Pharmacological management of heart failure in adults with congenital heart disease.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common global congenital defect affecting over 2.4 million individuals in the United States. Ongoing medical and surgical advancements have improved the survival of children with CHD leading to a shift where, as of 2010, adults constitute two-thirds of the CHD patient population. The increasing number and aging of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients present a clinical challenge due to heightened complexity, morbidity, and mortality. Studies indicate that 1 in 13 ACHD patients will develop heart failure (HF) in their lifetime. ACHD-HF patients experience more frequent emergency department visits, higher hospitalization rates, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality compared to non-ACHD patients with heart failure (non-ACHD-HF). Despite HF being the leading cause of death in ACHD patients, there is a notable gap in evidence regarding treatment. While guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) has been extensively studied in non-ACHD-HF, research specific to ACHD-HF individuals is limited. This article aims to comprehensively review available literature addressing the pharmacological treatment of ACHD-HF.

Outcomes of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement among solid organ transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) among solid-organ transplant recipients. METHODS: Temporal trends in hospitalizations for aortic valve replacement among solid-organ transplant recipients were determined using the National Inpatient Sample database years 2012-2017. Propensity matching was conducted to compare admissions who underwent TAVR versus SAVR. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The analysis included 1,730 hospitalizations for isolated AVR; 920 (53.2%) underwent TAVR and 810 (46.7%) underwent SAVR. TAVR was increasingly utilized for solid-organ transplant recipients (Ptrend = 0.01), while there was no change in the number of SAVR procedures (Ptrend = 0.20). The predictors of undergoing TAVR for solid-organ transplant recipients included older age, diabetes, and prior coronary artery bypass surgery, while TAVR was less likely utilized in small-sized hospitals. TAVR was associated with lower in-hospital mortality after matching (0.9 vs. 4.7%, odds ratio [OR] 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-0.35, p < .001) and after multivariable adjustment (OR 0.07; 95% CI 0.03-0.21, p < .001). TAVR was associated with lower rate of acute kidney injury, acute stroke, postoperative bleeding, blood transfusion, vascular complications, discharge to nursing facilities, and shorter median length of hospital stay. There was no difference between both groups in the use of mechanical circulatory support, hemodialysis, arrhythmias, or pacemaker insertion. CONCLUSION: This contemporary observational nationwide analysis showed that TAVR is increasingly performed among solid-organ transplant recipients. Compared with SAVR, TAVR was associated with lower in-hospital mortality, complications, and shorter length of stay.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in heart failure patients with chronic kidney disease: why, when, and how?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often coexist. However, and despite their established benefits, the use of mineralcorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) in patients with both comorbidities is inconsistent. This review will focus on the role of aldosterone in CHF, as well as timing, selection, and management of MRAs in CHF patients with CKD. RECENT FINDINGS: Aldosterone in CHF patients contributes to worsening sodium retention, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, cardiac fibrosis, and CKD progression. MRAs are beneficial in CHF patients with CKD despite the adverse events of hyperkalemia and acute kidney injury. MRAs were previously studied in patients with CKD stage III but were recently found to be safe in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. New nonsteroidal MRAs are more selective for the mineralocorticoid receptor and have a better side effect profile. The use of potassium lowering agents, such as patriomer, helps maintain normokalemia in patients with CKD who are treated with MRAs. SUMMARY: It is recommended to use MRAs in CHF patients with normal potassium levels and a glomerular filtration rate of more than 30 ml/min. Their use is also safe in ESKD patients. In nondialysis advanced CKD patients, they may need to be combined to medications such as patiromer. New nonsteroidal MRAs are currently being studied.

Successful Visceral and Parietal Pericardiectomy for Refractory Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis: A Challenging Case Report.

