Vulnerable period in heart failure: a window of opportunity for the optimization of treatment - a statement by Mexican experts.

Acute heart failure (HF) is associated with poor prognosis. After the acute event, there is a vulnerable period during which the patient has a marked risk of readmission or death. Therefore, early optimization of treatment is mandatory during the vulnerable period. The objective of this article is to provide recommendations to address the management of patients with HF during the vulnerable period from a practical point of view. A group of Mexican experts met to prepare a consensus document. The vulnerable period, with a duration of up to 6 months after the acute event - either hospitalization, visit to the emergency department or the outpatient clinic/day hospital - represents a real window of opportunity to improve outcomes for these patients. To best individualize the recommendations, the management strategies were divided into three periods (early, intermediate and late vulnerable period), including not only therapeutic options but also evaluation and education. Importantly, the recommendations are addressed to the entire cardiology team, including physicians and nurses, but also other specialists implicated in the management of these patients. In conclusion, this document represents an opportunity to improve the management of this population at high risk, with the aim of reducing the burden of HF.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in heart transplant recipients: Is mortality decreasing?

INTRODUCTION: Infection remains a major complication among heart transplant (HT) recipients, causing approximately 20% of deaths in the first year after transplantation. In this population, Aspergillus species can have various clinical presentations including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), which has high mortality (53-78%). AIMS: To establish the characteristics of IPA infection in HT recipients and their outcomes in our setting. METHODS: Of 328 heart transplantations performed in our center between 1998 and 2016, five cases of IPA were identified. Patient medical records were examined and clinical variables were extracted. RESULTS: All cases were male, with a mean age of 62 years. The most common indication for HT was nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Productive cough was reported as the main symptom. The imaging assessment was based on chest radiography and chest computed tomography. The most commonly reported radiological abnormality was multiple nodular opacities in both techniques. Bronchoscopy was performed in all patients and A. fumigatus was isolated in four cases on BAL culture. Treatment included amphotericin in four patients, subsequently changed to voriconazole in three patients, and posaconazole in one patient, with total treatment lasting an average of 12 months. Neutropenia was found in only one patient, renal failure was observed in two patients, and concurrent cytomegalovirus infection occurred in three patients. All patients survived after a mean follow-up of 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: IPA is a potentially lethal complication after HT. An early diagnosis and prompt initiation of aggressive treatment are the cornerstone for better survival.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in heart transplant recipients: Is mortality decreasing?

INTRODUCTION: Infection remains a major complication among heart transplant (HT) recipients, causing approximately 20% of deaths in the first year after transplantation. In this population, Aspergillus spp. can have various clinical presentations including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), with high mortality (53-78%). OBJECTIVES: To establish the characteristics of IPA infection in HT recipients and their outcomes in our center. METHODS: Among 328 HTs performed in our center between 1998 and 2016, we identified five cases of IPA. Patient medical records were examined and clinical variables were extracted. RESULTS: All cases were male, and mean age was 62 years. The most common indication for HT was non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Productive cough was reported as the main symptom. The radiological assessment was based on chest X-ray and chest computed tomography. The most commonly reported radiographic abnormality was multiple nodular opacities in both techniques. Bronchoscopy was performed in all patients and Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in four cases on bronchoalveolar lavage culture. Treatment included amphotericin in four patients, subsequently changed to voriconazole in three, and posaconazole in one patient, with total treatment lasting an average of 12 months. Neutropenia was found in only one patient, renal failure was observed in two patients, and concurrent cytomegalovirus infection in three patients. All patients were alive after a mean follow-up of 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: IPA is a potentially lethal complication after HT. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of aggressive treatment are the cornerstone of better survival.

Differentiating spontaneous echo contrast, sludge, and thrombus in the left atrial appendage: Can ultrasound enhancing agents help?

The accurate identification of thrombus in the left atrial appendage with transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) before cardioversion is essential. Most of these patients have some grade of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC). Severe SEC is often called "sludge," and its prognosis and treatment are still controversial. Current guidelines suggest the use of ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) when significant SEC is present. However, little is known about the utility of the UEAs in the differentiation between sludge and less severe SEC.

