A COVID-19 specific multiparametric and ECG-based score for the prediction of in-hospital mortality: ELCOVID score.

We aimed to develop and validate a COVID-19 specific scoring system, also including some ECG features, to predict all-cause in-hospital mortality at admission. Patients were retrieved from the ELCOVID study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04367129), a prospective, multicenter Italian study enrolling COVID-19 patients between May to September 2020. For the model validation, we randomly selected two-thirds of participants to create a derivation dataset and we used the remaining one-third of participants as the validation set. Over the study period, 1014 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (mean age 74 years, 61% males) met the inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis. During a median follow-up of 12 (IQR 7-22) days, 359 (35%) patients died. Age (HR 2.25 [95%CI 1.72-2.94], p < 0.001), delirium (HR 2.03 [2.14-3.61], p = 0.012), platelets (HR 0.91 [0.83-0.98], p = 0.018), D-dimer level (HR 1.18 [1.01-1.31], p = 0.002), signs of right ventricular strain (RVS) (HR 1.47 [1.02-2.13], p = 0.039) and ECG signs of previous myocardial necrosis (HR 2.28 [1.23-4.21], p = 0.009) were independently associated to in-hospital all-cause mortality. The derived risk-scoring system, namely EL COVID score, showed a moderate discriminatory capacity and good calibration. A cut-off score of ≥ 4 had a sensitivity of 78.4% and 65.2% specificity in predicting all-cause in-hospital mortality. ELCOVID score represents a valid, reliable, sensitive, and inexpensive scoring system that can be used for the prognostication of COVID-19 patients at admission and may allow the earlier identification of patients having a higher mortality risk who may be benefit from more aggressive treatments and closer monitoring.

[Antithrombotic therapy after surgical mitral valve repair: review of the evidence and updated proposals]. / La terapia antitrombotica dopo chirurgia riparativa della valvola mitrale: revisione delle evidenze e suggerimenti aggiornati.

Surgical mitral valve repair (SMVR) is performed with various techniques that involve the implantation of non-biological material, such as the prolene of the suture threads, the polytetrafluoroethylene of the neo-chordae or the prosthetic ring for the remodeling of the valve annulus, whose exposure to the bloodstream is capable of triggering the blood coagulation cascade and consequently the development of thrombotic/thromboembolic events. The indications of the literature on the use of antithrombotic drugs after SMVR are weak and not univocal given the absence of randomized data and the availability of only small observational case series, which are generally contaminated by the lack of homogeneity of the populations examined. Indeed in these studies, patients not only undergoing SMVR, but also transcatheter repair of the mitral valve or surgical implantation of a biological valve prosthesis (not only in the mitral position) are included. In addition, the indication for antithrombotic therapy, and in particular anticoagulation, is often conditioned by the concomitant presence of atrial fibrillation that either preexists or develops postoperatively. In this review, the current evidence regarding antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing SMVR, both in the presence or absence of atrial fibrillation, is summarized and updated treatment algorithms are proposed.

Prolactin Inhibition to Treat Postpartum Arrhythmic Storm.

Postpartum electrical storm due to torsade de pointes is a rare but life-threatening condition. The uniqueness of this case lies in the use of cabergoline to suppress postpartum ventricular arrhythmias in absence of heart disease. Timely multidisciplinary management is crucial to achieve final diagnosis, deliver proper treatment and improve prognosis.

