optimizer platform was used to generate a multimarker predictive model for DHFA. We validated the model in an independent cohort of HFpEF patients enrolled in the PHFS (Penn Heart Failure Study) (n = 156). RESULTS: Two large, tightly related dominant biomarker clusters were found, which included biomarkers of fibrosis/tissue remodeling, inflammation, renal injury/dysfunction, and liver fibrosis. Other clusters were composed of neurohormonal regulators of mineral metabolism, intermediary metabolism, and biomarkers of myocardial injury. Multiple biomarkers predicted incident DHFA, including 2 biomarkers related to mineral metabolism/calcification (fibroblast growth factor-23 and OPG [osteoprotegerin]), 3 inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, sTNFRI [soluble tumor necrosis factor-receptor I], and interleukin-6), YKL-40 (related to liver injury and inflammation), 2 biomarkers related to intermediary metabolism and adipocyte biology (fatty acid binding protein-4 and growth differentiation factor-15), angiopoietin-2 (related to angiogenesis), matrix metalloproteinase-7 (related to extracellular matrix turnover), ST-2, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. A machine-learning-derived model using a combination of biomarkers was strongly predictive of the risk of DHFA (standardized hazard ratio: 2.85; 95% confidence interval: 2.03 to 4.02; p < 0.0001) and markedly improved the risk prediction when added to the MAGGIC (Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure Risk Score) risk score. In an independent cohort (PHFS), the model strongly predicted the risk of DHFA (standardized hazard ratio: 2.74; 95% confidence interval: 1.93 to 3.90; p < 0.0001), which was also independent of the MAGGIC risk score. CONCLUSIONS: Various novel circulating biomarkers in key pathophysiological domains are predictive of outcomes in HFpEF, and a multimarker approach coupled with machine-learning represents a promising strategy for enhancing risk stratification in HFpEF.

Clinical Phenogroups in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Detailed Phenotypes, Prognosis, and Response to Spironolactone.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess if clinical phenogroups differ in comprehensive biomarker profiles, cardiac and arterial structure/function, and responses to spironolactone therapy. BACKGROUND: Previous studies identified distinct subgroups (phenogroups) of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS: Among TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial) participants, we performed latent-class analysis to identify HFpEF phenogroups based on standard clinical features and assessed differences in multiple biomarkers measured from frozen plasma; cardiac and arterial structure/function measured with echocardiography and arterial tonometry; prognosis; and response to spironolactone. RESULTS: Three HFpEF phenogroups were identified. Phenogroup 1 (n = 1,214) exhibited younger age, higher prevalence of smoking, preserved functional class, and the least evidence of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and arterial stiffness. Phenogroup 2 (n = 1,329) was older, with normotrophic concentric LV remodeling, atrial fibrillation, left atrial enlargement, large-artery stiffening, and biomarkers of innate immunity and vascular calcification. Phenogroup 3 (n = 899) demonstrated more functional impairment, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, concentric LV hypertrophy, high renin, and biomarkers of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-mediated inflammation, liver fibrosis, and tissue remodeling. Compared with phenogroup 1, phenogroup 3 exhibited the highest risk of the primary endpoint of cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, or aborted cardiac arrest (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.79 to 4.24); phenogroups 2 and 3 demonstrated similar all-cause mortality (phenotype 2 HR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.89 to 2.95; phenotype 3 HR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.77 to 2.87). Spironolactone randomized therapy was associated with a more pronounced reduction in the risk of the primary endpoint in phenogroup 3 (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.95; p for interaction = 0.016). Results were similar after excluding participants from Eastern Europe. CONCLUSIONS: We identified important differences in circulating biomarkers, cardiac/arterial characteristics, prognosis, and response to spironolactone across clinical HFpEF phenogroups. These findings suggest distinct underlying mechanisms across clinically identifiable phenogroups of HFpEF that may benefit from different targeted interventions.

Microtubule-associated protein 1B: a neuronal binding partner for gigaxonin.

