Acute graft rejection mimicking constrictive pericarditis after heart transplantation. A case report.

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is an infrequent complication following heart transplantation (HTx) and arises from diverse postoperative occurrences, including mediastinitis, pericardial effusion, or allograft rejection. Indeed, this rare clinical entity can be misdiagnosed as a rejection episode or restrictive cardiomyopathy. In this report, we present the case of a 43-year-old male who underwent HTx 1.5 years prior and was subsequently admitted to our center due to the gradual onset of symptoms indicative of right congestive heart failure, with an initial diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis.

La pericarditis constrictiva (PC) representa una complicación rara después de un trasplante de corazón (TC), derivada de diversos eventos posoperatorios como mediastinitis, derrame pericárdico o rechazo del injerto. De hecho, esta entidad clínica poco común puede ser diagnosticada erróneamente como un episodio de rechazo o miocardiopatía restrictiva. En este informe presentamos el caso de un hombre de 43 años que se sometió a un TC 1,5 años antes y que fue ingresado posteriormente a nuestra institución debido al inicio gradual de síntomas indicativos de insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva derecha, con diagnóstico inicial de pericarditis constrictiva.

Multiparameters associated to successful weaning from VA ECMO in adult patients with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) is a form of temporary mechanical circulatory support and simultaneous extracorporeal gas exchange for acute cardiorespiratory failure, including refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) and cardiac arrest (CA). Few studies have assessed predictors of successful weaning (SW) from VA ECMO. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify a multiparameter strategy associated with SW from VA ECMO. PubMed and the Cochrane Library and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched. Studies reporting adult patients with CS or CA treated with VA ECMO published from the year 2000 onwards were included. Primary outcomes were hemodynamic, laboratory, and echocardiography parameters associated with a VA ECMO SW. A total of 11 studies (n=653) were included in this review. Pooled VA ECMO SW was 45% (95%CI: 39-50%, I2 7%) and in-hospital mortality rate was 46.6% (95%CI: 33-60%; I2 36%). In the SW group, pulse pressure [MD 12.7 (95%CI: 7.3-18) I2 = 0%] and mean blood pressure [MD 20.15 (95%CI: 13.8-26.4 I2 = 0) were higher. They also had lower values of creatinine [MD -0.59 (95%CI: -0.9 to -0.2) I2 = 7%], lactate [MD -3.1 (95%CI: -5.4 to -0.7) I2 = 89%], and creatine kinase [-2779.5 (95%CI: -5387 to -171) I2 = 38%]. And higher left and right ventricular ejection fraction, MD 17.9% (95%CI: -0.2-36.2) I2 = 91%, and MD 15.9% (95%CI 11.9-20) I2 = 0%, respectively. Different hemodynamic, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters were associated with successful device removal. This systematic review demonstrated the relationship of multiparametric assessment on VA ECMO SW.

Risk stratification, prognosis, and survival in a pulmonary arterial hypertension cohort in Latin America. A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) guidelines suggest that achieving a low-risk profile should be the treatment goal. Our aim was to assess a risk assessment strategy based on three non-invasive variables from the ESC/ERS 2015 guidelines in a Latin American cohort. METHODS: 92 incident patients (mean [SD] age 47, 77% female, 53% idiopathic PAH) were included in this retrospective, multicenter study. Patients were stratified at baseline and at early follow-up, within the first year, using three non-invasive variables (WHO functional class, 6-minute walking distance, BNP/NT-proBNP) from the ESC/ERS 2015 risk assessment instrument. Median (IQR) follow-up was 3.11 years (3.01 years). RESULTS: At baseline assessment, 25% of patients were at low risk, 61.9% at intermediate-risk, and 13% at high-risk. At early follow-up (median 9.5 months), 56.5% of patients were at low-risk, 40.2% at intermediate-risk, and 3.2% at high-risk (p<0.001 vs. baseline). According to risk stratification at early follow-up, one, three and five-year overall survival was 100% in the low-risk group (no deaths at five-year follow-up), and 100%, 84% (95% CI: 72-98%), and 66% (95% CI: 48-90%) respectively in the intermediate-risk group, p = 0.0003. Mortality in the high-risk patients at early follow-up was 1/3 (33.3%). One, three, and five-year event-free survival (death or transplant or first hospitalization due to worsening PAH) based on early follow-up risk assessment was higher in the low-risk group, p = 0.0003. CONCLUSION: Our study validates a risk assessment strategy based on three non-invasive variables and confirms that early achievement of a low-risk profile should be the treatment goal.

