Misperceptions and management of LDL-cholesterol in secondary prevention of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia in cardiology practice: Real-life evidence from the EPHESUS registry.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common inherited disease, leading to premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) due to elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Achieving LDL-C goals is extremely important for preventing the complications of this fatal disease. We evaluated the management of FH patients with ASCVD in cardiology practice. METHODS: We analyzed patients with ASCVD from the nationwide EPHESUS registry, which was conducted in 40 cardiology outpatient clinics, and compared those with and without FH. RESULTS: Of the 1482 consecutively enrolled patients with ASCVD, 618 (41.7%) had FH, among which 455 were categorized as 'Possible FH' and 163 as 'Probable or Definite FH'. Proposed LDL-C goals were not attained in more than 90% of the patients with FH. The proportion of those on statin therapy was 77% for possible and 91% for probable or definite FH, whereas 34.2 % and 59.4% were in use of high-intensity statins, respectively. None of the patients were on PCSK-9 inhibitors, and only 2 used ezetimibe. Adverse media coverage was the most common cause of statin discontinuation (32.5% in 'possible FH' and 45.7% in 'probable/definite FH'). The negative impact of media in the decision to stop lipid lowering therapy (LLT) was increasing with education level. CONCLUSIONS: In real life most of the FH patients with ASCVD are undertreated in cardiology practice regarding statin dosing and combined LLT. Drug discontinuation rates are notably high and are mostly media-related, and side effects very rarely cause cessation of LLT. Urgent measures are needed to increase the awareness of FH among healthcare providers and patients and to develop improved treatment strategies aimed at preventing the complications of FH.

How Did the Updated 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society Risk Categorization for Patients with Diabetes Affect the Risk Perception and Lipid Goals? A Simulated Analysis of Real-life Data from EPHESUS Study.

BACKGROUND: The recent 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society practice guidelines introduced a new risk categorization for patients with diabetes. We aimed to compare the implications of the 2016 and 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society guidelines with regard to the lipid-lowering treatment use, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment rates, and the estimated proportion of patients who would be at goal in an ideal setting. METHODS: Patients with diabetes were classified into 4 risk categories according to 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society dyslipidemia guidelines from the database of EPHESUS (cross-sectional, observational, countrywide registry of cardiology outpatient clinics) study. The use of lipid-lowering treatment and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment rates were then compared according to previous and new guidelines. RESULTS: This analysis included a total of 873 diabetic adults. Half of the study population (53.8%) were on lipid-lowering treatment and almost one-fifth (19.1%) were on high-intensity statins. While low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal was achieved in 19.5% and 7.5% of patients, 87.4% and 69.6% would be on target if their lipid-lowering treatment was intensified according to 2016 and 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society lipid guidelines, respectively. The new target <55 mg/dL could only be achieved in 2.2% and 8.1% of very high-risk primary prevention and secondary prevention patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The control of dyslipidemia was extremely poor among patients with diabetes. The use of lipid-lowering treatment was not at the desired level, and high-intensity lipid-lowering treatment use was even lower. Our simulation model showed that the high-dose statin plus ezetimibe therapy would improve goal attainment; however, it would not be possible to get goals with this treatment in more than one-third of the patients.

The Effect of Recanalization of a Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion on Atrial Conduction Velocities.

BACKGROUND: P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion (PWD) give information about inhomogeneous and discontinuous atrial conduction, which are believed to be the leading electrophysiological causes of atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of percutaneous chronic total occlusion (CTO) revascularization on P-wave duration and PWD in electrocardiography (ECG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 98 consecutive patients with sinus rhythm who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) for CTO. The maximum (Pmax) and minimum P-wave duration and PWD were measured before CTO interventions and at the first and sixth months after the procedure. RESULTS: There was no significant differences between the successful and failed CTO PCI groups in pre-procedural demographic, clinical, laboratory, angiographic data, and ECG parameters. Pmax values and PWD at 1 month and 6 months after successful CTO PCI were statistically lower than those at baseline (p < 0.001), while there was no significant change in the failed CTO PCI group. PWD values were significantly lower at 6 months of follow-up, regardless of the target vessel (p = 0.010, p < 0.001, p < 0.001; for left anterior descending, circumflex and right coronary artery, respectively). Compared to pre-CTO values in all Rentrop classes, PWD values were significantly lower at the sixth month. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that Pmax and PWD, which are risk factors for atrial arrhythmias, significantly reduced within 1 and 6 months after successful CTO PCI irrespective of the target vessel.

