Successful valve-in-valve replacement using intravascular lithotripsy for femoral access in an elderly patient with critical aortic stenosis and extensive vascular calcification.

An 87-year-old man with a history of heart failure and a modified bio-Bentall Mitroflow 23-mm bioprosthesis (Sorin) was referred to our institution for critical aortic stenosis, which was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. Pre-procedural computed tomography revealed slightly calcified bioprosthesis leaflets, adequate coronary ostia height, and a slightly angled Bentall tube graft measuring 29 mm in diameter at the aortic anastomosis .

Drug-Eluting Balloons in Calcified Coronary Lesions: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes.

Background: The usefulness of drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) has not been fully elucidated in calcified coronary lesions (CCLs). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of DEBs compared to a drug-eluting stent (DES) in this setting. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane were searched through December 2023. The primary endpoint was 12 months major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Secondary endpoints included clinical outcomes and angiographic results after PCI and at a 12-month follow-up. Results: Five studies and a total of 1141 patients with 1176 coronary lesions were included. Overall, the DEB was comparable to DES in MACE (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.62-1.19, p = 0.36), cardiac death (RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.23-1.53, p = 0.28), myocardial infarction (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.25-3.24, p = 0.87) and target lesion revascularization (RR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.68-1.77, p = 0.70). Although the DEB was associated with worse acute angiographic outcomes (acute gain; MD = -0.65, 95% CI: -0.73, -0.56 and minimal lumen diameter; MD = -0.75, 95% CI: -0.89, -0.61), it showed better results at 12 months follow-up (late lumen loss; MD = -0.34, 95% CI: -0.62, -0.07). Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that the DEB strategy is comparable to DES in the treatment of CCLs in terms of clinical outcomes. Although the DEB strategy had inferior acute angiographic results, it may offer better angiographic results at follow-up.

Role of dynamic road-mapping in renal denervation procedures.

Dynamic road-mapping (DRM) (Dynamic Coronary Roadmap; Philips) offers a real-time, dynamic overlay of the coronary tree on fluoroscopy.

The BALTO Registry: Long-term results of percutaneous BALloon pericardioTomy in oncological patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy (PBP) in oncological patients who present with a malignant pericardial effusion (MPE). BACKGROUND: The use of PBP as a treatment for MPE is not standardized due to the limited evidence. Furthermore, the performance of a second PBP for a recurrence after a first procedure is controversial. METHODS: The BALTO Registry (BALloon pericardioTomy in Oncological patients) is a prospective, single-center, observational registry that includes consecutive PBP performed for MPE from October 2007 to February 2022. Clinical and procedural, characteristics, as well as clinical outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-six PBP were performed in 61 patients (65% female). Mean age was of 66.4 ± 11.2 years. In 15 cases, a second PBP procedure was performed due to recurrence despite the first PBP. The procedure could be performed effectively in all cases with only two serious complications. Ninety-five percent of cases were discharged alive from the hospital. During a median follow-up of 6.3 months (interquartile range [IQR], 0.9-10.8), MPE recurred in 24.5% cases although no recurrences were reported after the second procedure. No evidence of malignant pleural effusion developed on follow-up. The median overall survival time was 5.8 months (IQR, 0.8-10.2) and the time to recurrence after the first PBP was 2.4 months (IQR, 0.7-4.5). CONCLUSIONS: PBP is a safe and effective treatment for MPE. It could be considered an acceptable therapy in most MPE, even in those who recur after a first procedure.

OPTImized coronary interventions eXplaIn the bEst cliNical outcomEs (OPTI-XIENCE) study. Rationale and study design.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical events may occur after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), particularly in complex lesions and complex patients. The optimization of PCI result, using pressure guidewire and intracoronary imaging techniques, may reduce the risk of these events. The hypothesis of the present study is that the clinical outcome of patients with indication of PCI and coronary stent implantation that are at high risk of events can be improved with an unrestricted use of intracoronary tools that allow PCI optimization. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Observational prospective multicenter international study, with a follow-up of 12 months, including 1064 patients treated with a cobalt­chromium everolimus-eluting stent. Inclusion criteria include any of the following: Lesion length > 28 mm; Reference vessel diameter < 2.5 mm or > 4.25 mm; Chronic total occlusion; Bifurcation with side branch ≥2.0 mm;Ostial lesion; Left main lesion; In-stent restenosis; >2 lesions stented in the same vessel; Treatment of >2 vessels; Acute myocardial infarction; Renal insufficiency; Left ventricular ejection fraction <30 %; Staged procedure. The control group will be comprised by a similar number of matched patients included in the "extended risk" cohort of the XIENCE V USA study. The primary endpoint will be the 1-year rate of target lesion failure (TLF) (composite of ischemia-driven TLR, myocardial infarction (MI) related to the target vessel, or cardiac death related to the target vessel). Secondary endpoints will include overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, acute myocardial infarction, TVR, TLR, target vessel failure, and definitive or probable stent thrombosis at 1 year. IMPLICATIONS: The ongoing OPTI-XIENCE study will contribute to the growing evidence supporting the use of intra-coronary imaging techniques for stent optimization in patients with complex coronary lesions.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio an inflammatory biomarker, and prognostic marker in heart failure, cardiovascular disease and chronic inflammatory diseases: New insights for a potential predictor of anti-cytokine therapy responsiveness.