Design and rationale of the inferior vena CAVA and Lung UltraSound-guided therapy in Acute Heart Failure (CAVAL US-AHF Study): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Between 25% and 30% of patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (AHF) are readmitted within 90 days after discharge, mostly due to persistent congestion on discharge. However, as the optimal evaluation of decongestion is not clearly defined, it is necessary to implement new tools to identify subclinical congestion to guide treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if inferior vena cava (IVC) and lung ultrasound (CAVAL US)-guided therapy for AHF patients reduces subclinical congestion at discharge. METHODS: CAVAL US-AHF is a single-centre, single-blind randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate if an IVC and lung ultrasound-guided healthcare strategy is superior to standard care to reduce subclinical congestion at discharge. Fifty-eight patients with AHF will be randomised using a block randomisation programme that will assign to either lung and IVC ultrasound-guided decongestion therapy ('intervention group') or clinical-guided decongestion therapy ('control group'), using a quantitative protocol and will be classified in three groups according to the level of congestion observed: none or mild, moderate or severe. The treating physicians will know the result of the test and the subsequent adjustment of treatment in response to those findings guided by a customised therapeutic algorithm. The primary endpoint is the presence of more than five B-lines and/or an increase in the diameter of the IVC, with and without collapsibility. The secondary endpoints are the composite of readmission for HF, unplanned visit for worsening HF or death at 90 days, variation of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide at discharge, length of hospital stay and diuretic dose at 90 days. Analyses will be conducted as between-group by intention to treat. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and registered in the PRIISA.BA platform of the Ministry of Health of the City of Buenos Aires. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04549701.

Actitudes y prácticas clínicas en la insuficiencia cardiaca en médicos de Argentina / Attitudes and Clinical Practice in Heart Failure Among Physicians in Argentina

RESUMEN Introducción: Es necesario identificar áreas de mejora en la atención de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC), para implementar intervenciones educativas con el fin de optimizar la calidad de atención y los resultados clínicos. Objetivo: Evaluar las actitudes, conocimiento, confianza y formas de atención a pacientes con IC, de médicos de Argentina. Material y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal a través de una encuesta auto administrada para evaluar los patrones de práctica clínica y las actitudes/percepciones relacionadas con el diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de pacientes con IC en el ámbito ambulatorio y el hospitalario. Se incluyeron médicos de 22 centros de Argentina que participaron de un programa integral educativo de IC entre marzo y julio de 2021. Resultados: Se encuestaron 50 médicos, con edad media de 41 (±8) años; el 86% eran cardiólogos. En pacientes con fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda deprimida, el 24% inicia con la terapia cuádruple, y privilegia en un 88% los betabloqueantes, 72% los inhibidores duales de la neprilisina y la angiotensina II, 48% los antagonistas de los receptores mineralocorticoides y en el 34% los inhibidores del cotrasportador sodio glucosa 2. El 50% de los encuestados refiere que no llega a alcanzar la cuádruple terapia. El 44% refiere sentirse muy inseguro con el diagnóstico de IC con fracción de eyección preservada. El 46% de los médicos considera relevante la determinación de anemia o ferropenia. Conclusión: Se identificaron brechas de conocimiento en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la IC, especialmente en el diagnóstico de IC con fracción de eyección preservada, y la cuádruple terapia. Esto refuerza la necesidad de implementar estrategias educativas que tengan como foco el conocimiento y seguridad, y las formas de atención.

