Natural history and clinical burden of moderate aortic stenosis: a systematic review and explorative meta-analysis.

AIMS: The mortality risk of patients with moderate aortic stenosis is not well known, but recent studies suggested that it might negatively affect prognosis. We aimed to assess the natural history and clinical burden of moderate aortic stenosis and to investigate the interaction of patients' baseline characteristics with prognosis. METHODS: Systematic research was conducted on PubMed. The inclusion criteria were inclusion of patients with moderate aortic stenosis; and report of the survival at 1-year follow-up (minimum). Incidence ratios related to all-cause mortality in patients and controls of each study were estimated and then pooled using a fixed effects model. All patients with mild aortic stenosis or without aortic stenosis were considered controls. Meta-regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of left ventricular ejection fraction and age on the prognosis of patients with moderate aortic stenosis. RESULTS: Fifteen studies and 11 596 patients with moderate aortic stenosis were included. All-cause mortality was significantly higher among patients with moderate aortic stenosis than in controls in all timeframes analysed (all P  < 0.0001). Left ventricular ejection fraction and sex did not significantly impact on the prognosis of patients with moderate aortic stenosis ( P  = 0.4584 and P  = 0.5792), while increasing age showed a significant interaction with mortality (estimate = 0.0067; 95% confidence interval: 0.0007-0.0127; P  = 0.0323). CONCLUSION: Moderate aortic stenosis is associated with reduced survival. Further studies are necessary to confirm the prognostic impact of this valvulopathy and the possible benefit of aortic valve replacement.

Coronary Lithotripsy as Elective or Bail-Out Strategy After Rotational Atherectomy in the Rota-Shock Registry.

Debulking lesions with severe coronary artery calcification (CAC) is highly recommended to obtain good procedural and long-term success. Utilization and performance of coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) after rotational atherectomy (RA) has not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IVL with the Shockwave Coronary Rx Lithotripsy System in lesions with severe CAC as elective or bail-out strategy after RA. This observational, prospective, single-arm, multicenter, international, open-label Rota-Shock registry included patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease and lesions with severe CAC treated by percutaneous coronary intervention, including lesion preparation with RA and IVL, at 23 high-volume centers. Primary efficacy end point was procedural success, defined as final diameter stenosis <30% by quantitative coronary angiography. Primary safety end point was freedom from serious angiographic complications, which included >National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute type B dissection, perforation, abrupt closure, slow or no flow, final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow <3, and acute thrombosis. A total of 160 patients were enrolled between June 2020 and June 2022. The primary efficacy end point was observed in 155 patients (96.9%). The primary safety end point occurred in 145 cases (90.6%). Dissections >National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute type B occurred in 3 patients (1.9%), whereas slow or no flow occurred in 8 (5.0%), final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow <3 in 3 (1.9%), and perforation in 4 patients (2.5%). Free from inhospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, including cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, cerebrovascular accident, definite/probable stent thrombosis, and major bleeding, occurred in 158 patients (98.7%). In conclusion, IVL after RA in lesions with severe CAC was effective and safe, with a very low incidence of complications as either elective or bail-out strategy.

In-hospital arrhythmic burden reduction in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with SGLT2-inhibitors: Insights from the SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT study.