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN), an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in GAN, is characterized cytopathologically by cytoskeletal abnormality. Based on its sequence, gigaxonin contains an NH2-terminal BTB domain followed by six kelch repeats, which are believed to be important for protein-protein interactions (Adams, J., R. Kelso, and L. Cooley. 2000. Trends Cell Biol. 10:17-24.). Here, we report the identification of a neuronal binding partner of gigaxonin. Results obtained from yeast two-hybrid screening, cotransfections, and coimmunoprecipitations demonstrate that gigaxonin binds directly to microtubule-associated protein (MAP)1B light chain (LC; MAP1B-LC), a protein involved in maintaining the integrity of cytoskeletal structures and promoting neuronal stability. Studies using double immunofluorescent microscopy and ultrastructural analysis revealed physiological colocalization of gigaxonin with MAP1B in neurons. Furthermore, in transfected cells the specific interaction of gigaxonin with MAP1B is shown to enhance the microtubule stability required for axonal transport over long distance. At least two different mutations identified in GAN patients (Bomont, P., L. Cavalier, F. Blondeau, C. Ben Hamida, S. Belal, M. Tazir, E. Demir, H. Topaloglu, R. Korinthenberg, B. Tuysuz, et al. 2000. Nat. Genet. 26:370-374.) lead to loss of gigaxonin-MAP1B-LC interaction. The devastating axonal degeneration and neuronal death found in GAN patients point to the importance of gigaxonin for neuronal survival. Our findings may provide important insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders related to cytoskeletal abnormalities.

Predictive risk stratification using HEART (history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and initial troponin) and TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) scores in non-high risk chest pain patients: An African American urban community based hospital study.

Validated risk scoring systems in African American (AA) population are under studied. We utilized history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and initial troponin (HEART) and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) scores to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in non-high cardiovascular (CV) risk predominantly AA patient population.A retrospective emergency department (ED) charts review of 1266 chest pain patients where HEART and TIMI scores were calculated for each patient. Logistic regression model was computed to predict 6-week and 1-year MACE and 90-day cardiac readmission. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was constructed to differentiate between clinical strategies in non-high CV risk patients.Of the 817 patients included, 500 patients had low HEART score vs. 317 patients who had moderate HEART score. Six hundred sixty-three patients had low TIMI score vs. 154 patients had high TIMI score. The univariate logistic regression model shows odds ratio of predicting 6-week MACE using HEART score was 3.11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-6.76, P = .004) with increase in risk category from low to moderate vs. 2.07 (95% CI 1.18-3.63, P = .011) using TIMI score with increase in risk category from low to high and c-statistic of 0.86 vs. 0.79, respectively. DCA showed net benefit of using HEART score is equally predictive of 6-week MACE when compared to TIMI.In non-high CV risk AA patients, HEART score is better predictive tool for 6-week MACE when compared to TIMI score. Furthermore, patients presenting to ED with chest pain, the optimal strategy for a 2% to 4% miss rate threshold probability should be to discharge these patients from the ED.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Ventricular Structure, Arterial Stiffness, and Pulsatile Hemodynamics in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background Heterogeneity in the underlying processes that contribute to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction ( HF p EF ) is increasingly recognized. Diabetes mellitus is a frequent comorbidity in HF p EF , but its impact on left ventricular and arterial structure and function in HF p EF is unknown. Methods and Results We assessed the impact of diabetes mellitus on left ventricular cellular and interstitial hypertrophy (assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, including T1 mapping pregadolinium and postgadolinium administration), arterial stiffness (assessed with arterial tonometry), and pulsatile arterial hemodynamics (assessed with in-office pressure-flow analyses and 24-hour ambulatory monitoring) among 53 subjects with HF p EF (32 diabetic and 21 nondiabetic subjects). Despite few differences in clinical characteristics, diabetic subjects with HFpEF exhibited a markedly greater left ventricular mass index (78.1 [95% CI , 70.4-85.9] g versus 63.6 [95% CI , 55.8-71.3] g; P=0.0093) and indexed extracellular volume (23.6 [95% CI , 21.2-26.1] mL/m2 versus 16.2 [95% CI , 13.1-19.4] mL/m2; P=0.0008). Pronounced aortic stiffening was also observed in the diabetic group (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, 11.86 [95% CI , 10.4-13.1] m/s versus 8.8 [95% CI , 7.5-10.1] m/s; P=0.0027), with an adverse pulsatile hemodynamic profile characterized by increased oscillatory power (315 [95% CI , 258-373] mW versus 190 [95% CI , 144-236] mW; P=0.0007), aortic characteristic impedance (0.154 [95% CI , 0.124-0.183] mm Hg/mL per second versus 0.096 [95% CI , 0.072-0.121] mm Hg/mL per second; P=0.0024), and forward (59.5 [95% CI , 52.8-66.1] mm Hg versus 40.1 [95% CI , 31.6-48.6] mm Hg; P=0.0010) and backward (19.6 [95% CI , 16.2-22.9] mm Hg versus 14.1 [95% CI , 10.9-17.3] mm Hg; P=0.0169) wave amplitude. Abnormal pulsatile hemodynamics were also evident in 24-hour ambulatory monitoring, despite the absence of significant differences in 24-hour systolic blood pressure between the groups. Conclusions Diabetes mellitus is a key determinant of left ventricular remodeling, arterial stiffness, adverse pulsatile hemodynamics, and ventricular-arterial interactions in HF p EF . Clinical Trial Registration URL : https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT 01516346.