ABSTRACT Background: It is necessary to identify areas of improvement in the care of heart failure (HF) patients and thus implement educational interventions to optimize quality of care and their clinical outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate attitudes, knowledge, confidence and care pathways of patients with HF among physicians in Argentina. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey to evaluate clinical practice patterns, and attitudes/perceptions regarding the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of HF patients in the outpatient and inpatient setting. The survey respondents were physicians from 22 centers in Argentina who participated in a comprehensive educational program for the care of HF patients carried out between March and July 2021. Results: A total of 50 physicians were surveyed; mean age was 41±8 years and 86% were cardiologists. In patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, 24% of the respondents reporting starting with quadruple therapy; 88% chose beta-blockers, 72% dual angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, 48% mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and 34% sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Fifty percent of the survey respondents answered that they do not reach quadruple therapy. Fortyfour percent of physicians reported they felt very uncertain about the diagnosis of HF with preserved ejection fraction, and 46% considered relevant to evaluate the presence of anemia or iron deficiency Conclusion: There are knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of HF, especially in the diagnosis of HF with preserved ejection fraction, and in the indication of quadruple therapy. This highlights the need for implementing educational strategies that focus on knowledge, confidence, and care pathways.

SCAI Cardiogenic Shock Classification for Predicting In-Hospital and Long-Term Mortality in Acute Heart Failure.

Background: SCAI classification in cardiogenic shock is simple and suitable for rapid assessment. Its predictive behavior in patients with primary acute heart failure (AHF) is not fully known. We aimed to evaluate the ability of the SCAI classification to predict in-hospital and long-term mortality in AHF. Methods: We conducted a single-center study and performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients admitted with AHF between 2015 and 2020. The primary end points were in-hospital and long-term mortality from all causes. Results: In total, 856 patients were included. The unadjusted in-hospital mortality was as follows: A, 0.6%; B, 2.7%; C, 21.5%; D 54.3%; and E, 90.6% (log rank, P < .0001), and long-term mortality was as follows: A, 24.9%; B, 24%; C, 49.6%; D, 62.9%; and E, 95.5% (log rank, P < .0001). After multivariable adjustment, each SCAI SHOCK stage remained associated with increased mortality (all P < .001 compared with stage A). With the exception of the long-term end point, there were no differences between stages A and B for adjusted mortality (P = .1). Conclusions: In a cohort of patients with AHF, SCAI cardiogenic shock classification was associated with in-hospital and long-term mortality. This finding supports the rationale of the classification in this setting.

Dengue and the heart.

Dengue is a neglected viral arthropod-borne tropical disease transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes spp. mosquitoes. It is responsible for a significant global burden of disease and corresponding socio-economic implications. There are four different virus serotypes, all of which are found predominantly in countries with tropical climates. Patients with dengue may present with cardiovascular (CV) manifestations, contributing to associated death and disability. A systematic review was conducted to identify CV manifestations of dengue, wherein 30 relevant studies were identified in the MEDLINE and PubMed databases. CV complications of dengue include rhythm abnormalities, hypotension, myocarditis, pericarditis and deterioration in myocardial function. Prompt recognition and treatment of CV complications of dengue are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients, who are at risk of progressing to cardiogenic shock and heart failure.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Decompensated Heart Failure Hospitalizations.

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown may have collaterally affected the care of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We aimed to evaluate the impact of lockdown pandemic on hospitalizations for ADHF. Methods: We conducted a single-center study, performing a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. We included consecutive adult patients with a primary diagnosis of ADHF admitted to a cardiovascular disease specialized hospital. We compared those patients admitted between March-June of 2019 (before COVID-19 [BC]) and 2020 (after COVID-19 [AC]), during mandatory lockdown. Results: A total 79 corresponding to BC period and 60 to AC period were included, representing a decrease of 25% (interquartile range [IQR], 11-33). During the BC period, 31.6% of patients were referred from other centers compared to 15% during the pandemic (p=0.02). In the AC period patients were older (median age, 81[IQR, 73-87] years vs. 77 [IQR, 64-84] years, p=0.014). The etiology of HF, cause of decompensation, left ventricular function, and laboratory parameters were similar in both periods. The use of mechanical ventilation (13.9% vs. 3.3%, p=0.03) and circulatory support (7.6% vs. 0%, p=0.02) was higher in the BC period. During the BC period, 5 emergency heart transplants were performed, and none in AC, (p=0.004). In-hospital mortality was similar in both periods (3.8% vs. 3.3%; p=0.80). Conclusions: We observed a reduction in the number of hospitalizations and referral of patients for ADHF during COVID-19 pandemic.

