Prediction of disease activity and treatment failure in relapsing-remitting MS patients initiating daily oral DMTs.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding treatment response prediction to oral disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVES: We assessed the capacity of available scoring systems to anticipate disease activity parameters in naïve relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients initiating daily oral DMTs, hypothesizing that they exhibit different predictive potentials. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study and applied the Rio Score (RS), modified Rio Score (mRS), and MAGNIMS Score 12 months after DMT initiation. At 36 months, we examined their ability to predict evidence of disease activity (EDA) components and treatment failure by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Notably, 218 patients (62.4% females) initiating dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, and fingolimod were included. At 36 months, the RS high-risk group predicted evidence of clinical activity (odds ratio (OR) 10 [2.7-36.9]) and treatment failure (OR 10.6 [3.4-32.5]) but did not predict radiological activity (OR 1.9 [0.7-5]). The mRS non-responders group did not predict EDA and treatment failure. RS, mRS, and MAGNIMS 0 categories showed significantly lower EDA and treatment failure than the remainder. CONCLUSION: Scoring systems present different predictive abilities for disease activity parameters at 36 months in MS patients initiating daily oral therapies, warranting further adjustments (i.e. introduction of fluid biomarkers) to depict disease activity status fully.

Epidemiological and clinical trends of imported strongyloidiasis in a referral international health unit, Barcelona, Spain: A 12-year period experience.

BACKGROUND: Imported strongyloidiasis in non-endemic countries has increasingly been diagnosed. The aim of the present study is to describe the main epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with imported strongyloidiasis attended in a referral International Health Unit and to detect trend changes over a 12-year period. METHODS: This is an observational retrospective study including all imported strongyloidiasis cases seen at the International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes (Barcelona, Spain) from January 2009 to December 2020. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics from included patients were collected. RESULTS: Overall, 865 cases of imported strongyloidiasis were diagnosed, of whom 472 (54.6 %) were men and mean age was 38.7 (SD 13.4) years. Most cases were diagnosed in migrants (830, 96 %). The distribution of the geographic origin was: Latin America (561, 67.6 %), Sub-Saharan Africa (148, 17.8 %), Asia (113, 13.6 %), North Africa (5, 0.6 %), Eastern Europe (2, 0.2 %), and North America (1, 0.1 %). The main reasons for consultation at the Unit were screening of health status (371, 42.9 %), laboratory test alteration (367, 42.4 %), gastrointestinal symptoms (56, 6.5 %), cutaneous symptoms (26, 3 %), and other clinical symptoms (45, 5.2 %). An increase in the number of cases was observed in the last years of the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Imported strongyloidiasis has increasingly been diagnosed in our referral unit, mostly due to screening strategies implementation. Most of the patients were young migrants coming from Latin America, with no symptoms at the time of diagnosis. The optimization of screening strategies will increase the detection and treatment of cases, reducing potential complications.

Increased cytomegalovirus immune responses at disease onset are protective in the long-term prognosis of patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: It remains unclear whether viral infections interfere with multiple sclerosis (MS) disease progression. We evaluated the prognostic role of antibody responses toward viruses determined at disease onset on long-term disease outcomes. METHODS: Humoral immune responses against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded nuclear antigen EBNA1, viral capsid antigen (VCA) and early antigen, and toward cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpesvirus 6 and measles were investigated in a cohort of 143 patients with MS for their association with long-term disability and inflammation disease outcomes. RESULTS: Median (IQR) follow-up was 20 (17.2-22.8) years. In univariable analysis, increased HCMV levels were associated with a lower risk to Expanded Disability Status Scale 4.0 (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91 to 0.99; p=0.03), to develop a secondary progressive MS (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.90 to 0.99; p=0.02) and to first-line treatment (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99; p=0.04). High HCMV IgG levels were associated with a longer time to first-line treatment (p=0.01). Increased immune responses against EBV-VCA were associated with higher risk for first-line (HR 1.45; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.88; p=0.005) and second-line treatments (HR 2.03; 95% CI 1.18 to 3.49; p=0.01), and high VCA IgG levels were associated with shorter time to first-line (p=0.004) and second-line (p=0.02) therapies. EBNA1-specific IgG levels correlated with disease severity (0.17; p=0.04) and with an increased relapse rate during follow-up (relapse rate 1.26; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.56; p=0.02) that remained stable in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that elevated immune responses against HCMV at disease onset have protective effects on long-term disability and inflammation disease outcomes. Our data also indicate that increased immune responses against EBV in early phases may influence long-term disease prognosis.