In the 20th century, research focused on cholesterol and lipoproteins as the key mechanism in establishing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Given that some studies demonstrated subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects without conventional cardiovascular risk factors, the elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels alone cannot account for the entire burden of atherosclerosis. Hence, large-scale clinical trials demonstrated the operation of immune and inflammatory pathways in ASCVD. In this regard, the evidence establishes that cells of the immune system, both the innate (neutrophils, macrophages) and adaptive (T cell and other lymphocytes) limbs, contribute to atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. Besides, basic science studies have identified proatherogenic cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-12, and IL-18. In this regard, some studies showed that antiinflammatory therapy targeting the immune system by modulating or blocking interleukins, also known as anti-cytokine therapy, can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular adverse events. The neutrophils play a key role in the innate immune system, representing the acute phase of an inflammatory response. In contrast, lymphocytes represent the adaptive immune system and promote the induction of autoimmune inflammation, especially in the chronic inflammatory response. Through the literature review, we will highlight the inflammatory pathway for the physiopathology of ASCVD, HF, and COVID-19. In this regard, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) integrates the innate immune and adaptive immune systems, making the NLR a biomarker of inflammation. In addition, we provided an update on the evidence showing that high NLR is associated with worse prognosis in heart failure (HF), ASCVD, and COVID-19, as well as their clinical applications showing that the normalization of NLR after anti-cytokine therapy is a potential predictor of therapy responsiveness and is associated with reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Chronic Total Occlusion Techniques to Recanalize an Occluded Pulmonary Vein After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan was performed in a 69-year-old male with atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation who was admitted for transcatheter angioplasty of left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV) stenosis due to recurrent hemoptysis. CT showed complete ostial occlusion in the area of the LIPV. Occlusion of the pulmonary vein ostium is a rare complication. We describe the successful use of chronic occlusion techniques in the treatment of this patient.

"Water Gun:" A New Morphology of Left Atrial Appendage.

An 86-year-old patient with non-valvular atrial fibrillation was referred to our institution to undergo a left atrial appendage (LAA) closure for recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding on direct oral anticoagulants. The transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) performed the previous day evaluated the morphology and dimensions of the LAA and ruled out any thrombus. During the procedure, a pigtail catheter was inserted into the LAA, observing an unusual image we describe as a culde- sac, without an anomalous connection with any drainage in other vessel or cavity. After additional imaging studies, we concluded that it was morphology related to LAA, which we have termed the "water-gun" morphology. Four morphologies have been described based on the shape of the central and secondary lobes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a fifth type, which was shown to be effectively closed with current closure devices.

Influence of statin treatment in a cohort of patients admitted for COVID-19.

Aims and objectives: Statins have been proposed as potentially useful agents for modulating the host response in COVID-19. However, solid evidence-based recommendations are still lacking. Our aim was to study the association between statin use and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the specific consequences of chronic treatment withdrawal during hospital admission. Material and methods: Retrospective observational study including 2191 hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: Mean age was 68.0±17.8 years and 597 (27.3%) patients died during follow-up. A total of 827 patients (37.7% of the whole sample), received chronic treatment with statins. Even though they underwent more frequent admissions in critical care units, chronic treatment with statins was not independently associated with all-cause mortality [HR 0.95 (0.72-1.25)]. During the whole hospital admission, 371 patients (16.9%) received at least one dose of statin. Although these patients had a significantly worse clinical profile, both treatment with statins during admission [HR 1.03 (0.78-1.35)] and withdrawal of chronic statin treatment [HR 1.01 (0.78-1.30)] showed a neutral effect in mortality. However, patients treated with statins presented more frequently hepatic cytolysis, rhabdomyolysis and thrombotic/hemorrhagic events. Conclusions: In this large cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, statins were not independently associated with all-cause mortality during follow-up. Clinically relevant statin-associated adverse effects should be carefully monitored during hospital admission.

Antecedentes y objetivos: Se ha especulado que las estatinas pueden ser de utilidad en el tratamiento de pacientes con COVID-19, pero no existen evidencias clínicas sólidas. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer su utilidad en una cohorte de gran tamaño de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19, así como si su retirada se asocia con un peor pronóstico. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo observacional. Se incluyeron 2.191 pacientes hospitalizados con infección confirmada con SARS-CoV-2. Resultados: La edad media fue de 68,0 ± 17,8 años y fallecieron un total de 597 (27,3%) pacientes. Un total de 827 pacientes (37,7% de la muestra) estaban tratados previamente con estatinas. Aunque precisaron con mayor frecuencia de ingreso en camas de críticos, dicho grupo terapéutico no resultó un factor predictor independiente de muerte en el seguimiento [HR 0,95 (0,72-1,25)]. Un total de 371 pacientes (16,9%) recibió al menos una dosis de estatina durante el ingreso. A pesar de ser una población con un perfil clínico más desfavorable, tanto su uso [HR 1,03 (0,78-1,35)] como la suspensión durante el ingreso en pacientes que las recibían crónicamente [HR 1,01 (0,78-1,30)] presentaron un efecto neutro en la mortalidad. No obstante, el grupo con estatinas desarrolló con mayor frecuencia datos de citolisis hepática, rabdomiolisis y más eventos trombóticos y hemorrágicos. Conclusiones: En nuestra muestra, las estatinas no se asociaron de forma independiente a una menor mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19. En aquellos pacientes que tengan indicación de recibirlas por su patología previa es necesario monitorizar estrechamente sus potenciales efectos adversos durante el ingreso hospitalario.