Plateletcrit may predict no-reflow after saphenous vein graft interventions in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Saphenous vein graft (SVG) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are procedures with potential complications such as distal embolization, slow or no-reflow phenomenon. Platelets are the main factors in development of thrombus and no-reflow phenomenon. There have been multiple studies that identified the association between plateletcrit (PCT) and cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate whether PCT can predict the development of no-reflow in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) undergoing PCI for SVG disease. A total of 181 patients who underwent PCI for SVG disease with NSTEMI were included retrospectively. Platelet indices on admission were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups according to the development of no-reflow during the procedure: no-reflow (n = 32; 18%) and normal reflow (n = 149; 82%). PCT and platelet count were higher in the no-reflow group (0.254 vs. 0.224, P = 0.020; 265.4 vs. 233, P = 0.011, respectively). The PCT cut-off value for predicting no-reflow was calculated as 0.230 by ROC curve analysis with 68.8% sensitivity and 51.0% specificity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PCT was an independent predictor of no-reflow (odds ratio: 5.091, confidence interval: 1.356-19.116, P = 0.016). PCT may be useful in identifying patients at risk for developing no-reflow in patient with NSTEMI undergoing SVG PCI.

Giant pseudoaneurysm masquerading as large pericardial effusion in a patient with old myocardial infarction.

Pericardial effusions are common in patients with anterior myocardial infarction and resolve slowly after it. The diagnosis is generally established via echocardiography. However, a persistent, large pericardial effusion after the myocardial infarction may mask a more hazardous complication: pseudoaneurysm. Herein, we report a young gentleman presenting with dyspnea who had myocardial infarction and was misdiagnosed with large pericardial effusion.

CHA2DS2-VASc score as a predictor of no-reflow phenomenon after saphenous vein graft percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) is associated with an increased risk of complications, particularly no­reflow phenomenon and distal embolization due to low patency rates. The CHA2DS2­VASc score is a clinical risk stratification tool used to predict thromboembolism events especially in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the CHA2DS2­VASc score and no­reflow phenomenon after SVG PCI in patients with non-ST­segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE­ACS). METHODS: In this study, we included 268 patients diagnosed with NSTE­ACS who underwent PCI for SVG disease in our tertiary cardiovascular center. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 without no­­reflow phenomenon (n = 190) and group 2 with no­reflow phenomenon (n = 78) following the intervention, and then compared based on CHA2DS2­VASc scores. RESULTS: The CHA2DS2­VASc score (P <0.001) was significantly higher in group 2, even though no significant difference regarding atrial fibrillation was observed between the study groups. The CHA2DS2­VASc score (P <0.001), degenerated saphenous vein graft (P = 0.006), and intraluminal thrombus (P <0.001) were found to be independent predictors of no­reflow phenomenon. Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that a CHA2DS2­VASc score of 4 predicted no­reflow phenomenon with 67.9% sensitivity and 69.3% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the CHA2DS2­VASc score can be an independent predictor of no­reflow phenomenon in patients undergoing SVG interventions. As a simple and easy­to­calculate score, it might be a useful assessment tool to predict no­reflow phenomenon before SVG interventions in patients with NSTE­ACS.