False Lumen Flow Assessment by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Long-Term Outcomes in Uncomplicated Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Despite the absence of clinical complications after an acute aortic dissection (AD) with persistent patent false lumen (FL), a high risk for clinical events may persist. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the natural evolution of noncomplicated AD and ascertain whether different FL flow patterns by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have independent prognostic value for AD-related events beyond established morphologic parameters. METHODS: One hundred thirty-one consecutive patients, 78 with surgically treated type A dissections and 53 with medically treated type B dissections, were followed up prospectively after acute AD with persistent patent FL in the descending aorta. Maximum aortic diameter, true lumen compression, entry tear, and partial FL thrombosis by computed tomography were assessed. Systolic antegrade true lumen and FL flow volumes and diastolic antegrade and retrograde flows were analyzed by MRI during the first year after AD. RESULTS: After a median follow-up period of 8.0 years (IQR: 4.6-10.9 years), 43 patients presented aorta-related events (25 died and 18 required endovascular treatment). FL systolic antegrade flow ≥30% with respect to total systolic antegrade flow and retrograde diastolic flow ≥80% with respect to total diastolic FL flow were predictors of aortic events. In multivariate analysis, aortic diameter >45 mm (HR: 2.91), type B dissection (HR: 2.44), and MRI flow pattern (HR: 16.87) were independent predictors of AD-related events. CONCLUSIONS: High systolic antegrade flow volume in the FL with significant diastolic retrograde flow assessed by MRI and aortic diameter >45 mm identify patients with higher risk for complications in whom more aggressive management would be indicated.

Aortic flow dynamics and stiffness in Loeys-Dietz syndrome patients: a comparison with healthy volunteers and Marfan syndrome patients.

AIMS: To assess aortic flow and stiffness in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) by 4D flow and cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and compare the results with those of healthy volunteers (HV) and Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-one LDS and 44 MFS patients with no previous aortic dissection or surgery and 35 HV underwent non-contrast-enhanced 4D flow CMR. In-plane rotational flow (IRF), systolic flow reversal ratio (SFRR), and aortic diameters were obtained at 20 planes from the ascending (AAo) to the proximal descending aorta (DAo). IRF and SFRR were also quantified for aortic regions (proximal and distal AAo, arch and proximal DAo). Peak-systolic wall shear stress (WSS) maps were also estimated. Aortic stiffness was quantified using pulse wave velocity (PWV) and proximal AAo longitudinal strain. Compared to HV, LDS patients had lower rotational flow at the distal AAo (P = 0.002), arch (P = 0.002), and proximal DAo (P < 0.001) even after adjustment for age, stroke volume, and local diameter. LDS patients had higher SFRR in the proximal DAo compared to both HV (P = 0.024) and MFS patients (P = 0.015), even after adjustment for age and local diameter. Axial and circumferential WSS in LDS patients were lower than in HV. AAo circumferential WSS was lower in LDS compared to MFS patients. AAo and DAo PWV and proximal AAo longitudinal strain revealed stiffer aortas in LDS patients compared to HV (P = 0.007, 0.005, and 0.029, respectively) but no differences vs. MFS patients. CONCLUSION: Greater aortic stiffness as well as impaired IRF and WSS were present in LDS patients compared to HV. Conversely, similar aortic stiffness and overlapping aortic flow features were found in Loeys-Dietz and Marfan patients.