Recovery of right ventricular function after intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism: results from the multicentre Pulmonary Embolism International Trial (PEITHO)-2.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) function plays a critical role in the pathophysiology and acute prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). We analyzed the temporal changes of RV function in the cohort of a prospective multicentre study investigating if an early switch to oral anticoagulation in patients with intermediate-risk PE is effective and safe. METHODS: Echocardiographic and laboratory examinations were performed at baseline (PE diagnosis), 6 days and 6 months. Echocardiographic parameters were classified into categories representing RV size, RV free wall/tricuspid annulus motion, RV pressure overload and right atrial (RA)/central venous pressure. RESULTS: RV dysfunction based on any abnormal echocardiographic parameter was present in 84% of patients at baseline. RV dilatation was the most frequently abnormal finding (40.6%), followed by increased RA/central venous pressure (34.6%), RV pressure overload (32.1%), and reduced RV free wall/tricuspid annulus motion (20.9%). As early as day 6, RV size remained normal or improved in 260 patients (64.7%), RV free wall/tricuspid annulus motion in 301 (74.9%), RV pressure overload in 297 (73.9%), and RA/central venous pressure in 254 (63.2%). At day 180, the frequencies slightly increased. The median NT-proBNP level decreased from 1448 pg/ml at baseline to 256.5 on day 6 and 127 on day 180. CONCLUSION: In the majority of patients with acute intermediate-risk PE switched early to a direct oral anticoagulant, echocardiographic parameters of RV function normalised within 6 days and remained normal throughout the first 6 months. Almost one in four patients, however, continued to have evidence of RV dysfunction over the long term.

Clinical governance of patients with acute coronary syndromes.

AIMS: Using the principles of clinical governance, a patient-centred approach intended to promote holistic quality improvement, we designed a prospective, multicentre study in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to verify and quantify consecutive inclusion and describe relative and absolute effects of indicators of quality for diagnosis and therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Administrative codes for invasive coronary angiography and acute myocardial infarction were used to estimate the ACS universe. The ratio between the number of patients included and the estimated ACS universe was the consecutive index. Co-primary quality indicators were timely reperfusion in patients admitted with ST-elevation ACS and optimal medical therapy at discharge. Cox-proportional hazard models for 1-year death with admission and discharge-specific covariates quantified relative risk reductions and adjusted number needed to treat (NNT) absolute risk reductions. Hospital codes tested had a 99.5% sensitivity to identify ACS universe. We estimated that 7344 (95% CI: 6852-7867) ACS patients were admitted and 5107 were enrolled-i.e. a consecutive index of 69.6% (95% CI 64.9-74.5%), which varied from 30.7 to 79.2% across sites. Timely reperfusion was achieved in 22.4% (95% CI: 20.7-24.1%) of patients, was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for 1-year death of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.40-0.89) and an adjusted NNT of 65 (95% CI: 44-250). Corresponding values for optimal medical therapy were 70.1% (95% CI: 68.7-71.4%), HR of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.38-0.66), and NNT of 98 (95% CI: 79-145). CONCLUSION: A comprehensive approach to quality for patients with ACS may promote equitable access of care and inform implementation of health care delivery. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov ID NCT04255537.

[Screening for atrial fibrillation in the general population: experience from a cardiovascular risk campaign in the Emilia-Romagna Region]. / Screening della fibrillazione atriale nella popolazione generale: esperienza della campagna educazionale sul rischio cardiovascolare della Regione Emilia-Romagna.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of cerebral ischemia, and its early detection may impact on health. Both invasive and non-invasive devices can be used for the diagnosis of AF. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of AF using a single-lead ECG device (MyDiagnostickTM) on an adult, asymptomatic population during a screening campaign. METHODS: A total of 2547 subjects underwent AF screening. RESULTS: The device detected an arrhythmia in 42 subjects (1.65%), and AF was confirmed on 12-lead ECG in 14 (0.55%) of them. The prevalence of confirmed AF increased in subjects over 65 years of age (1.21%) or with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 in males or ≥3 in females (1.33%). Furthermore, heart failure (odds ratio [OR] 8.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.87-39.6, p=0.006) and diabetes (OR 4.55, 95% CI 1.25-16.5, p=0.021) significantly increased the risk of AF. CONCLUSIONS: During a screening campaign, the diagnosis of AF increases when subjects with a high thromboembolic risk are selected.

How to deal with vessel diameter mismatch in left main bifurcation stenting.

Left main coronary artery percutaneous coronary intervention is particularly complex when stenting across the distal bifurcation is required in the presence of a diameter mismatch between the proximal main and distal branches. A suboptimal procedural result increases the risk of thrombosis and restenosis. Considering the paucity of data published on this topic, our objective was to provide technical solutions to deal with this complex anatomy. We described four cases showing the use of devices and techniques which allowed us to overcome a diameter discrepancy between adjacent coronary segments: (1) self-expanding nitinol stent; (2) stent platform with noteworthy expansion capacity; (3) the 'extended skirt' technique; (4) the 'trouser-leg' technique. In conclusion, the use of specific strategies and devices allows a safe and effective approach to be used to perform treatment that respects the coronary anatomy, and to optimize percutaneous coronary intervention results in complex scenarios.