BACKGROUND Effusive-constrictive pericarditis (ECP) is an uncommon clinical syndrome characterized by the coexistence of pericardial effusion and constriction involving the visceral pericardium. This differs from constrictive pericarditis, which presents with thickening of the pericardium without effusions. Specific diagnostic criteria of ECP include the failure of right atrial pressure to decrease by 50% or reach a new level below 10 mmHg after normalization of intrapericardial pressure. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 32-year-old obese man with multiple comorbidities who initially presented with flu-like symptoms and pleural effusion with development of constrictive-like symptoms. Despite undergoing numerous pericardiocentesis and appropriate medical management, the patient's condition failed to improve, leading to the likely diagnosis of effusive-constrictive pericarditis. Cultures of pericardial fluid revealed E. -faecium, which required multiple antimicrobial therapy. Despite infection, the exact etiology of ECP remained unknown and likely idiopathic. Common causes of ECP include idiopathic, tuberculosis, cardiac surgery complications, radiation, or neoplasia. Ultimately, the patient underwent a pericardiectomy involving the visceral and parietal pericardium, resulting in hemodynamic stability and resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing ECP, emphasizing the importance of considering surgical intervention in refractory cases. ECP initially presents as a pericardial effusion, often addressed through pericardiocentesis; however, in a small subset of patients, sustained symptoms and altered hemodynamics persist following pericardiocentesis, necessitating further evaluation and management. The success of pericardiectomy in our patient highlights the potential efficacy of surgical intervention in improving outcomes for patients with ECP.

Evaluation of Right-Side Filling Pressure in Patients With Obesity With Heart Failure Using Handheld Ultrasound Score.

The goal of this investigation is to evaluate the accuracy of handheld ultrasound score in assessing right atrial (RA) pressure in patients with obesity with heart failure. We prospectively studied 123 patients with heart failure referred for right-sided cardiac catheterization. Handheld ultrasound was performed before catheterization to evaluate volume status by estimating RA pressure using end-expiratory inferior vena cava (IVC) dimension, IVC respiratory collapsibility, and right internal jugular (RIJ) vein respiratory collapsibility. A 3-point simple score was created using multiple logistic regression. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on body mass index. The performance of this score was assessed using the receiver operating characteristics curve in each subgroup and was compared with the performance of the 2-point score (expiratory IVC dimension, IVC respiratory collapsibility). Median age was 58 years (interquartile range 48 to 65), and 37% were women. The 3-point score including RIJ performed better than did the 2-point score in patients with obesity (area under the curve 0.84 [0.74 to 0.95] vs 0.69 [0.58 to 0.81], p = 0.001). The performance of the scores did not differ in patients without obesity (area under the curve 0.85 [0.74 to 0.95] vs 0.82 [0.71 to 0.93], p = 0.49). In patients with obesity, the 3-point score had a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 21% (11% to 31%) for elevated RA pressure ≥10 mm Hg. In conclusion, a 3-point score including both RIJ and IVC assessment performed better in patients with obesity with heart failure and highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation in patients with obesity to achieve an accurate, noninvasive assessment of volume status.

A low-dose thrombolytic infusion protocol for safe and successful treatment of left ventricular assist device thrombosis: a case series.

Background: Pump thrombosis is a serious complication of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) therapy. In this study, we aim to report a novel protocol of an intermittent, low-dose, and slow infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase). Case summary: We treated seven LVAD pump thrombosis events (HeartMate® II and HeartWare) in four patients with a median age of 52 years (31-63), and all were female. The protocol was applied from January 2015 to December 2018, and it consisted of an intermittent, low-dose, and slow infusion of systemic thrombolytic therapy in the intensive care unit. This therapy resulted in successful resolution of pump thrombosis in six out of seven events. Bleeding complication occurred in one patient, which included a ruptured haemorrhagic ovarian cyst and a small cerebellar intra-parenchymal haemorrhage. All patients were discharged home in a stable condition, except one patient who died during hospitalization because of severe sepsis, pump thrombosis with subsequent pump exchange, and multi-organ failure. Discussion: A low-dose, prolonged, and systemic thrombolytic infusion protocol is an effective and relatively safe treatment that can lead to a sustained resolution of pump thrombosis with low bleeding complications and failure rates.