Wall Shear Stress Predicts Aortic Dilation in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the predictive value of wall shear stress (WSS) for colocalized ascending aorta (AAo) growth rate (GR) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). BACKGROUND: BAV is associated with AAo dilation, but there is limited knowledge about possible predictors of aortic dilation in patients with BAV. An increased WSS has been related to aortic wall damage in patients with BAV, but no previous prospective study tested its predictive value for dilation rate. Recently, a registration-based technique for the semiautomatic mapping of aortic GR has been presented and validated. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with BAV free from valvular dysfunction prospectively underwent 4-dimensional flow cardiac magnetic resonance to compute WSS and subsequent follow-up with 2 electrocardiogram-gated high-resolution contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiograms for GR assessment. RESULTS: During a median follow-up duration of 43 months, mid AAo GR was 0.24 mm/year. WSS and its circumferential component showed statistically significant association with mid AAo GR in bivariate (P = 0.049 and P = 0.014, respectively) and in multivariate analysis corrected for stroke volume and either baseline AAo diameter (P = 0.046 and P = 0.014, respectively) or z-score (P = 0.036 and P = 0.012, respectively). GR mapping further detailed that GR was heterogeneous in the AAo and that circumferential WSS, but not WSS magnitude, showed statistically significant positive associations with GR in the regions with the fastest growth. CONCLUSIONS: 4D flow cardiac magnetic resonance-derived WSS and, in particular, its circumferential component predict progressive dilation of the ascending aorta in patients with BAV. Thus, the assessment of WSS may be considered in the follow-up of these patients.

Differences in the Area of Proximal and Distal Entry Tears at CT Angiography Predict Long-term Clinical Outcomes in Aortic Dissection.

PURPOSE: To identify entry tear variables that are related to adverse clinical events by using CT angiography (CTA) performed during the subacute phase of aortic dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study conducted from January 2000 to December 2013, participants with an aortic dissection with a patent false lumen and no comorbidities underwent CTA during the subacute phase. Participants were followed up for a survival analysis to assess the time to an adverse aortic event (AAE). The maximum aortic diameter (MAD), proximal and distal tear areas and difference between these areas, and partial false-lumen thrombosis were assessed by using Cox regression for adverse events. RESULTS: Seventy-two participants (mean age, 55 years ± 12 [standard deviation]; 55 men) were evaluated: 47 were surgically treated (type A aortic dissection) and 25 were medically treated (type B aortic dissection). Twenty-two participants had an AAE manifest during follow-up (9.22 years ± 5.78): There were 18 elective surgeries for aneurysmal degeneration, two emergent surgeries for acute aortic syndrome, and two aortic condition-related deaths. A categorical model composed of genetic aortic disease (GAD) (hazard ratio [HR], 3.4 [95% CI: 1.2, 9.9]; P = .02), MAD greater than 45 mm (HR, 6.1 [95% CI: 2.4, 15.8]; P < .001), and tear dominance (HR, 5.2 [95% CI: 2.1, 13]; P < .001), defined as an absolute tear area difference of greater than 1.2 cm2, was used to stratify participants into three risk groups: low, without any risk factors (57% [41 of 72] and 7% [three of 41] had events); intermediate, with one risk factor (31% [22 of 72] and 50% [11 of 22] had events); and high, with two or more risk factors (13% [nine of 72] and 89% [eight of nine] had events; log rank P < .001). CONCLUSION: Tear dominance demonstrated at CTA performed in the subacute phase of aortic dissection was related to long-term adverse events. Participants without GAD, dominant tears, or MAD greater than 45 mm had conditions that were safely managed with optimal medical treatment and imaging follow-up.Keywords: CT Angiography, Vascular, Aorta, Dissection Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2021See also commentary by Fleischmann and Burris in this issue.

Predictive Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking after Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Comparison with Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography.

In acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) may underestimate segmental functional recovery. We evaluated the predictive value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature-tracking (FT) for functional recovery and whether it incremented the value of LGE compared to low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (LDDSE) and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). Eighty patients underwent LDDSE and CMR within 5-7 days after STEMI and segmental functional recovery was defined as improvement in wall-motion at 6-months CMR. Optimal conventional and FT parameters were analyzed and then also applied to an external validation cohort of 222 STEMI patients. Circumferential strain (CS) was the strongest CMR-FT predictor and addition to LGE increased the overall accuracy to 74% and was especially relevant in segments with 50-74% LGE (AUC 0.60 vs. 0.75, p = 0.001). LDDSE increased the overall accuracy to 71%, and in the 50-74% LGE subgroup improved the AUC from 0.60 to 0.69 (p = 0.039). LGE + CS showed similar value as LGE + LDDSE. In the validation cohort, CS was also the strongest CMR-FT predictor of recovery and addition of CS to LGE improved overall accuracy to 73% although this difference was not significant (AUC 0.69, p = 0.44). Conclusion: CS is the strongest CMR-FT predictor of segmental functional recovery after STEMI. Its incremental value to LGE is comparable to that of LDDSE whilst avoiding an inotropic stress agent. CS is especially relevant in segments with 50-74% LGE where accuracy is lower and further testing is frequently required to clarify the potential for recovery.