Validation of DAPT score for prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces the rate of ischemic events but increases bleeding risk. DAPT score helps identify patients who benefit from prolonged DAPT. Nevertheless, its accuracy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to validate the use of DAPT score to predict ischemic and bleeding events in patients undergoing PCI for AMI and who received prolonged DAPT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included a cohort of patients with AMI who underwent PCI with stent placement and were treated with DAPT for more than 12 months. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty subjects were included in the final analysis (age: 64 ± 12 years, 78% men, median follow-up: 31 months). Ischemic event (reinfarction or revascularization of target vessel or lesion) occurred in 17% and bleeding occurred in 5% of patients. DAPT score demonstrated modest prediction performance for ischemic events (C-statistic: 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50-0.68, p<0.001) and a good prediction performance for bleeding events (C-statistic: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66-0.92, p<0.001). Subjects with a DAPT score ≥2 had a greater risk of ischemic events (hazard risk [HR]: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.2-7.8, p = 0.019) and a lower risk of bleeding (HR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.79, p = 0.019). Kaplan-Meier curves at 4 years showed that patients with a DAPT score ≥2 had lower ischemic-free survival rates (79% ± 4 vs. 90% ± 5, p = 0.0137) and higher bleeding-free survival rates (97% ± 2 vs. 90% ± 4, p = 0.0106). CONCLUSIONS: DAPT score is useful in patients with AMI, and a cut-off value of 2 identifies patients with a higher risk of ischemic events who might benefit from prolonged DAPT.

Predictors of Improvement in Renal Function After Heart Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Moderate chronic renal insufficiency is often found in patients evaluated for heart transplant. Recovery of cardiac output after heart transplant might lead to improvement of renal function. In this study, our aim was to identify predictors of improvement of renal function after heart transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included a cohort of heart transplant patients treated from 2011 to 2016 whose main outcome was improved renal function, defined as glomerular filtration rate at 6 months after heart transplant of ≥ 10% compared with baseline (before transplant). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors. RESULTS: Our study included 83 patients, with 29% having improvement in renal function. Multivariate analyses identified baseline glomerular filtration rate (odds ratio of 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.98; P = .005), absence of hypertension (odds ratio of 4.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-17.8; P = .015), and elective heart transplant (odds ratio of 13.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-141; P = .028) as independent predictors. A scale developed with independent predictors showed good accuracy (area under the curve of 0.76). The probability for improvement in renal function was 7%, 23%, and 58% in patients with low, medium, and high scores, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with heart transplant, baseline glomerular filtration rate, absence of hypertension, and elective heart transplant were independent predictors of improvement in renal function after heart transplant.

Right ventricular longitudinal strain predicts acute kidney injury and short-term prognosis in patients with right ventricular myocardial infarction.

Right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction due to acute myocardial infarction is associated with serious complications in the short-term. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and unrecognized complication. This study aimed to assess whether RV longitudinal strain predicts AKI and short-term prognosis in patients with RV infarction. Prospective cohort of patients with RV infarction. RV function was evaluated with global and free wall right ventricular longitudinal strain (GRVLS and FWRVLS), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and tricuspid S' wave. The primary endpoint was AKI defined as an increase ≥ 50% in serum creatinine and/or a decrease ≥ 25% in glomerular filtration rate during follow-up at 7 days. The secondary endpoint was death from any cause at 30 days. We included 101 patients with RV infarction (male 67%, age 66 ± 11 years). During follow-up at 7 days, 40% of patients developed AKI. At 30 days, 8% of patients died. At univariate analysis, FWRVLS was significantly associated with AKI (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.20, p = 0.006). At multivariate analysis, only age, temporary pacemaker implant, and FWRVLS remained as independent predictors of AKI (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08, p = 0.002; HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.11-4.07, p = 0.023; HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.19, p = 0.018, respectively). At 30 days, patients with FWRVLS ≥ - 15.5% showed a lower survival rate than those with lower strain (84 ± 6 vs. 97 ± 2%, p = 0.021). In patients with RV infarction, FWRVLS was an independent predictor of AKI and was associated with higher mortality in the short-term.

Predictors of renal replacement therapy after heart transplantation and its impact on long-term survival.

BACKGROUND: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) after heart transplant (HT) is associated with worse prognosis. We aimed to identify predictors of RRT and the impact of this complication on long-term survival. METHODS: Cohort study of HT patients. Univariate and multivariate competing-risk regression was performed to identify independent predictors of RRT. The cumulative incidence function was plotted for RRT. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare long-term survival. RESULTS: We included 103 patients. At multivariate analysis, only the emergency status of HT (short-term mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to transplant), chronic kidney disease, and low oxygen delivery were independent predictors of RRT (subhazard ratio [SHR] 4.11, 95% CI 1.84-9.14; SHR 3.17, 95% CI 1.29-7.77; SHR 2.86, 95% CI 1.14-7.19, respectively). Elective HT patients that required RRT showed a significantly reduced survival comparable to patients with emergency HT and RRT (75% ± 13% vs. 67% ± 16%). The absence of RRT implied an excellent survival in patients with an emergency status of HT and elective HT (100% vs. 93% ± 4%). CONCLUSION: The emergency status of HT, chronic kidney disease, and low oxygen delivery were independent predictors of RRT. The occurrence of RRT increases the risk of death in elective HT as much as in patients with an emergency status.