Immediate coronary angiography and systematic targeted temperature management are associated with improved outcome in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest.

Rapid and systematic access to coronary angiography (CAG) and target temperature management (TTM) might improve outcome in comatose patients who survive cardiac arrest (CA). However, there is controversy around indicating immediate CAG in the absence of transmural ischemia on the electrocardiogram after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). We evaluated the short- and long-term outcome of patients undergoing systematic CAG and TTM, based on whether culprit lesion percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed. All consecutive comatose CA survivors without obvious extra-cardiac causes undergoing TTM were included. Analysis involved the entire population and subgroups, namely patients with initial unshockable rhythm, no ST elevation on electrocardiogram, and good neurological recovery. We enrolled 107 patients with a median age of 64.9 (57.7-73.6) years. The initial rhythm was shockable in 83 (77.6%). Sixty-six (61.7%) patients underwent PCI. In-hospital survival was 71%. It was 78.8% and 58.5% in those undergoing or not PCI (p = 0.022), respectively. Age, time from CA to ROSC and culprit lesion PCI were independent predictors of in-hospital survival. Long-term survival was significantly higher in patients who underwent PCI (respectively 61.5% vs 34.1%; Log-rank: p = 0.002). Revascularization was associated with better outcomes regardless of initial rhythm (shockable vs non-shockable) and ST deviation (elevation vs no-elevation), and improved the long-term survival of patients discharged with good neurological recovery. Systematic CAG and revascularization, when indicated, were associated with higher survival in comatose patients undergoing TTM, regardless of initial rhythm and ST deviation in the post-ROSC electrocardiogram. The benefit was sustained at long-term particularly in those with neurological recovery.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty: current status and future prospects.

INTRODUCTION: Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) improves hemodynamic and clinical status of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) for a limited period of 6-12 months. However, there is a high number of procedures performed worldwide and an upward trend over the last decades. AREAS COVERED: Epidemiology of AS and the advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) contribute to the extensive referral of patients. The expansion of recommendations for TAVI has occasionally led to financial reimbursement-related problems that do not exist for BAV. BAV is indicated as a bridge to valve replacement, to decision in complex cases, and to extracardiac surgery. BAV may play a role in preparing for TAVI and optimizing procedural results. The minimalist approach and reduced complication rate make it applicable in fragile patients. EXPERT OPINION: In the near future, BAV will continue to be a useful asset in managing patients with AS given the multiple indications, broad applicability, safety profile, low cost, and repeatability. Specific studies are necessary to explore technical solutions, stronger indications, the finest technique, and to standardize the procedural result. Pending the development of potential competitive devices, the role that BAV plays will remain closely intertwined with the one played by TAVI.

In- and out-of-hospital mortality for myocardial infarction during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Emilia-Romagna, Italy: A population-based observational study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has put several healthcare systems under severe pressure. The present analysis investigates how the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the myocardial infarction (MI) network of Emilia-Romagna (Italy). METHODS: Based on Emilia-Romagna mortality registry and administrative data from all the hospitals from January 2017 to June 2020, we analysed: i) temporal trend in MI hospital admissions; ii) characteristics, management, and 30-day mortality of MI patients; iii) out-of-hospital mortality for cardiac cause. FINDINGS: Admissions for MI declined on February 22, 2020 (IRR -19.5%, 95%CI from -8.4% to -29.3%, p = 0.001), and further on March 5, 2020 (IRR -21.6%, 95%CI from -9.0% to -32.5%, p = 0.001). The return to pre-COVID-19 MI-related admission levels was observed from May 13, 2020 (IRR 34.3%, 95%CI 20.0%-50.2%, p<0.001). As compared to those before the pandemic, MI patients admitted during and after the first wave were younger and with fewer risk factors. The 30-day mortality remained in line with that expected based on previous years (ratio observed/expected was 0.96, 95%CI 0.84-1.08). MI patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 were few (1.5%) but showed poor prognosis (around 5-fold increase in 30-day mortality). In 2020, the number of out-of-hospital cardiac deaths was significantly higher (ratio observed/expected 1.17, 95%CI 1.08-1.27). The peak was reached in April. INTERPRETATION: In Emilia-Romagna, MI hospitalizations significantly decreased during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Management and outcomes of hospitalized MI patients remained unchanged, except for those with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A concomitant increase in the out-of-hospital cardiac mortality was observed. FUNDING: None.