Background: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) have shown significant cardiovascular benefits in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They have also gained interest for their potential anti-arrhythmic role and their ability to reduce the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in T2DM and heart failure patients. Objectives: To investigate in-hospital new-onset cardiac arrhythmias in a cohort of T2DM patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with SGLT2-i vs. other oral anti-diabetic agents (non-SGLT2-i users). Methods: Patients from the SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT registry (NCT05261867) were stratified according to the use of SGLT2-i before admission for AMI, divided into SGLT2-i users vs. non-SGLT2-i users. In-hospital outcomes included the occurrence of in-hospital new-onset cardiac arrhythmias (NOCAs), defined as a composite of new-onset AF and sustained new-onset ventricular tachycardia (VT) and/or ventricular fibrillation (VF) during hospitalization. Results: The study population comprised 646 AMI patients categorized into SGLT2-i users (111 patients) and non-SGLT2-i users (535 patients). SGLT2-i users had a lower rate of NOCAs compared with non-SGLT2-i users (6.3 vs. 15.7%, p = 0.010). Moreover, SGLT2-i was associated with a lower rate of AF and VT/VF considered individually (p = 0.032). In the multivariate logistic regression model, after adjusting for all confounding factors, the use of SGLT2-i was identified as an independent predictor of the lower occurrence of NOCAs (OR = 0.35; 95%CI 0.14-0.86; p = 0.022). At multinomial logistic regression, after adjusting for potential confounders, SGLT2-i therapy remained an independent predictor of VT/VF occurrence (OR = 0.20; 95%CI 0.04-0.97; p = 0.046) but not of AF occurrence. Conclusions: In T2DM patients, the use of SGLT2-i was associated with a lower risk of new-onset arrhythmic events during hospitalization for AMI. In particular, the primary effect was expressed in the reduction of VAs. These findings emphasize the cardioprotective effects of SGLT2-i in the setting of AMI beyond glycemic control. Trial registration: Data are part of the observational international registry: SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05261867.

Left Ventricular Unloading in Acute on Chronic Heart Failure: From Statements to Clinical Practice.

Cardiogenic shock remains a deadly complication of acute on chronic decompensated heart failure (ADHF-CS). Despite its increasing prevalence, it is incompletely understood and therefore often misdiagnosed in the early phase. Precise diagnosis of the underlying cause of CS is fundamental for undertaking the correct therapeutic strategy. Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) is the mainstay of management: identifying and selecting optimal patients through understanding of the hemodynamics and a prompt profiling and timing, is key for success. A recent statement from the American Heart Association provided pragmatic suggestions on tMCS device selection, escalation, and weaning strategies. However, several areas of uncertainty still remain in clinical practice. Accordingly, we present an overview of the main pitfalls that can occur during patients' management with tMCS through a clinical case. This case illustrates the strict interdependency between left ventricular unloading and right ventricular dysfunction in the case of low filling pressures. Moreover, it further illustrates the pivotal role of stepwise escalation of therapy in a patient with an ADHF-CS and its peculiarities as compared to other forms of acute heart failure.

Large-bore arterial access closure after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Aims: As the indications to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) expand to patients at increasingly lower risk, procedure-related vascular and bleeding complications events must be minimized. We aimed to evaluate the impact of different large-bore arterial access closure devices on clinical outcomes after TAVR. Methods and results: We searched for papers that reported outcomes according to the type of vascular closure device/technique used after TAVR and performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). Fifteen studies involving 9259 patients who underwent access site closure using PROSTAR™ XL percutaneous vascular surgical system (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA), Perclose ProGlide™ suture-mediated closure system (Abbott), or MANTATM vascular closure device (Teleflex, Morrisville, NC, USA) were included. NMA showed MANTA to have the highest likelihood of reducing a primary composite endpoint of intra-hospital death, major vascular complications, and major or life-threatening bleedings [surface under the cumulative ranking curve analysis (SUCRA) 94.8%], but this was mitigated when only randomized clinical trials and propensity-matched cohorts were included (SUCRA 56.1%). The ProGlide showed the highest likelihood to reduce major or life-threatening bleedings, especially with increasing procedural complexity, and the MANTA device to reduce major and minor vascular complications. The ProStar XL device performed poorly in all explored endpoints. Conclusion: Available evidence summarized through a NMA shows that ProGlide and MANTA devices appear to be both valid vascular closure devices globally and to be the best options to minimize vascular complications and reduce bleeding in patients undergoing TAVR, respectively.

Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Review of the Literature and a Case Series.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is still associated with high mortality and severe complications, despite major treatment advances in this field. Ischemic heart disease is a common cause of OHCA, and current guidelines clearly recommend performing immediate coronary angiography (CAG) in patients whose post-resuscitation electrocardiogram shows ST-segment elevation (STE). Contrarily, the optimal approach and the advantage of early revascularization in cases of no STE is less clear, and decisions are often based on the individual experience of the center. Numerous studies have been conducted on this topic and have provided contradictory evidence; however, more recently, results from several randomized clinical trials have suggested that performing early CAG has no impact on overall survival in patients without STE.