Human African trypanosomiasis & heart.

INTRODUCTION: Human African Trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease resulting from the infection with the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Neurological compromise often dominates, and the impact of cardiovascular involvement has not been fully investigated. Recently, publications indicate that cardiovascular compromise is more frequent than previously thought. Early detection of cardiac complications may be of utmost importance for healthcare teams. AREA COVERED: As a part of the 'Neglected Tropical Diseases and other Infectious Diseases involving the Heart' (the NET-Heart Project), the purpose of this article is to review all the information available regarding cardiovascular implications of this disease, focusing on diagnosis and treatment, and proposing strategies for early detection of cardiac manifestations. An electronic systematic literature review of articles published in MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE was performed. From 50 initial studies, 18 were selected according to inclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was used for conducting and reporting this review. EXPERT OPINION: Cardiovascular compromise through infiltrative and inflammatory mechanisms seems to be frequent, and includes a wide spectrum of severity. Conventional 12-lead electrocardiogram could be a useful test for screening cardiovascular manifestations and used as a guide for considering specific treatments or more sophisticated diagnostic tools.

Effects of levosimendan on weaning and survival in adult cardiogenic shock patients with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be used to support patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. Many patients can be successfully weaned, the ability of some medications to facilitate weaning from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were reported. To date, there are limited studies investigating the impact of levosimendan on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of levosimendan on successful weaning from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and survival in adult patients with cardiogenic shock. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform published from the year 2000 onwards) investigating whether levosimendan offers advantages compared to standard therapy or placebo, in cardiogenic shock adult patients treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The primary outcome was veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation successful weaning, whereas secondary outcome was all-cause mortality at the longest follow-up available. We pooled risk ratio and 95% confidence interval using fixed and random effects models according to the heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of five non-randomized clinical trials comprising 557 patients were included, 299 patients for levosimendan and 258 patients for control groups. The pooled prevalence of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation successful weaning was 61.4% (95% confidence interval 39.8-82.9%), and all-cause mortality was 36% (95% confidence interval 29.6-48.8%). There was a significant increase in veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation successful weaning with levosimendan compared to the controls (risk ratio = 1.42 (95% confidence interval 1.12-1.8), p for effect = 0.004, I2 = 71%). A decrease risk of all-cause mortality in the levosimendan group was also observed, risk ratio = 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.44-0.88), p for effect = 0.007, I2 = 36%. CONCLUSION: The use of levosimendan on adult patients with cardiogenic shock may facilitate the veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning and reduce all-cause mortality. Few articles of this topic are available, and prospective, randomized multi-center trials are warranted to conclude decisively on the benefits of levosimendan in this setting.

Development and Validation of A Simple Clinical Risk Prediction Model for New-Onset Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: Nopaf Score.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAFib) occurs in 20 to 40% of patients following cardiac surgery, and is associated with an increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. We aimed to develop and validate a simple clinical risk model for the prediction of POAFib after cardiac surgery. METHODS: An analytical single center retrospective cohort study was conducted, including consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2004 and 2017 with POAFib. To create the predictive risk score, a logistic regression model was performed using a random sample of 75% of the population. Coefficients of the model were then converted to a numerical risk score, and three groups were defined: low risk (≤1 point), intermediate risk (2-5 points) and high risk (≥6 points). The score was validated using the remaining 25% of the patients. Discrimination was evaluated through the area under the curve (AUC) ROC, and calibration using the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test, calibration plots, and ratio of expected and observed events (E/O). RESULTS: Six thousand five hundred nine patients underwent cardiac surgery: 52% coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 20% valve surgery, 14% combined (CABG and valve surgery) and 12% other. New-onset AF occurred in 1222 patients (18.77%). In the multivariate analysis, age, use of cardiopulmonary bypass pump, severe reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), chronic renal disease and heart failure were independent risk factors for POAFib, while the use of statins was a protective factor. The NOPAF score was calculated by adding points for each independent risk predictor. In the derivation cohort, the AUC was 0.71 (CI95% 0.69-0.72), and in the validation cohort the model also showed good discrimination (AUC 0.67 IC 0.64-0.70) and excellent calibration (HL P = 0.24). The E/O ratio was 1 (CI 95%: 0.89-1.12). According to the risk category, POAFib occurred in 5% of low; 11% of intermediate and 27.7% of high risk patients in the derivation cohort (P <0.001), and 5.7%; 12.6%; and 23.6% in the validation cohort respectively (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: From a large hospitalized population, we developed and validated a simple risk score named NOPAF, based on clinical variables that accurately stratifies the risk of POAFib. This score may help to identify high-risk patients prior to cardiac surgery, in order to strengthen postoperative atrial fibrillation prophylaxis.