Early switch to oral anticoagulation in patients with acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PEITHO-2): a multinational, multicentre, single-arm, phase 4 trial.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend a risk-adjusted treatment strategy for the management of acute pulmonary embolism. This is a particular patient category for whom optimal treatment (anticoagulant treatment, reperfusion strategies, and duration of hospitalisation) is currently unknown. We investigated whether treatment of acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism with parenteral anticoagulation for a short period of 72 h, followed by a switch to a direct oral anticoagulant (dabigatran), is effective and safe. METHODS: We did a multinational, multicentre, single-arm, phase 4 trial at 42 hospitals in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain. Adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with symptomatic intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism, with or without deep-vein thrombosis, were enrolled. Patients received parenteral low-molecular-weight or unfractionated heparin for 72 h after diagnosis of pulmonary embolism before switching to oral dabigatran 150 mg twice per day following a standard clinical assessment. The primary outcome was recurrent symptomatic venous thromboembolism or pulmonary embolism-related death within 6 months. The primary and safety outcomes were assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The study was terminated early, as advised by the data safety and monitoring board, following sample size adaptation after the predefined interim analysis on Dec 18, 2018. This trial is registered with the EU Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT 2015-001830-12) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02596555). FINDINGS: Between Jan 1, 2016, and July 31, 2019, 1418 patients with pulmonary embolism were screened, of whom 402 were enrolled and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (median age was 69·5 years [IQR 60·0-78·0); 192 [48%] were women and 210 [52%] were men). Median follow-up was 217 days (IQR 210-224) and 370 (92%) patients adhered to the protocol. The primary outcome occurred in seven (2% [upper bound of right-sided 95% CI 3]; p<0·0001 for rejecting the null hypothesis) patients, with all events occurring in those with intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism (seven [3%; upper bound of right-sided 95% CI 5] of 283). At 6 months, 11 (3% [95% CI 1-5]) of 402 patients had at least one major bleeding event and 16 (4% [2-6]) had at least one clinically relevant non-major bleeding event; the only fatal haemorrhage occurred in one (<1%) patient before the switch to dabigatran. INTERPRETATION: A strategy of early switch from heparin to dabigatran following standard clinical assessment was effective and safe in patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism. Our results can help to refine guideline recommendations for the initial treatment of acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism, optimising the use of resources and avoiding extended hospitalisation. FUNDING: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, University Medical Center Mainz, and Boehringer Ingelheim.

[Periprocedural management of anticoagulation therapy and in-hospital outcomes in patients with warfarin indication undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Data from the WAR-STENT registry]. / Gestione periprocedurale della terapia anticoagulante ed esiti intraospedalieri nei pazienti con indicazione a warfarin sottoposti ad angioplastica coronarica. Informazioni dal registro WAR-STENT.