Cardiac Contractility Modulation in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure: A Comprehensive Review of Literature.

Heart failure is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in guideline-directed medical therapy and improvements in device-based therapies, patients with advanced heart failure have high rates of mortality regardless of ejection fraction. For patients with reduced ejection fraction who meet criteria, cardiac resynchronization therapy or implantable cardiac defibrillators are options available to improve outcomes. However, not all heart failure patients meet those criteria. Cardiac contractility modulation is an innovative therapy that serves to improve functional outcomes and quality of life, while also modifying pathologic gene expression and preventing further remodeling. In this article, we aim to discuss the major clinical trials investigating cardiac contractility modulation as a suitable therapy for patients with advanced heart failure.

Perioperative outcomes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: An insight from the National Readmission Database.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients undergoing noncardiac surgery is lacking. We sought to examine the perioperative outcomes of HOCM patients undergoing noncardiac surgery using a national database. METHODS: We used the National readmission database from 2016 to 2019. We identified HOCM, heart undergoing noncardiac surgery using ICD 10 codes. We examined hospital outcomes as well as 90 days readmission outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 16,098 HOCM patients and 21,895,699 non-HOCM patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. The HOCM group had more comorbidities at baseline. After adjustment for major clinical predictors, the HOCM group experienced more in-hospital death, odds ratio (OR) 1.33 (1.216-1.47), P < 0.001, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), OR 1.18 (1.077-1.292), P < 0.001, acute heart failure odds ratio OR 1.3 to (1.220-1.431), P < 0.001, 90 days readmission OR 1.237 (1.069-1.432), P < 0.01, cardiogenic shock OR 2.094 (1.855-2.363), P < 0.001. Cardiac arrhythmia was the most common cause of readmission, out of the arrhythmias atrial fibrillation was the most prevalent. Acute heart failure was the most common complication of readmission. There was no difference in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and AMI between both groups and readmission. CONCLUSION: HOCM patients undergoing noncardiac surgery may be at increased risk of in-hospital and readmission events. Acute heart failure was the most common complication during index admission, while cardiac arrhythmias were the most common complication during readmission. More research is needed to address this patient population further.

A challenging case of eosinophilic myocarditis leading to heart failure and transplantation.

The large spectrum of etiologies, severities, and histologic appearances of eosinophilic myocarditis (EoM) poses challenges to its diagnosis and management. Endomyocardial biopsy is the current gold standard for diagnosis. However, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is becoming more frequently used to diagnose acute myocarditis because of enhanced sensitivity when compared to histopathologic examination, and its less invasive nature. We report a complicated case of EoM in a male in his mid-thirties that led to fulminant cardiogenic shock that required immunosuppressive therapy on day 5 of admission and implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) on day 30. EoM was diagnosed on histopathologic examination of the resected fragment of the left ventricular myocardium. Nine months after the initial presentation, the patient ultimately required heart transplantation. The explanted heart showed minimal residual interstitial inflammation with evidence of mildly active intimal arteritis and patchy areas of interstitial fibrosis. In this report, we describe our patient's clinical features and correlate them with imaging and histopathologic findings to illustrate the difficulty in diagnosing EoM, particularly in this complicated patient that ultimately required heart transplantation. The diagnosis can be challenging due to the variable histopathologic features, clinical presentation, and utilization of therapeutic medications and devices.

Healthcare and economic burden of heart failure with amyloidosis: An insight from National Readmission Database.