Predictors of Ascending Aorta Enlargement and Valvular Dysfunction Progression in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients are at high risk of developing progressive aortic valve dysfunction and ascending aorta dilation. However, the progression of the disease is not well defined. We aimed to assess mid-long-term aorta dilation and valve dysfunction progression and their predictors. Patients were referred from cardiac outpatient clinics to the echocardiographic laboratories of 10 tertiary hospitals and followed clinically and by echocardiography for >5 years. Seven hundred and eighteen patients with BAV (median age 47.8 years [IQR 33-62], 69.2% male) were recruited. BAV without raphe was observed in 11.3%. After a median follow-up of 7.2 years [IQR5-8], mean aortic root growth rate was 0.23 ± 0.15 mm/year. On multivariate analysis, rapid aortic root dilation (>0.35 mm/year) was associated with male sex, hypertension, presence of raphe and aortic regurgitation. Annual ascending aorta growth rate was 0.43 ± 0.32 mm/year. Rapid ascending aorta dilation was related only to hypertension. Variables associated with aortic stenosis and regurgitation progression, adjusted by follow-up time, were presence of raphe, hypertension and dyslipidemia and basal valvular dysfunction, respectively. Intrinsic BAV characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors were associated with aorta dilation and valvular dysfunction progression, taking into account the inherent limitations of our study-design. Strict and early control of cardiovascular risk factors is mandatory in BAV patients.

Are Aortic Root and Ascending Aorta Diameters Measured by the Pediatric versus the Adult American Society of Echocardiography Guidelines Interchangeable?

Ascending aorta diameters have important clinical value in the diagnosis, follow-up, and surgical indication of many aortic diseases. However, there is no uniformity among experts regarding ascending aorta diameter quantification by echocardiography. The aim of this study was to compare maximum aortic root and ascending aorta diameters determined by the diastolic leading edge (DLE) and the systolic inner edge (SIE) conventions in adult and pediatric patients with inherited cardiovascular diseases. Transthoracic echocardiograms were performed in 328 consecutive patients (260 adults and 68 children). Aorta diameters were measured twice at the root and ascending aorta by the DLE convention following the 2015 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) adult guidelines and the SIE convention following the 2010 ASE pediatric guidelines. Comparison of the diameters measured by the two conventions in the overall population showed a non-significant underestimation of the diameter measured by the SIE convention at root level of 0.28 mm (CI -1.36; 1.93) and at tubular ascending aorta level of 0.17 mm (CI -1.69; 2.03). Intraobserver and interobserver variability were excellent. Maximum aorta diameter measured by the leading edge convention in end-diastole and the inner edge convention in mid-systole had similar values to a mild non-significant underestimation of the inner-to-inner method that permits them to be interchangeable when used in clinical practice.