Telehealth in Heart Failure Care during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Argentina.

Background and Objectives: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, virtual visits (VVs) were recommended as an innovative and necessary alternative for patients with heart failure (HF). To assess the feasibility and acceptability of VVs in patients with HF, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and heart transplant (HT). Methods: We designed a single-centre cohort study. Consecutive VVs performed in our HF unit were analysed. The period comprehended between January 1st and March 19th (before COVID-19) and March 20th and June 30th (during COVID-19) was compared. We assessed acceptability, feasibility and the need for diagnostic studies, in-person medical evaluation, and hospitalization at 30 days. Results: HF unit medical doctors conducted 22 VVs in the pre-COVID period and 416 VVs during the COVID period. The VV was able to be performed in all patients scheduled for it and 44% answered the survey. Ninety percent of the patients who answered the survey strongly agreed that VVs were easy to be carried out. All the patients "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that their health problem could be resolved. Most patients (95%) rated the global experience as very good or excellent, with an overall average rate of 9.76±0.5 out of 10. We found no differences regarding the requirement of diagnostic studies, in-person medical evaluation and hospitalization during the first month after VVs between the 2 periods. Conclusions: VVs were feasible, presented high acceptability, and the overall experience was positive in patients with HF, PH, and HT, being this modality a valuable tool that complements in-person care.

Validation of a Spanish version of a 360° feedback tool for residents' performance: A pilot study.

Background: The 360° feedback tool emerges as one of the most effective techniques for the assessment of humanistic qualities and communication skills of medical trainees, providing effective feedback. A valid Spanish version of this tool has not yet been published. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity, reliability and feasibility rates of the Mini-peer Assessment Tool (Mini-PAT), a 360° feedback instrument, translated into Spanish applied on a cardiology residency program. Methods: : We translated the Mini-PAT questionnaire into Spanish. The validation sample included all residents in our cardiology program (n = 19). Each resident was evaluated by 8 raters chosen by themselves, through a 4-point Likert scale. Validity was evaluated with factor analysis and reliability by analyzing internal consistency using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Feasibility was defined by a minimum of 80% of the raters responding the questionnaire. Results: The factor analysis clearly identified five item groupings, similar to the theoretical attributes predefined in the original questionnaire, providing evidence of the validity of the Spanish version. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.92, indicating high internal consistency of the items included. All the evaluators proposed completed the electronic form (152 surveys) demonstrating feasibility to implement. Discussion: This study provides evidence of reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the 360° feedback tool Mini-PAT performed in a cardiology residency program to assess global performance and humanistic qualities.

Cambios electrocardiográficos asociados a hipopotasemia: alteraciones del segmento ST imitando isquemia miocárdica de múltiples territorios / Electrocardiographic changes associated with hypokalemia: ST-segment abnormalities mimicking ischemia of multiple territories

Resumen: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo femenino de 42 años sin antecedentes clínicos de relevancia, con hipopotasemia severa y cambios electrocardiográficos imitando isquemia miocárdica con enfermedad corona-ria de múltiples vasos.

Abstracts: A 42-year-old woman with no previous medical history developed severe hypokalemia. The ECG changes suggested multivessel coronary artery disease with ischemia in several territories.