INTRODUCTION: We analyzed trends, causes and predictors of 30-days readmission in cardiac amyloidosis and inspected the impact of these readmissions on mortality, morbidity, and utilization of healthcare resources. METHODS: Heart Failure with cardiac amyloidosis patients were selected from National readmission Database (NRD) using ICD-10 CM codes. Patients younger than 18 years, elective readmissions, readmissions due to trauma, patients with missing data and December 2018 admissions were excluded. Primary outcome was all-cause 30-day readmissions rate, secondary outcomes were factors associated with 30-days readmissions and their effect on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource utilization. RESULTS: Out of 4123 total heart failure with cardiac amyloidosis index admissions in 2018, 3374 patients were included in final analysis. 19.6% were readmitted within 30 days. Readmitted patients were younger, sicker, admitted to small or large hospital. Hypertensive heart and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD Stage I-IV) with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), hypertensive heart and CKD (Stage V) or End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) with CHF, hypertensive heart disease with CHF, acute kidney failure, and sepsis were the most common causes of readmissions. Young age, admission to small and large size hospitals were independent predictors of 30-day readmissions. Readmissions had higher mortality, costed 6.6 extra in hospital days to patients and $16380 per admission to healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac amyloidosis readmissions were associated with increased morbidity and mortality of patients and extra burden on the healthcare system. There is a need to identify patients at risk for readmissions to improve patient outcomes and decrease healthcare cost.

Insight on the Etiologies of Chronically Elevated Troponin.

Elevated troponins signify myocardial damage and raise concern for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, there are medical conditions that may cause a patient to have chronically elevated troponin levels in the absence of ACS. In our extensive review, we look at the conditions and their mechanisms that cause chronically elevated troponin levels and discuss them comprehensively. We also aim for our review to serve as a guide for physicians evaluating this complex group of patients.

In-Hospital Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Heart failure patients.

In-hospital outcomes of chronic total occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (CTO PCI) in heart failure patients has not been evaluated on a national base and was the focus of this investigation. We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2008 to 2014 to identify adults with single vessel CTO PCI for stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Patients were divided into 3 groups: patients without heart failure, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were studied using relevant statistics. Multiple logistic regression models were performed to assess in-hospital mortality, acute renal failure, and the use of mechanical support devices. Of 112,061 inpatients with SIHD from 2008 to 2014 undergoing CTO PCI, 21,185 (19%) had HFrEF and 3309 (3%) had HFpEF. Compared to patients without heart failure, HFrEF and HFpEF patients were older (mean age 69.2 vs 66.3, 70.3 vs 66.3 respectively, P < 0.001), had more comorbidities and higher acute in-hospital complications. HFrEF patients had higher adjusted in-hospital mortality [AOR 1.73, 95% CI (1.21-2.48)], acute renal failure [AOR 2.68, 95% CI (2.34-3.06)], and need for mechanical support [AOR 2.76, 95% CI (2.17-3.51)]. Compared to patients without heart failure, HFpEF patients had similar mortality and need for mechanical support, but higher incidence of acute renal failure. Older age was significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality. chronic total occlusion PCI in patients with heart failure is associated with higher in-hospital morbidity and mortality and warrants further investigation to optimize health care delivery.

Atrial Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for Detecting Atrial Fibrillation in Cryptogenic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis.