Clinical Risk Prediction in Patients With Left Ventricular Myocardial Noncompaction.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a heterogeneous entity with uncertain prognosis. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to develop and validate a prediction model of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and to identify LVNC cases without events during long-term follow-up. METHODS: This is a retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients fulfilling LVNC criteria by echocardiography or cardiovascular magnetic resonance. MACE were defined as heart failure (HF), ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), systemic embolisms, or all-cause mortality. RESULTS: A total of 585 patients were included (45 ± 20 years of age, 57% male). LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 48% ± 17%, and 18% presented late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). After a median follow-up of 5.1 years, MACE occurred in 223 (38%) patients: HF in 110 (19%), VAs in 87 (15%), systemic embolisms in 18 (3%), and 34 (6%) died. LVEF was the main variable independently associated with MACE (P < 0.05). LGE was associated with HF and VAs in patients with LVEF >35% (P < 0.05). A prediction model of MACE was developed using Cox regression, composed by age, sex, electrocardiography, cardiovascular risk factors, LVEF, and family aggregation. C-index was 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.75) in the derivation cohort and 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.71-0.73) in an external validation cohort. Patients with no electrocardiogram abnormalities, LVEF ≥50%, no LGE, and negative family screening presented no MACE at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LVNC is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. LVEF is the variable most strongly associated with MACE; however, LGE confers additional risk in patients without severe systolic dysfunction. A risk prediction model is developed and validated to guide management.

Aortic Branch Aneurysms and Vascular Risk in Patients With Marfan Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Aortic branch aneurysms are not included in the diagnostic criteria for Marfan syndrome (MFS); however, their prevalence and eventual prognostic significance are unknown. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of aortic branch aneurysms in MFS and their relationship with aortic prognosis. METHODS: MFS patients with a pathogenic FBN1 genetic variant and at least one magnetic resonance or computed tomography angiography study assessing aortic branches were included. Aortic events and those related to aneurysm complications were recorded during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 104 aneurysms were detected in 50 (26.7%) of the 187 patients with MFS (mean age 37.9 ± 14.4 years; 54% male) included in this study, with the iliac artery being the most common location (45 aneurysms). Thirty-one patients (62%) had >1 peripheral aneurysm, and surgery was performed in 5 (4.8%). Patients with aneurysms were older (41.9 ± 12.7 years vs. 36.7 ± 14.8 years; p = 0.040) and had more dilated aortic root (42.2 ± 6.4 mm vs. 38.8 ± 8.0 mm; p = 0.044) and dyslipidemia (31.0% vs. 9.7%; p = 0.001). In a subgroup of 95 patients with no previous aortic surgery or dissection followed up for 3.3 ± 2.6 years, the presence of arterial aneurysms was associated with a greater need for aortic surgery (hazard ratio: 3.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 10.3; p = 0.028) in a multivariable Cox analysis adjusted for age and aortic diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic branch aneurysms are present in one-quarter of patients with MFS and are related to age and aortic dilation, and they independently predict the need for aortic surgery. The systematic use of whole-body vascular assessment is recommended to identify other sites of vascular involvement at risk for complications and to define the subgroup of patients with more aggressive aortic disease.

Leaflet fusion length is associated with aortic dilation and flow alterations in non-dysfunctional bicuspid aortic valve.

OBJECTIVE: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), the most common congenital valve defect, is associated with increased risk of aortic dilation and related complications; however, current risk assessment is not effective. Most of BAV have three leaflets with a fusion between two of them of variable length. This study aimed to ascertain whether the extent of leaflet fusion (often called raphe) is related to aortic dilation and flow abnormalities in BAV with no significant valvular dysfunction. METHODS: One hundred and twenty BAV patients with no significant valvular dysfunction or history of surgical repair or aortic valve replacement were consecutively and prospectively enrolled (September 2014-October 2018). Cardiac magnetic resonance protocol included a 4D flow sequence for haemodynamic assessment. Moreover, a stack of double-oblique cine images of the aortic valve were used to quantify fusion length (in systole) and leaflet length (diastole). Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility was tested in 30 randomly selected patients. RESULTS: Aortic valve leaflet fusion was measurable in 112 of 120 (93%) cases with good reproducibility (ICC = 0.826). Fusion length varied greatly (range: 2.3-15.4 mm; mean: 7.8 ± 3.2 mm). After correction for demographic and clinical conditions, fusion length was independently associated with diameter and z-score at the sinus of Valsalva (p = 0.002 and p = 0.002, respectively) and ascending aorta (p = 0.028 and p = 0.046). Fusion length was positively related to flow asymmetry, vortices and circumferential wall shear stress, thereby possibly providing a pathophysiological link with aortic dilation. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve fusion length is related to aortic dilation and flow abnormalities in BAV patients. KEY POINTS: • The length of the fusion between leaflets in non-dysfunctional bicuspid aortic valves varies substantially and can be reliably measured by cine CMR. • Aortic valve leaflet fusion length is independently related to aortic sinus and ascending aorta diameter. • Increased flow asymmetry, circumferential wall shear stress and presence of vortices are positively related to aortic valve leaflet fusion length.