BACKGROUND: In patients with an indication for oral anticoagulation (OAC) with warfarin, the management of OAC peri-procedure of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still not fully defined. To investigate clinical practice and outcomes associated with continuation vs interruption of OAC, with or without bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), we examined the database of the observational, prospective, multicenter Italian WAR-STENT registry. METHODS: The WAR-STENT registry was conducted in 2008-2010 in 37 Italian centers and included 411 consecutive patients in 157 of whom the peri-procedural international normalized ratio (INR) value was available. In relation to the continuation vs interruption of OAC, patients were divided into group 1 (n = 106) and group 2 (n = 51) respectively, and compared. RESULTS: The basal characteristics of the two groups were similar. The most frequent indication for OAC was atrial fibrillation and for PCI acute coronary syndromes, respectively. The pre-procedural mean value of INR was significantly different in group 1 vs group 2 (2.3 ± 0.4 vs 1.5 ± 0.2; p <0.001), while the use of antithrombotic drugs did not differ, except for LMWH which, albeit limited to only 14% of cases, was used significantly more frequently in group 2 (14% vs 2%; p=0.006). The radial approach was used significantly more often in group 1 vs group 2 (72% vs 45%; p=0.002). The in-hospital incidence of major bleeding complications was similar in groups 1 and 2 (4% vs 8%; p=0.27), as well as the occurrence of major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events, including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, re-revascularization of the treated vessel, stent thrombosis, stroke and venous thromboembolism (6% vs 6%; p=0.95). There was a tendency towards a higher incidence of minor access-site bleeding complications in group 1 patients treated by the femoral route. CONCLUSIONS: In unselected patients with an indication for OAC with warfarin and undergoing PCI, the continuation vs interruption of OAC (essentially without LMWH bridging) strategies appears similar in terms of efficacy and safety. In consideration of the superior convenience, peri-procedural continuation of OAC should therefore generally be preferred, with the possible exception of patients in whom the femoral approach is required for the procedure.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe pure aortic regurgitation due to active aortitis.

Aortitis is an uncommon systemic inflammatory disease affecting the aorta and its main branches. Severe aortic regurgitation (AR) represents a fearsome complication of aortitis and is associated with an increased mortality rate. Surgical aortic valve replacement represents the only treatment choice for these patients. However, it is associated with a higher risk of medium to long-term complications such as prosthetic valve detachment. This is the first reported case where severe AR secondary to aortitis was managed with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). TAVI was safe and effective in this clinical setting and may be considered a viable alternative to high-risk surgery in these complex patients.

Clinical governance programme in patients with acute coronary syndrome: design and methodology of a quality improvement initiative.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the availability of diverse evidence-based diagnostic and treatment options, many patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) still fail to receive effective, safe and timely diagnoses and therapies. The Association of Acute CardioVascular Care of the European Society of Cardiology has proposed and retrospectively validated a set of ACS-specific quality indicators. Combining these indicators with the principles of clinical governance-a holistic, patient-centred approach intended to promote continuous quality improvement-we designed the clinical governance programme in patients with ACS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicentre quality improvement initiative exploring multiple dimensions of care, including diagnosis, therapy, patient satisfaction, centre organisation and efficiency in all comers patients with ACS.The study will enrol ≈ 5000 patients prospectively (ie, at the time of the first objective qualifying ACS criterion) with a 1-year follow-up. Consecutive inclusion will be promoted by a simplified informed consent process and quantified by the concordance with corresponding hospital administrative records using diagnosis-related group codes of ACS.Coprimary outcome measures are (1) timely reperfusion in patients with ST-elevation ACS and (2) optimal medical therapy at discharge in patients with confirmed acute myocardial infarction. Secondary outcomes broadly include multiple indicators of the process of care. Clinical endpoints (ie, death, myocardial infarction, stroke and bleeding) will be adjudicated by a clinical event committee according to predefined criteria. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by local ethics committee of all study sites. As a quality improvement initiative and to promote consecutive inclusion of the population of interest, a written informed consent will be requested only to patients who are discharged alive. Dissemination will be actively promoted by (1) the registration site (ClinicalTrials.Gov ID NCT04255537), (2) collaborations with investigators through open data access and sharing.