Disminución de la fracción de expulsión del ventrículo izquierdo por estrés con adenosina como predictor de isquemia.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En estudios de medicina nuclear se ha observado que la disminución de la fracción de expulsión del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) se asocia con enfermedad coronaria trivascular; en resonancia magnética cardiaca (RMC) no se ha estudiado el papel que desempeña la disminución de la FEVI. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación entre la disminución de la FEVI y la isquemia cardiaca en pacientes con estudios de RMC con adenosina. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal comparativo. Los criterios de inclusión fueron pacientes evaluados con RMC con adenosina entre enero de 2009 y junio de 2015. Se comparó el cambio en la FEVI en pacientes con estudio positivo versus pacientes con estudio negativo para isquemia por este método. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 59 pacientes: 41 del sexo masculino (70 %), edad de 59.7 ± 10.9 años; 38 % de los estudios fueron positivos para isquemia. La delta de la FEVI (FEVI postestrés - FEVI reposo) fue de -0.16 ± 5.9 versus 5.3 ± 4.7 (p<0.001) en pacientes con y sin isquemia, respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: Los pacientes con estudios positivos para isquemia tuvieron menor delta FEVI que los que tuvieron estudios negativos para isquemia. BACKGROUND: The decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has been observed to be associated with three-vessel coronary disease in nuclear medicine studies; however, the role played by LVEF decrease has not been studied with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between LVEF decrease and cardiac ischemia in patients with CMR studies with adenosine. METHOD: Cross-sectional, comparative study. Inclusion criteria were: patients assessed with CMR with adenosine between January 2009 and June 2015. LVEF change was compared between patients testing positive for ischemia versus those who tested negative. RESULTS: Fifty nine patients were included: 41 were males (70%), mean age was 59.7 ± 10.9 years; 38% of the studies tested positive for ischemia. Delta LVEF (post-stress LVEF ­ resting LVEF) was ­0.16 ± 5.9 versus 5.3 ± 4.7 (p < 0.001) in patients with and without ischemia, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients who tested positive for ischemia had lower delta LVEF than those with negative studies for ischemia.

Right atrial pressure predicts worsening renal function in patients with acute right ventricular myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI) is associated with serious complications in the short-term. Worsening renal function (WRF) is a frequent and dangerous complication. We investigated if right atrial pressure (RAP) predicts WRF in these patients. METHODS: We prospectively studied patients with RVMI. RAP was obtained invasively at admission to coronary care unit. Blood samples were extracted from patients at baseline and every 24h for creatinine measurements for seven days. We defined WRF as an increase of 25% or 0.5mg/dl in serum creatinine during the first seven days compared to baseline creatinine. RESULTS: We included forty-five patients (age 68±10years, male 71%). WRF occurred in 51%. The best cut-off value of RAP for WRF prediction was 11mmHg. RAP ≥11mmHg was associated with WRF at univariate analysis (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.27-24.3, p=0.023) and multivariate analysis (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.07-35.4, p=0.042). RAP ≥11mmHg improved reclassification and discrimination after usual prediction with the Mehran score (net reclassification improvement 64.8%, p=0.030; integrated discrimination improvement 7.5%, p=0.037). CONCLUSION: In patients with RVMI, RAP ≥11mmHg predicted WRF and improved discrimination.

Coexisting bicuspid aortic and pulmonary valves diagnosed by 3D transthoracic echocardiography.

Coexisting bicuspid aortic and pulmonary valves is an extremely rare condition, and there have been few published cases. Diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve is straightforward with 2D echocardiography; however, analysis of the morphology of the pulmonary valve is challenging. In this study, we report on a case of a 32-year-old man with bicuspid aortic and pulmonary valves diagnosed by 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography. The enlarged pulmonary artery without any obvious etiology led us to suspect a pulmonary valve anomaly; thus, we comprehensively evaluated it with 2D and 3D echocardiography, which confirmed the diagnosis of bicuspid pulmonary valve.