Changes in the diagnosis and management of acute aortic syndrome and associated mortality in the last 20 years.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Mortality is high in acute aortic syndrome (AAS), which therefore requires early treatment. This study aimed to analyze changes in the diagnosis and treatment of AAS over 20 years at our center. METHODS: From 1999 to 2018, 451 patients diagnosed with AAS (336 men; mean age, 60.9±12.4 years) were prospectively included (270 type A and 181 type B). Clinical variables, diagnosis, treatment, and in-hospital complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The use of computed tomography (CT) as the first-line diagnostic technique increased from 62.8% to 94.2% (P <.001). Surgical treatment of type A AAS rose from 67.4% to 82.5% (P=.09). Mortality from type A AAS decreased significantly from 53.1% to 26.3% (P <.001) as a result of the fall in mortality from surgical treatment (from 45.4% to 17.0%; P <.001). The use of medical treatment alone for type B AAS decreased from 91.8% to 61.7% (P <.001) due to the greater use of endovascular treatment. Mortality from type B AAS showed no significant reduction (16.2% to 10.6%; P=.15). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis and treatment of AAS has changed substantially in the last 2 decades. CT has become the first-line diagnostic technique for AAS. In type A AAS, mortality has fallen significantly due to improvements in the results of surgical treatment. In type B AAS, the use of medical treatment alone has decreased due to the expansion of endovascular treatment, although in-hospital mortality has not decreased significantly.

Cardiac magnetic resonance longitudinal strain analysis in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A comparison with speckle-tracking echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Strain analysis with speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is considered superior to ejection fraction for ventricular function assessment in different clinical scenarios. Feature tracking (FT) permits cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) strain analysis in routinely acquired cine images. This study evaluated the feasibility of CMR-FT and its agreement with STE in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: An echocardiogram and CMR were performed in 128 patients who underwent primary percutaneous revascularisation after a STEMI. Adequate strain analysis was obtained by both techniques in 98 patients and peak systolic longitudinal strain (LS) was assessed with STE and CMR-FT. RESULTS: Of 1568 myocardial segments, 97.2% were correctly tracked with STE and 97.7% with CMR-FT. For global LS, STE showed a mean of -14.8 ±â€¯3.3% and CMR-FT -13.7 ±â€¯3.0%, with good agreement between modalities [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.826; bias -1.09%; limits of agreement (LOA) ±â€¯4.2%]. On the other hand, segmental LS agreement was only moderate, with an ICC of 0.678 (bias -1.14%; LOA ±â€¯11.76%) and the ICC ranged from 0.538 at the basal antero-lateral segment to 0.815 at the apical lateral segment. Finally, both STE and CMR-FT showed excellent intra- and inter-observer reproducibility (ICC > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: CMR-FT provides LS with similar feasibility to STE and both techniques showed good agreement for global LS, although agreement at segmental level was only moderate. CMR-FT showed excellent reproducibility, strengthening its robustness and potential for both research and clinical applications.

Microscopic examination after concentration techniques for Blastocystis sp. detection in serial faecal samples: How many samples are needed?

OBJECTIVE: Blastocystis sp. is one of the most frequently observed intestinal parasites in humans. It is suggested that sensitivity of classical parasitological tests for the Blastocystis sp. diagnosis increases when increasing the number of investigated samples, although there is a lack of information. The aim of the study is to evaluate the sensitivity of classical parasitological tests for the Blastocystis sp. diagnosis depending on the number of investigated samples and to determine risk factors associated to high parasite burden. METHODS: Retrospective study where patients in whom three consecutive stool samples were examined for parasitic diagnosis through microscopic examination at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain) from January to April 2019 were included. To determine risk factors associated to high parasite burden, a case-control study was performed including patients with at least one positive stool sample for Blastocystis sp.: cases were those patients with only one or two positive stool samples, and controls were those with all three stool positive samples). Clinical records were reviewed from included patients to collect clinical and demographic information. RESULTS: In 2771 patients three consecutive stool samples were examined for parasitic diagnosis, with an overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. detection of 23.3%. The proportions of positive cases depending on the number of investigated samples were: 22.3% when taking into account the first sample, 22.9% when taking into account the first and second samples, and 23.3% when taking into account the three samples, with no statistically significant differences among them. For the case-control study we finally included 63 cases and 133 controls. No differences were found regarding clinical and demographic characteristics among groups. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection was high in our study (23.3%). The sensitivity of classical parasitological methods for Blastocystis sp. diagnosis did not increase when increasing the number of investigated samples, and no risk factors associated to high parasite burden were identified.