Gender differences in acute coronary syndromes patterns during the COVID-19 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: Mortality from acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is strictly related to early management. As female patients usually experience longer delays before diagnosis and treatment, we assessed whether women were more affected by the dramatic drop in hospital admissions for ACS during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and angiographic characteristics of consecutive patients who were admitted for ACS at 15 hospitals in Northern Italy comparing men and women data. The study period was defined as the time between the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Italy (February 20, 2020) and March 31, 2020. We compared hospitalization rates between the study period and two control periods: the corresponding period during the previous year (February 20 to March 31, 2019) and the earlier period during the same year (January 1 to February 19, 2020). Incidence rate ratios comparing the study period with each of the control periods were calculated with the use of Poisson regression. RESULTS: Of the 547 patients who were hospitalized for ACS during the study period, only 127 (23%) were females, accounting for a mean of 3.1 admissions per day, while ACS hospitalized males were 420, with a mean of 10.2 admissions per day. There was a significant decrease driven by a similar reduction in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) diagnosis in both sexes compared to the control periods. A trend toward a greater reduction in admitted females was shown in the intra-year control period (46% admission reduction in females vs 37% in males, with females accounting for 26% of ACS, P=0.10) and a significant reduction when compared to the previous year control period (40% admission reduction in females vs 23% in males, with females accounting for 28% of ACS, P=0.03), mainly related to Unstable Angina diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The Covid-19 pandemic period closed the gap between men and women in ACS, with similar rates of reduction of hospitalized STEMI and NSTEMI and a trend toward greater reduction in UA admission among women. Furthermore, many typical differences between males and females regarding ischemic heart disease presentations and vessel distribution were leveled.

[Early invasive strategy (<24 h) in high-risk non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome: when the guideline recommendations need to be contextualized]. / Strategia invasiva precoce (<24 h) nelle sindromi coronariche acute senza sopraslivellamento del tratto ST ad alto rischio, ovvero quando le raccomandazioni delle linee guida dovrebbero essere contestualizzate.

The advantages of an early invasive strategy in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) are well documented. Less clear is the ideal time to perform it (within 24 h, within 72 h, or during hospitalization after positive non-invasive testing for ischemia). In particular, the class IA recommendation for coronary angiography within 24 h in patients with high-risk NSTE-ACS is controversial. Randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses show neutral effects on mortality, while significant positive results are observed only for secondary outcomes (mainly ischemic recurrences). Favorable effects on major cardiovascular events are reported only in the subgroup analysis of a single randomized trial (TIMACS) or in several trials included in the meta-analyses. Thus, these results are far from conclusive and should stimulate new randomized clinical studies to support them. In fact, the logistical implications that this recommendation implies deserve stronger evidence. It is clear that all patients with NSTE-ACS, especially if high-risk, should have the opportunity to undergo a coronary angiogram during hospitalization. However, in the real world, the strict timeline of the international guidelines may be difficult to follow. Therefore, indications that take into account resource availability and the organizational context should be developed. Several regional indications suggest that even in high-risk patients the 24 h time limit for the invasive strategy should not be mandatory, but timing of angiography should be calibrated on clinical presentation and logistical resources, without any a priori automatism.

Electrocardiographic features of 431 consecutive, critically ill COVID-19 patients: an insight into the mechanisms of cardiac involvement.

AIMS: Our aim was to describe the electrocardiographic features of critical COVID-19 patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We carried out a multicentric, cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of 431 consecutive COVID-19 patients hospitalized between 10 March and 14 April 2020 who died or were treated with invasive mechanical ventilation. This project is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04367129). Standard ECG was recorded at hospital admission. ECG was abnormal in 93% of the patients. Atrial fibrillation/flutter was detected in 22% of the patients. ECG signs suggesting acute right ventricular pressure overload (RVPO) were detected in 30% of the patients. In particular, 43 (10%) patients had the S1Q3T3 pattern, 38 (9%) had incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB), and 49 (11%) had complete RBBB. ECG signs of acute RVPO were not statistically different between patients with (n = 104) or without (n=327) invasive mechanical ventilation during ECG recording (36% vs. 28%, P = 0.10). Non-specific repolarization abnormalities and low QRS voltage in peripheral leads were present in 176 (41%) and 23 (5%), respectively. In four patients showing ST-segment elevation, acute myocardial infarction was confirmed with coronary angiography. No ST-T abnormalities suggestive of acute myocarditis were detected. In the subgroup of 110 patients where high-sensitivity troponin I was available, ECG features were not statistically different when stratified for above or below the 5 times upper reference limit value. CONCLUSIONS: The ECG is abnormal in almost all critically ill COVID-19 patients and shows a large spectrum of abnormalities, with signs of acute RVPO in 30% of the patients. Rapid and simple identification of these cases with ECG at hospital admission can facilitate classification of the patients and provide pathophysiological insights.