Reprogramming the tachycardia parameters with long-detection strategy in patients with pre-existing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Background: A long-detection interval (LDI) programming has been proved to reduce shock therapy in patients who underwent de novo implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. We aimed to evaluate effectiveness and safety of this new strategy in old ICD recipients. Methods: We included 147 primary prevention patients with ischaemic and non-ischaemic aetiology. Conventional setting parameters (18 of 24 intervals to detect ventricular arrhythmias (VA's)) were reprogrammed with LDI strategy (30 of 40 intervals to detect VA's). One monitoring zone (between 360 and 330 ms) and two therapy zones were programmed, treating all rhythms of cycle length <330 ms that met the duration criterion of 30/40 intervals and were discriminated as ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF). The supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) discriminators were used in all patients. Results: At a median follow-up of 24 months, 12.9% (n = 19) of patients received shock therapies (± antitachycardia pacing (ATP)). Appropriate and inappropriate shocks occurred in 7.5 and 5.4% of patients during follow-up, respectively. Only one patient experienced an arrhythmic syncope during the follow-up period. There was no death related to LDI programming. The LDI programming helped to stop unnecessary in 10 patients (6.8%), who otherwise would have been treated in the conventional programming. Conclusions: LDI programming was found safe and effective. Hence, old ICD recipients will benefit from this strategy.

Preprocedural Mean Platelet Volume Level Is a Predictor of In-Stent Restenosis of the Superficial Femoral Artery Stents in Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: The mean platelet volume (MPV), the most commonly used measure of the platelet size, is a cheap and easy-to-use marker of the platelet activation. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between preprocedural MPV and other hematologic blood count parameters and in-stent restenosis in patients with superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenting. METHODS AND RESULTS: The consecutive 118 patients who successfully underwent endovascular stenting of the SFA were enrolled retrospectively in the study. The mean follow-up was 23 ± 12 months. The in-stent restenosis was observed in 42 patients (35.6%). There were no statistically significant differences between the restenosis group and no-restenosis group in terms of age, gender, and smoking (p=0.116, p=0.924, and p=0.428, resp.). In the restenosis group, the MPV level was markedly higher than that in the no-restenosis group, and it was statistically significant (p < 0.001). According to the ROC curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of the MPV to determine the restenosis was >8.7 fL, and the level of the MPV >8.7 fL was a strong predictor of the restenosis (p < 0.001) in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of the preprocedural MPV levels may help to identify high-risk patients for development of the in-stent restenosis. These patients may benefit from an aggresive antiplatelet therapy and close follow-up.

Surface electrogram-guided left ventricular lead placement improves response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Failure to select the optimal left ventricular (LV) segment for lead implantation is one of the most important causes of unresponsiveness to the cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In our study, we aimed to investigate the echocardiographic and clinical benefits of LV lead implantation guided by an intraoperative 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with multiple target veins. METHODS: We included 80 [42 (62.5%) male] heart failure patients who successfully underwent CRT defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation. Patients were divided into two groups. In group 1, LV lead was positioned at the site with the shortest biventricular-paced (BiV-paced) QRS duration (QRSd), as intraprocedurally measured using surface ECG. In group 2 (control), we included patients who underwent the standard unguided CRT. ECG, echocardiogram, and functional status were evaluated before and 6 months after CRT implantation in all patients. RESULTS: In group 1, BiV-paced QRSd measurements were successfully performed in 112 of 120 coronary sinus branches during CRT and an LV lead was successfully placed at the optimal site in all patients. Compared with group 2, group 1 had a significantly higher rate (85% vs. 50%, p=0.02) of response (>15% reduction in LV end-systolic volume) to CRT as well as a shorter QRSd (p<0.001) and a greater QRS shortening (ΔQRS) associated with CRT compared with baseline (p<0.001). The mean New York Heart Association functional class was significantly improved in both groups, and no significant differences were found in clinical response to CRT (85% vs. 70%, p=0.181). CONCLUSION: Surface ECG can be used to guide LV lead placement in patients with multiple target veins for improving response to CRT. Thus, it is a safe, feasible, and economic approach for CRT-D implantation.

A large biatrial thrombus entrapped by patent foramen ovale in a case with massive pulmonary embolism.

Thrombus development in cardiac chambers increases the risk of mortality, compared to pulmonary embolism alone, and can require change in therapy. In the presence of patent foramen ovale, paradoxical systemic embolization can occur associated with a higher incidence of death and embolic complications. Herein, we present a case of pulmonary embolism concomitant a right atrial huge thrombus entrapped in patent foramen ovale and prolapsing into the left heart chambers.