Right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral-to-pulmonary artery systolic pressure ratio: a non-invasive metric of pulmonary arterial compliance differs across the spectrum of pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial compliance (PAC), invasively assessed by the ratio of stroke volume to pulmonary arterial (PA) pulse pressure, is a sensitive marker of right ventricular (RV)-PA coupling that differs across the spectrum of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and is predictive of outcomes. We assessed whether the echocardiographically derived ratio of RV outflow tract velocity time integral to PA systolic pressure (RVOT-VTI/PASP) (a) correlates with invasive PAC, (b) discriminates heart failure with preserved ejection-associated PH (HFpEF-PH) from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and (c) is associated with functional capacity. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with PAH (n = 70) and HFpEF-PH (n = 86), which was further dichotomized by diastolic pressure gradient (DPG) into isolated post-capillary PH (DPG < 7 mmHg; Ipc-PH, n = 54), and combined post- and pre-capillary PH (DPG ≥ 7 mm Hg; Cpc-PH, n = 32). Of the 156 patients, 146 had measurable RVOT-VTI or PASP and were included in further analysis. RVOT-VTI/PASP correlated with invasive PAC overall (ρ = 0.61, P < 0.001) and for the PAH (ρ = 0.38, P = 0.002) and HFpEF-PH (ρ = 0.63, P < 0.001) groups individually. RVOT-VTI/PASP differed significantly across the PH spectrum (PAH: 0.13 [0.010-0.25] vs. Cpc-PH: 0.20 [0.12-0.25] vs. Ipc-PH: 0.35 [0.22-0.44]; P < 0.001), distinguished HFpEF-PH from PAH (AUC = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.63-0.81) and Cpc-PH from Ipc-PH (AUC = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.68-0.88), and remained independently predictive of 6-min walk distance after multivariate analysis (standardized ß-coefficient = 27.7, 95% CI = 9.2-46.3; P = 0.004). Echocardiographic RVOT-VTI/PASP is a novel non-invasive metric of PAC that differs across the spectrum of PH. It distinguishes the degree of pre-capillary disease within HFpEF-PH and is predictive of functional capacity.

Pseudo-Wellens' syndrome in pulmonary embolism.

Wellens' syndrome is described as characteristic biphasic or symmetrical T-wave inversion with normal precordial R-wave progression and the absence of Q waves in the right precordial leads. It is seen during chest pain-free interval in a subset of patients with unstable angina. Wellens' syndrome is associated with critical stenosis of proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Similar characteristic ECG changes associated with causes other than LAD stenosis have been described as pseudo-Wellens' syndrome. In this case report, we present a young 22-year-old man who presented with characteristic Wellens' ECG changes in the setting of pulmonary embolism with right ventricular strain. T-wave inversion in right precordial leads is a well-recognised ECG manifestation of right ventricular strain; however, biphasic T waves in the setting of pulmonary embolism are rare. Pulmonary embolism was seen in our patient a week after starting risperidone. There is a reported association between antipsychotic drugs and increased risk of thromboembolism. Risperidone could have potentially contributed to the pulmonary embolism in our patient given the temporal association and absence of risk factors.

Aorto-right ventricular fistula: a rare complication of Abiotrophia Endocarditis.

A 41-year-old African male presented with worsening dyspnea and cachexia concerning for congestive heart failure. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large mass attached to the aortic valve leaflet, mass attached to the flail anterior mitral valve leaflet, severe pulmonary hypertension and dilatation of the aortic root along with fistula between the right coronary aortic cusp and the right ventricular (RV) outflow tract. Blood cultures grew Abiotrophia Defectiva (AD) sensitive to vancomycin. Patient underwent emergent surgical closure of aorto RV fistula and aortic root replacement along with pulmonary and mitral valve replacement. Endocarditis caused by AD has been reported to result in heart failure, septic embolization and destruction of the valve despite use of appropriate antibiotics. To our knowledge, this is the only case of AD endocarditis without any identified entrance route; requiring replacement of pulmonary, mitral and aortic valve due to extensive valvular damage and large vegetations.