Cryptogenic stroke (CS) accounts for approximately 25% of ischemic stroke cases, with atrial fibrillation (AF) accounting for 30% of CS cases. We investigated the utility of left atrial (LA) speckle-tracking echocardiography in identifying patients at high risk of AF after CS and potentially guiding patients who will benefit from long-term rhythm monitoring devices. Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies. We included studies that examined patients with new CS without a history of AF and further examined LA strain parameters (peak and/or reservoir strain). Continuous data were pooled as a mean difference (MD) comparing patients who developed AF vs no AF.  We used the inverse variance method with the DerSimonian-Laird estimator for tau2 and Hartung-Knapp adjustment for random effect analysis. I2 was used to assess heterogeneity. Thirteen observational studies met our criteria and included 3031 patients with new CS. Of those, 420 patients developed AF on follow-up, and 2611 patients did not develop AF. The AF group vs. no AF had significantly reduced LA reservoir strain (LARS) [MD: -8.61; 95% CI: -10.76, -6.47, I2 = 85%, p < 0.01] at presentation. LARS is significantly lower in patients who developed AF after CS. More studies are needed to validate this data.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Early vs Late Initiation of Mechanical Circulatory Support in Non-Acute Myocardial Infarction related Cardiogenic Shock: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample Database.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is significant cause of mortality. The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients with non-acute myocardial infarction (Non-AMI) CS is lacking. We inquired data regarding the trends and outcomes early vs late initiation of MCS in non-AMI CS. We investigated National Inpatient Sample database between October 2015-December 2018, identifying hospitalizations with CS, either complicated by AMI or Non-AMI. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts, early initiation of MCS (<48 hours) and late initiation of MCS (>48 hours). The primary analysis included death within first 24 hours. A secondary analysis was adjusted after excluding patients who died in first 24 hours. A total of 85,318 patients with non-AMI-related CS with MCS placement were identified. Among this cohort, 54.6% (n=46,579) underwent early initiation of MCS within 48 hours, and 45.4% (n=38,739) underwent late initiation of MCS after 48 hours. In primary analysis, early MCS initiation was associated with more in-hospital mortality in primary outcome of all-cause hospital mortality (35.72% vs 27.63%, P<0.0001, OR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.40-1.49, P<0.0001), however, adjusted secondary analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in all-cause hospital mortality (23.63% vs 27.63%, P<0.0001, OR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.78-0.83, P<0.0001). In non-AMI-related CS and based on survival to 24 hours after admission, early initiation of MCS had statistically significant decrease in all-cause hospital mortality, with less incidence of vascular and renal complications, and shorter hospital stay. Late initiation of MCS was associated with a higher incidence of advanced therapies, including LVAD and transplant.

A comparison of Atrial Fibrillation Detection Strategies After Ischemic Stroke-A Retrospective Study.

Objective of this retrospective study was to determine if long-term continuous cardiac monitoring with Implantable loop recorder (ILR) in patients with Cryptogenic strokes or TIA is superior at detecting Atrial Fibrillation (AF) than 30-day Event Monitor (EM) and 48-hour Holter Monitor (HM). Furthermore, we aimed to deduce if uncovering AF leads to lower risk of future ischemic strokes, or reduction in mortality. In 20%-30% cases, the cause of stroke remained unexplained after diagnostic workup which has led to coining of the term, Cryptogenic Stroke (CS). Undiagnosed AF is a prime suspect in CS, but guidelines do not recommend initiation of anticoagulation unless AF has formally been detected. IRB approved retrospective study included patients with at least 1 episode of ischemic stroke or TIA without identifiable cause and was monitored with either HM, EM or ILR to diagnose any undiscovered AF. All patients (n = 531) had at least 1 year, and up to 3 years, of follow-up after device placement. Chi-Squared analysis and Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated no statistically significant difference among 3 devices for detection of AF within 1 month of index stroke but a significant difference in AF detection was observed at 6, 12 and 24 months. Cox proportional hazard model showed device type had no significant impact on secondary outcomes: Subsequent ischemic stroke or TIA, Initiation of anticoagulation, Mortality and Incidence of major bleeding. Despite the superiority of AF detection by ILR, it is not superior to HM or EM in lowering the risk of subsequent stroke or TIA, or in reducing mortality.

Coronary Microvascular Disease.

Coronary microvascular disease or dysfunction (CMVD) has been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Despite a growing prevalence, guidelines on definitive treatment are lacking. Proposed mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and resultant inflammation have been demonstrated as the underlying cause. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography, cardiac MRI, PET, and in some instances CT, have been shown to be useful in diagnosing CMVD mainly through assessment of coronary blood flow. Invasive measurements through thermodilution and pressure sensor-guided Doppler microcatheters have also been utilized. Treatment options are directed at targeting inflammatory pathways and angina. In our review, we highlight the current literature on the background of CMVD, diagnostic modalities, and management of this disease.