Influencia del tratamiento con estatinas en una cohorte de pacientes ingresados por COVID-19 / Influence of statin treatment in a cohort of patients admitted for COVID-19

Antecedentes y objetivos:Se ha especulado que las estatinas pueden ser de utilidad en el tratamiento de pacientes con COVID-19, pero no existen evidencias clínicas sólidas. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer su utilidad en una cohorte de gran tamaño de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19, así como si su retirada se asocia con un peor pronóstico.Material y métodos:Estudio retrospectivo observacional. Se incluyeron 2.191 pacientes hospitalizados con infección confirmada con SARS-CoV-2.Resultados:La edad media fue de 68,0 ± 17,8 años y fallecieron un total de 597 (27,3%) pacientes. Un total de 827 pacientes (37,7% de la muestra) estaban tratados previamente con estatinas. Aunque precisaron con mayor frecuencia de ingreso en camas de críticos, dicho grupo terapéutico no resultó un factor predictor independiente de muerte en el seguimiento [HR 0,95 (0,72-1,25)]. Un total de 371 pacientes (16,9%) recibió al menos una dosis de estatina durante el ingreso. A pesar de ser una población con un perfil clínico más desfavorable, tanto su uso [HR 1,03 (0,78-1,35)] como la suspensión durante el ingreso en pacientes que las recibían crónicamente [HR 1,01 (0,78-1,30)] presentaron un efecto neutro en la mortalidad. No obstante, el grupo con estatinas desarrolló con mayor frecuencia datos de citolisis hepática, rabdomiolisis y más eventos trombóticos y hemorrágicos.Conclusiones:En nuestra muestra, las estatinas no se asociaron de forma independiente a una menor mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19. En aquellos pacientes que tengan indicación de recibirlas por su patología previa es necesario monitorizar estrechamente sus potenciales efectos adversos durante el ingreso hospitalario. (AU)

Aims and objectives:Statins have been proposed as potentially useful agents for modulating the host response in COVID-19. However, solid evidence-based recommendations are still lacking. Our aim was to study the association between statin use and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the specific consequences of chronic treatment withdrawal during hospital admission.Material and methods:Retrospective observational study including 2191 hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.Results:Mean age was 68.0±17.8 years and 597 (27.3%) patients died during follow-up. A total of 827 patients (37.7% of the whole sample), received chronic treatment with statins. Even though they underwent more frequent admissions in critical care units, chronic treatment with statins was not independently associated with all-cause mortality [HR 0.95 (0.72-1.25)]. During the whole hospital admission, 371 patients (16.9%) received at least one dose of statin. Although these patients had a significantly worse clinical profile, both treatment with statins during admission [HR 1.03 (0.78-1.35)] and withdrawal of chronic statin treatment [HR 1.01 (0.78-1.30)] showed a neutral effect in mortality. However, patients treated with statins presented more frequently hepatic cytolysis, rhabdomyolysis and thrombotic/hemorrhagic events.Conclusions:In this large cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, statins were not independently associated with all-cause mortality during follow-up. Clinically relevant statin-associated adverse effects should be carefully monitored during hospital admission. (AU)

Influence of statin treatment in a cohort of patients admitted for COVID-19. / Influencia del tratamiento con estatinas en una cohorte de pacientes ingresados por COVID-19.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Statins have been proposed as potentially useful agents for modulating the host response in COVID-19. However, solid evidence-based recommendations are still lacking. Our aim was to study the association between statin use and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the specific consequences of chronic treatment withdrawal during hospital admission. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study including 2191 hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: Mean age was 68.0±17.8 years and 597 (27.3%) patients died during follow-up. A total of 827 patients (37.7% of the whole sample), received chronic treatment with statins. Even though they underwent more frequent admissions in critical care units, chronic treatment with statins was not independently associated with all-cause mortality [HR 0.95 (0.72-1.25)]. During the whole hospital admission, 371 patients (16.9%) received at least one dose of statin. Although these patients had a significantly worse clinical profile, both treatment with statins during admission [HR 1.03 (0.78-1.35)] and withdrawal of chronic statin treatment [HR 1.01 (0.78-1.30)] showed a neutral effect in mortality. However, patients treated with statins presented more frequently hepatic cytolysis, rhabdomyolysis and thrombotic/hemorrhagic events. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, statins were not independently associated with all-cause mortality during follow-up. Clinically relevant statin-associated adverse effects should be carefully monitored during hospital admission.