A massive left-to-right shunt due to delayed spontaneous perforation of polyvinyl alcohol membrane of atrial septal occluder.

Percutaneous closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD) has emerged as an alternative to surgery. A 54-yearold woman with a history of percutaneous ASD closure with a 30-mm Cardia Ultrasept septal occluder (Cardia Inc., Eagan, MN, USA) comprising 2 discs made of Nitinol wire mesh covered with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane, was admitted to the hospital with unstable angina pectoris. In a routine examination, transthoracic echocardiography revealed a left-to-right shunt through the device. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) also demonstrated significant left-to-right shunt through the central portion of the prosthesis. Coronary angiography was performed, which disclosed severe stenosis in the right and left anterior descending coronary arteries. Threedimensional TEE showed multiple perforations of the PVA membrane with intact nitinol frame. Surgical removal of failing device and closure of the ASD with a pericardial patch was performed together with coronary artery bypass graft surgery. On perioperative view, the device appeared to have been correctly implanted, and the device frame was completely intact; however, the PVA membrane of both the right and left discs had almost completely disappeared and there was incomplete endothelialization around the frame. Surgeons must be aware of this rarely seen complication and they should re-examine all patients implanted with Cardia devices in regular follow-up examinations for a long period of time.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Stent Overlap in Long Total Occluded Lesions of Superficial Femoral Artery.

BACKGROUND Superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion (SCTO) is a common type of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Endovascular therapy is a treatment approach that has a poor long-term success rate in this group. The aim of this study was to compare the mid-term results of two different uses of nitinol stents in long SCTO lesions (>100 mm): the use of one long stent or two shorter stents. MATERIAL AND METHODS Of 154 patients who underwent percutaneous infrainguinal interventions from 2011 to 2014, a total of 170 CTO lesions were selected for this retrospective study analysis. The mean age of the study population was 63.4±10.4 years (range 29-89 years); 71.8% of the patients were male. RESULTS Patients were divided into two groups according to the number of stents used. Patients treated with a single stent were placed into group A and patients treated with two stents were placed into group B. The stent fracture rate was significantly higher in group B compared to group A (29.2% vs. 42%). Type 1 and 2 fracture rates were higher in group A, but type 3 and 5 fracture rates were significantly higher in group B. The rate of stent restenosis was significantly higher in group B compared to group A (45.1% vs. 54.5%, p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS Mid-term patency rate was low in patients with long totally occluded superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions. Using a long single stent had an acceptable mid-term patency rate compared to using a two stent strategy. Stent fracture seemed to be the main reason for in-stent restenosis in cases of multiple stenting. A long single stent strategy may be more appropriate and reasonable than a two stent strategy in the treatment of long SFA lesions.

Early Thrombosuction and Tirofiban Use in Knee and Below-Knee Arterial Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a clinical entity with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Despite advances and variety of its management, there is still no criterion standard treatment. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of tirofiban use on the early and 6-month prognosis of patients with knee and below-knee arterial thrombosis who were treated with percutaneous thrombosuction (PT) within 24 h. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data of consecutive ALI patients who were diagnosed with popliteal and infra-popliteal arterial thrombosis and underwent PT procedure within 24 h between January 2010 and September 2015 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were separated into 2 groups according to tirofiban usage. RESULTS A total of 105 patients (mean age 67±16; 53% men) were included in the study. Atrial fibrillation (n 64, 61%) and hypertension (n 60, 57%) were the most frequent comorbidities in patients with thromboembolic events. A significantly higher rate of distal embolization (6% vs. 16%; p=0.01) and slow-flow (17% vs. 30%; p<0.01) developed in patients who were not treated with tirofiban after the PT procedure. Although major and minor bleeding were more frequent in the tirofiban group, only the rate minor bleeding was statistically significant (29% vs. 9%, p=0.001). Reverse embolic event ratio was similar in both groups. Although there was a higher rate of amputation in patients not treated with tirofiban, the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Adding tirofiban to PT reduces angiographic thromboembolic complications. Usage of tirofiban in patients prone to thromboembolic events may be useful for improving success of the PT procedure, with a reasonable bleeding ratio.