Usefulness of real-time PCR during follow-up of patients treated with Benznidazole for chronic Chagas disease: Experience in two referral centers in Barcelona.

BACKGROUND: Antitrypanosomal treatment with Benznidazole (BZ) or Nifurtimox may be recommended for patients with chronic Chagas disease (CD) to reduce the onset or progression of symptoms. However, such treatment has limited efficacy and high level of toxic effects. In addition, the current cure biomarker (serology conversion) precludes any treatment assessment unless a prolonged follow-up is arranged. PCR is thus the most useful, alternative surrogate marker for evaluating responses to treatment. The aim of this study is to describe the usefulness of real-time PCR in monitoring BZ treatment within a large cohort of chronic CD cases in Barcelona. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A total of 370 chronic CD patients were monitored with real-time PCR post-BZ treatment. The median follow-up was 4 years (IQR 2.2-5.3y), with a median of 3 clinical visits (IQR 2-4). Only 8 patients (2.2%) presented with at least one incident of positive real-time PCR after treatment and were therefore considered as treatment failure. Four of those failure patients had completed full course treatment, whereas the remaining cases had defaulted with a statistical difference between both groups (p = 0.02). Half of the failure patients had undergone less than 4 years of follow-up monitoring all presented with parasitemia before treatment. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: BZ treatment failure was highly infrequent in our cohort. BZ discontinuation was a risk factor for positive real-time PCR results during clinical follow-up. Regular testing with real-time PCR during follow-up allows for early detection of treatment failure in patients with chronic CD.

Strongyloidiasis screening in migrants living in Spain: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To provide information regarding the prevalence of strongyloidiasis among migrants coming from Strongyloides stercoralis-endemic areas who reside in Spain. METHODS: Systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of studies showing prevalence of S. stercoralis infection among migrants from Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia and Oceania who reside in Spain. We included articles published until 30 April 2019 without language restriction. The keywords used for the search included 'Strongyloides stercoralis', 'strongyloidiasis', 'Spain', 'screening' and 'migrants'. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included in the review and meta-analysis, comprising 12 386 screened people. Eleven studies (7020 patients) evaluated the presence of S. stercoralis infection only through investigation of larvae in faeces, showing an overall prevalence of 1% (95%CI 1-1%). Thirteen studies (5366 patients) used a serological test, showing an overall prevalence of 14% (95%CI 11-17%). Strongyloidiasis seroprevalence was 20% (95%CI 15-24%) among migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, 14% (95%CI 10-18%) among those from Latin America and 8% (95%CI 5-11%) among migrants from North Africa. CONCLUSIONS: Migrants coming from strongyloidiasis-endemic areas living in Spain had a high S. stercoralis infection prevalence, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. This population should be screened using serology as the most sensitive test for S. stercoralis infection. This could be easily implemented at primary care level.