No-Reflow Complicating Chronic Total Occlusion Coronary Revascularization.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of no-reflow in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), analyze possible causes and differential diagnoses, and identify useful management approaches. METHODS: In this multicenter observational study, all CTO-PCIs performed between January 2018 and April 2019 were reviewed to collect no-reflow complications, defined as Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow ≤1 in a patent epicardial artery. Patient clinical, anatomical, and procedural characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 461 PCIs, two (0.43%) were complicated by no-reflow. In 1 case, PCI was performed on a long segment of the right coronary artery, after use of a dissection-re-entry technique by knuckle wiring. In the second patient, no-reflow developed after proximal left anterior descending coronary artery stenting, with a short subintimal tracking. Intravascular ultrasound was used to exclude complications in the epicardial vessel in both cases. Distal embolization seems the most plausible cause, and intracoronary adenosine effectively improved flow. Both patients had a type 4a myocardial infarction, asymptomatic in the first case, and associated with chest pain, electrocardiographic changes, and new regional wall-motion abnormality at echocardiography in the second case. CONCLUSIONS: No-reflow in CTO recanalization is rare, but associated with a high risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction, with incomplete protection from ischemia offered by the pre-existing collateral network.

ANMCO/AIAC/SICI-GISE/SIC/SICCH Consensus Document: percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients: indications, patient selection, staff skills, organisation, and training.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and its prevalence is increasing due to the progressive aging of the population. About 20% of strokes are attributable to AF and AF patients are at five-fold increased risk of stroke. The mainstay of treatment of AF is the prevention of thromboembolic complications with oral anticoagulation therapy. Drug treatment for many years has been based on the use of vitamin K antagonists, but recently newer and safer molecules have been introduced (dabigatran etexilate, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban). Despite these advances, many patients still do not receive adequate anticoagulation therapy because of contraindications (relative and absolute) to this treatment. Over the last decade, percutaneous closure of left atrial appendage, main site of thrombus formation during AF, proved effective in reducing thromboembolic complications, thus offering a valid medical treatment especially in patients at increased bleeding risk. The aim of this consensus document is to review the main aspects of left atrial appendage occlusion (selection and multidisciplinary assessment of patients, currently available methods and devices, requirements for centres and operators, associated therapies and follow-up modalities) having as a ground the significant evolution of techniques and the available relevant clinical data.

[ANMCO/AIAC/SICI-GISE/SIC/SICCH Consensus document: Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: indications, patient selection, competences, organization, and operator training]. / Documento di consenso ANMCO/AIAC/SICI-GISE/SIC/SICCH: Chiusura percutanea dell'auricola sinistra in pazienti con fibrillazione atriale non valvolare: indicazioni, selezione del paziente, competenze e organizzazione e formazione degli operatori.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and its prevalence is increasing due to the progressive aging of the population. About 20% of strokes are attributable to AF and AF patients are at 5-fold increased risk of stroke. The mainstay of treatment of AF is the prevention of thromboembolic complications with oral anticoagulation therapy. Drug treatment for many years has been based on the use of vitamin K antagonists, but recently newer and safer molecules have been introduced (dabigatran etexilate, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban). Despite these advances, many patients still do not receive adequate anticoagulation therapy because of contraindications (relative and absolute) to this treatment. Over the last decade, percutaneous closure of left atrial appendage, main site of thrombus formation during AF, proved effective in reducing thromboembolic complications, thus offering a valid medical treatment especially in patients at increased bleeding risk. The aim of this consensus document is to review the main aspects of left atrial appendage occlusion (selection and multidisciplinary assessment of patients, currently available methods and devices, requirements for centers and operators, associated therapies and follow-up modalities) having as a ground the significant evolution of techniques and the available relevant clinical data.

[The conundrum of therapeutic management in acute myocardial infarction complicated by endoventricular thrombosis: moving between different risks]. / Infarto miocardico acuto e trombosi endoventricolare: un problema noto con approcci terapeutici ancora incerti.