Endomyocardial biopsy facilitates diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA): a case report.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare small vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis that affects multiple organs and is often associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). EGPA presenting with cardiac involvement is often ANCA-negative, difficult to diagnose, and often fatal. The treatment and prognosis and can be quite different for other conditions included in the differential diagnosis. Imaging modalities have proven unreliable, and the skin is the most commonly biopsied site for histological diagnosis. CASE SUMMARY: We report a case of a 55-year-old Hispanic man who presented with a non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction, reduced ejection fraction heart failure, and hypereosinophilia. The patient's clinical history also included poorly controlled asthma and sinonasal polyps. Despite ANCA titers within the normal range and a skin biopsy lacking evidence of EPGA, high clinical suspicion prompted an endomyocardial biopsy on day nine from hospital admission which facilitated the diagnosis of ANCA-negative EGPA-induced cardiomyopathy. Six months of follow-up revealed that therapeutic response, as measured by the cardiac ejection fraction, directly correlated with medication compliance. CONCLUSION: Endomyocardial biopsy aids in the diagnosis of EGPA and initiates use of appropriate therapy.

Comparison of Coronary Artery Involvement and Mortality in STEMI Patients With and Without SARS-CoV-2 During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular injury with SARS-CoV-2 infection is well known. Several studies have outlined baseline characteristics in patients presenting with STEMI and SARS-CoV-2. Paucity in data exists in selective coronary involvement in patients with STEMI and SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A systematic search and meta-analysis of studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria obtained from MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed utilizing PRISMA criteria. The main outcome was likelihood of coronary artery involvement among patients with STEMI and SARS-CoV-2 versus without SARS-CoV-2. The primary adverse outcome measured was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The final analysis included 5 observational studies with a total of 2,266 patients. There was no statistical significance in LM (OR 1.40; 95% CI: 0.68, 2.90), LAD (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.83, 1.43), LCX (OR 1.17; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.85), or RCA (OR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.30, 1.17) disease among the 2 groups. LAD disease was the most prevalent coronary involvement among patients with STEMI and SARS-CoV-2 (49.6%). Higher in-hospital mortality was observed in the STEMI and SARS-CoV-2 group (OR 5.24; 95% CI: 3.63, 7.56). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis demonstrated no statistical significance in selective coronary involvement in patients with STEMI and SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher mortality among patients with SARS-CoV-2 and STEMI has been noted in prior studies with concerns being late presentation due to fear of infection, delayed care time, and poor resource allocation. Focus should be placed on identifying and managing comorbidities to reduce mortality.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Outcomes in Patients With Prior Thoracic Radiation Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Thoracic radiation predisposes patients to accelerated coronary artery disease. There is a paucity of data in both short-term and long-term outcomes following revascularization in patients who have undergone thoracic radiation. Methods: We performed a search of the Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases for studies that compared outcomes in cancer patients who have undergone thoracic radiation and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The primary outcome of our meta-analysis was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included cardiac mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and restenosis. Results: The analysis included four observational studies with a total of 13,941 patients for the primary outcome of all-cause mortality. There were a total of 1,322 patients analyzed for cardiac mortality, 13,103 for MI, and 10,530 for restenosis. The longest follow-up for the primary outcome was 16 years. There was statistically significant higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients who underwent thoracic radiation (risk ratio (RR): 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 - 1.54, P = 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in cardiac mortality (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.83 - 1.61, P = 0.40), MI (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.20 - 5.08, P = 0.99), and restenosis (RR: 1.92, 95% CI: 0.24 - 15.35, P = 0.54). Conclusion: In this meta-analysis, we found a higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with a history of thoracic radiation undergoing PCI, likely from underlying malignancy itself.

Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair in Cardiac Amyloidosis and Severe Mitral Regurgitation.

Amyloidosis is an infiltrative disease with severe impact on the cardiac anatomy resulting in structural changes1. Mitral valve insult from the infiltrative process, although rare, has been known to cause severe mitral regurgitation4. Due to underlying comorbidities these patients may not be surgical candidates.17,18,19,20 The role of percutaneous mitral valve repair in cardiac amyloidosis has been described in a few prior cases.4,15 We review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis. We also highlight prior cases described in the literature of cardiac amyloidosis and severe mitral regurgitation, while discussing the role of percutaneous mitral valve repair in these patients.