OBJECTIFS: Fournir des informations sur la prévalence de la strongyloïdose parmi les migrants résidant en Espagne et provenant de zones endémiques pour Strongyloides stercoralis. MÉTHODES: Revue systématique de la littérature et méta-analyse des études montrant la prévalence de l'infection à S. stercoralis parmi les migrants d'Amérique latine, d'Afrique, d'Europe de l'Est, d'Asie et d'Océanie qui résident en Espagne. Nous avons inclus des articles publiés jusqu'au 30 avril e 2019 sans restriction de langue. Les mots clés utilisés pour la recherche comprenaient "Strongyloides stercoralis", "strongyloïdose", "Espagne", "dépistage" et "migrants". RÉSULTATS: Vingt-quatre études ont été incluses dans la revue et la méta-analyse, comprenant 12.386 personnes dépistées. Onze études (7.020 patients) ont évalué la présence d'une infection à S. stercoralis uniquement en examinant les larves dans les selles, montrant une prévalence globale de 1% (IC95%: 1-1%). Treize études (5.366 patients) ont utilisé un test sérologique, montrant une prévalence globale de 14% (IC95%: 11-17%). La séroprévalence de la strongyloïdose était de 20% (IC95%: 15-24%) chez les migrants d'Afrique subsaharienne, 14% (IC95%: 10-18%) chez ceux d'Amérique latine et 8% (IC95%: 5-11%) chez ceux d'Afrique du Nord. CONCLUSIONS: Les migrants en provenance de zones d'endémie pour la strongyloïdose vivant en Espagne avaient une prévalence élevée d'infection à S. stercoralis, en particulier ceux d'Afrique subsaharienne et d'Amérique latine. Cette population devrait être dépistée en utilisant la sérologie comme le test le plus sensible pour l' infection à S. stercoralis. Cela pourrait être facilement mis en œuvre au niveau des soins primaires.

Myocardial protection in the arterial switch operation: Custodiol versus cold blood cardioplegia.

OBJECTIVES: The optimal myocardial protective solution in the neonatal arterial switch operation remains controversial. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that Bretschneider's histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate crystalloid solution (Custodiol) offers protection at least similar to that of cold blood cardioplegia. METHODS: Patients who underwent the neonatal arterial switch operation with Custodiol between January 2016 and December 2018 (n = 23) were compared with an historical cohort from August 2010 to December 2015 in which cold blood cardioplegia was used (n = 41). A linear mixed-effect model for repeated measures was performed to test the recovery of myocardial function based on inotropic and vasoactive inotropic scores, cardiac enzyme release and left ventricular ejection fraction. RESULTS: Patients in the cold blood cardioplegia group had higher inotropic scores in the first 24 h (0 h, P = 0.001 and 24 h, P = 0.006) and higher vasoactive inotropic scores in the first 72 h (0 h, 24 h and 48 h, P < 0.001; 72 h, P = 0.012). Cardiac troponin-I concentrations were higher in the cold blood cardioplegia group at postoperative hours 1-72 (1 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, P < 0.001; 48 h, P = 0.001 and 72 h, P = 0.003). Creatinine-kinase-MB concentrations were higher in the cold blood cardioplegia group at postoperative hours 1-24 (1 h, 6 h and 12 h, P < 0.001; 24 h, P = 0.042). The left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in the Custodiol group just after the operation (P = 0.005), at 24 h (P = 0.001) and on the first day without inotropic support (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal myocardium protected with Custodiol during the arterial switch operation presented optimal ventricular function recovery with less inotropic support and less myocardial damage compared with cold blood cardioplegia.

Serum IL-10 Levels and Its Relationship with Parasitemia in Chronic Chagas Disease Patients.

It is known that the immunoregulatory networks in human Chagas disease play a key role in parasitemia control during the acute phase. However, little is known regarding the control of parasitemia during the chronic phase. The aim of the study was to describe the serum cytokine profile of Trypanosoma cruzi chronically infected patients and to evaluate its relationship with the presence or absence of parasitemia in peripheral blood. This is a prospective observational study where adult Chagas disease patients were included. Patients previously treated for Chagas disease, pregnant women, and immunosuppressed patients were excluded. Demographic and clinical information was collected, and T. cruzi real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and serum cytokine profile were determined in peripheral blood. Forty-five patients were included. Trypanosoma cruzi RT-PCR in peripheral blood resulted positive in 19 (42.2%) patients. No differences in the serum cytokine profile were found depending on cardiac or digestive involvement. However, patients with positive T. cruzi RT-PCR had a higher median concentration of IL-10 and IL-1beta and a lower median concentration of IL-8 than those with negative T. cruzi PCR. These results reinforce the key role that this anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) plays in parasitemia control.