Aortic valve replacement for papillary fibroelastoma.

Surgery is indicated for symptomatic patients with papillary fibroelastomas (PFE) on the aortic valve. The valve is commonly spared during tumor excision. Rarely, aortic valve replacement (AVR) is needed. We present a case requiring AVR for an aortic valve PFE and review the literature to determine the risk factors for failure of aortic valve-sparing techniques in patients with PFE.

Improvement in left ventricular intrinsic dyssynchrony with cardiac resynchronization therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown to induce a structural and electrical remodeling; the data on whether left ventricle (LV) reverse remodeling is associated with restitution of intrinsic contraction pattern are unknown. In this study, we investigated the presence of improvement in left ventricular intrinsic dyssynchrony in patients with CRT. METHODS: A total of 45 CRT recipients were prospectively studied. Dyssynchrony indexes including interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD) and tissue Doppler velocity opposing-wall delay (OWD) as well as QRS duration on 12-lead surface electrocardiogram were recorded before CRT device implantation. After 1 year, patients with chronic biventricular pacing were reprogramed to VVI 40 to allow the resumption of native conduction and contraction pattern. After 4-6 h of intrinsic rhythm, QRS duration and all echocardiographic measurements were recorded. Dyssynchrony was defined as IVMD >40 ms and OWD >65 ms. CRT response was defined by a ≥15% reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) at a 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (71%) showed response to CRT. The native QRS duration reduced significantly from 150±12 ms to 138±14 ms (p<0.001), and dyssynchrony indexes showed a significant improvement only in responders. The mean OWD reduced from 86±37 ms to 50±29 ms (p<0.001), and the mean IVMD decreased from 55±22 ms to 28±22 ms (p<0.001) in responders. The reduction in LVESV was significantly correlated with ΔOWD (r=0.47, p=0.001), ΔIVMD (r=0.45, p=0.001), and ΔQRS (r=0.34, p=0.022). CONCLUSION: Chronic CRT significantly improves LV native contraction pattern and causes reverse remodeling in dyssynchrony.

Associations Between Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Atrial Fibrillation and Renal Dysfunction in Chronic Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) and renal dysfunction are two common comorbidities in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study evaluated the effect of permanent AF on renal function in HFrEF and investigated the associations of atrial fibrillation, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with adverse clinical outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS Serum NGAL levels measured by ELISA and NLR were compared between patients with sinus rhythm (HFrEF-SR, n=68), with permanent AF (HFrEF-AF, n=62), and a healthy control group (n=50). RESULTS Mean eGFR levels were significantly lower, and NLR and NGAL levels were significantly higher in the HFrEF patients than in the control patients but the difference between HFrEF-SR and HFrEF-AF was not statistically significant (NGAL: 95 ng/mL in HFrEF-SR, 113 ng/mL in HFrEF-AF and 84 ng/mL in the control group; p<0.001). Independent associates of baseline eGFR were age, hemoglobin, NLR, triiodothyronine, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure. In a mean 16 months follow-up, adverse clinical outcome defined as progression of kidney dysfunction and composite of all-cause mortality and re-hospitalization were not different between HFrEF-SR and HFrEF-AF patients. Although NGAL was associated with clinical endpoints in the univariate analysis, Cox regression analysis showed that independent predictors of increased events were the presence of signs right heart failure, C-reactive protein, NLR, triiodothyronine, and hemoglobin. In ROC analysis, a NLR >3 had a 68% sensitivity and 75% specificity to predict progression of kidney disease (AUC=0.72, 95% CI 0.58-0.85, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Presence of AF in patients with HFrEF was not an independent contributor of adverse clinical outcome (i.e., all-cause death, re-hospitalization) or progression of renal dysfunction. Renal dysfunction in HFrEF was associated with both NLR and NGAL levels, but systemic inflammation reflected by NLR seemed to be a more important determinant of progression of kidney dysfunction.