Coronary artery disease is a rare entity in young patients and accurate assessment of its prevalence is difficult. Although coronary artery disease is frequently a silent process, it may also acutely present with myocardial infarction (MI). One of the most feared complications of MI is left ventricular thrombus formation. Transthoracic echocardiography is recommended for all patients with MI, and cardiac magnetic resonance should be considered because of its higher sensitivity if thrombus cannot clearly be demonstrated. The optimal treatment is based on anticoagulant therapy that should be started early and maintained for 3-4 months after the index event. We report the case of a 35-year-old male patient with anterior MI, complicated by left ventricular thrombus formation, extensive edema, microvascular obstruction and hemorrhagic core of the apical septum on cardiac magnetic resonance assessment.

Time from adenosine di-phosphate receptor antagonist discontinuation to coronary bypass surgery in patients with acute coronary syndrome: meta-analysis and meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: Adenosine di-phosphate receptor antagonists (ADPRAs) blunt hemostasis for several days after administration. This effect, aimed at preventing cardiac ischemic complications particularly in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), may increase perioperative bleeding in the case of cardiac surgery. Practice Guidelines recommend withholding ADPRAs for at least 5days prior to surgery, though with a weak base of evidence. The purpose of this study was to systematically review observational and experimental studies of early or late preoperative discontinuation of ADPRAs prior to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with ACS. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library databases up to December 2011; and reference lists. Observational and experimental studies that compared early ADPRA discontinuation with late discontinuation, or no discontinuation, in patients with ACS undergoing CABG. RESULTS: There were 19 studies, including 14,046 participants, 395 deaths and 309 reoperations due to bleeding. ADPRA late discontinuation up to CABG was associated with an increased risk of postoperative mortality (OR 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10 to 1.93) and reoperations due to bleeding (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.62). Between-study heterogeneity was low. Meta-analysis limited to high quality or prospective studies gave consistent results. In most instances, the 95% prediction intervals for summary risk estimates confirmed the risk across study groups. CONCLUSIONS: ADPRA late discontinuation prior to CABG is associated with an increased risk of death and reoperations due to bleeding in patients with ACS. The confidence in the estimates of risk for late discontinuation is moderate to high.

Direct stenting after thrombus removal before primary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: To verify whether direct stenting (DS) after thrombus removal during primary angioplasty (PPCI) in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) can improve myocardial reperfusion and prevent distal embolization compared to conventional stent implantation. BACKGROUND: Both mechanical removal and DS reduce thrombus dislodgment and improve microcirculatory reperfusion during PPCI. However, the additional effect of DS after thrombus removal has not been definitely assessed. METHODS: The DEAR-MI study included 148 consecutive STEMI patients who were randomly assigned to undergo or not thrombus aspiration before PPCI. For the purpose of the present study, we interrogated the DEAR-MI data bank to compare the occurrence of complete (>70%) ST-segment resolution (STR), myocardial blush grade (MBG)-3, no-reflow, and angiographic embolization in patients treated and untreated with DS. RESULTS: Clinical and angiographic characteristics were similar in the two groups. Comparing DS and no-DS groups, complete STR was found in 67% versus 51% (P = 0.08), MBG-3 in 86% versus 49% (P < 0.001), no-reflow in 1% versus 14% (P < 0.01), angiographic embolization in 3% versus 19% (P < 0.01), TIMI flow-3 in 89% versus 70% (P < 0.01), and the corrected TIMI frame count was 16.2 versus 18.8 (P < 0.05). Among patients undergoing thrombus aspiration, the odds ratio of DS for MBG-3 and distal embolization was 4 (95% CI 1-16.6) and 0.10 (95% CI 0.01-0.93), respectively. At multivariable analysis, thrombus aspiration (P < 0.001) and DS (P < 0.05) independently predicted MBG-3, while thrombus aspiration was the only independent predictor of DS. CONCLUSIONS: DS during PPCI reduces distal embolization and improves myocardial reperfusion. This effect is significantly more relevant after thrombus aspiration.