Predictors of pacemaker dependency in patients implanted with a pacemaker after Transaortic valve replacement.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The development of complete AV block and the need for pacemaker implantation (PM) is the most frequent complication after Transaortic valve replacement (TAVR). In other PM clinical contexts, a higher percentage of ventricular stimulation has been associated with worse prognosis. The objective was to study the existence of predictors of PM dependence. METHODS: We identified 96 consecutive patients who had received a PM post-TAVR (all Core-Valve). We retrospectively analyzed this cohort with the aim of identifying predictors of a high and very high percentage of ventricular pacing (VP), PM dependency and survival. RESULTS: The mean age was 82.3 years, with a mean logistic EuroSCORE of 17.1, 53% were women and 12% of patients had LVEF < 50%. The indication was complete AV block in 40.5%, and LBBB in 59.5%. Mean survival was 62.7 months, IQR [54.4-71]. The only independent predictor of mortality was the pre-TAVR logistic Euro-SCORE (RR = 1,026, p = 0.033), but not LVEF < 50%, VP > 50%, VP > 85% or PM dependence. In 73 patients PM rhythm was documented at the end of follow-up. Of these, 14 (19.2%) were considered dependent, and 37 (50.7%) presented VP > 50%. The post-TAVR complete AV block recovery rate was 67.8%. In multivariate analysis, female sex (HR = 5.6, p = 0.005), and indication of complete AV block vs. LBBB (HR = 15.7, p = 0.017) were independently associated with PM dependency. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex and indication due to complete AV block were independent predictors of PM dependency during follow up. In our series of patients with mostly normal LVEF, a high percentage of stimulation does not influence prognosis.

Baseline ECG and Prognosis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: The Role of Interatrial Block.

Background The clinical significance of conduction disturbances after transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been described; however, little is known about the influence of baseline ECGs in the prognosis of these patients. Our aim was to study the influence of baseline ECG parameters, including interatrial block (IAB), in the prognosis of patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Methods and Results The BIT (Baseline Interatrial Block and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) registry included 2527 patients with aortic stenosis treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A centralized analysis of baseline ECGs was performed. Patients were divided into 4 groups: normal P wave duration (<120 ms); partial IAB (P wave duration ≥120 ms, positive in the inferior leads); advanced IAB (P wave duration ≥120 ms, biphasic [+/-] morphology in the inferior leads); and nonsinus rhythm (atrial fibrillation/flutter and paced rhythm). The mean age of patients was 82.6±9.8 years and 1397 (55.3%) were women. A total of 960 patients (38.0%) had a normal P wave, 582 (23.0%) had partial IAB, 300 (11.9%) had advanced IAB, and 685 (27.1%) presented with nonsinus rhythm. Mean follow-up duration was 465±171 days. Advanced IAB was the only independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.48; 95% CI, 1.10-1.98 [P=0.010]) and of the composite end point (death/stroke/new atrial fibrillation) (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.17-1.94 [P=0.001]). Conclusions Baseline ECG characteristics influence the prognosis of patients with aortic stenosis treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Advanced IAB is present in about an eighth of patients and is associated with all-cause death and the composite end point of death, stroke, and new atrial fibrillation during follow-up.

Young athletes' ECG: Incomplete right bundle branch block vs crista supraventricularis pattern.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete right bundle branch block (IRBBB) is prevalent among athletes, but its etiology remains to be clearly elucidated and the commonly advocated mechanism, an intraventricular conduction delay, does not explain all cases. In the general population, an apparently similar phenomenon but with different pathophysiology and potential consequences, "crista supraventricularis pattern" (CSP, defined as QRS ≤ 100 ms, S wave <40 ms in I or V6 together with an RSR´ pattern in lead-V1) has been described. Yet, this manifestation has not been studied in athletes. Given that IRBBB can be associated with some serious conditions (including Brugada syndrome, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, or atrial septal defects) the differentiation between IRBB and CSP could enhance the accuracy of the pre-participation screening (PPS). We thus aimed to determine the prevalence of CSP in young athletes. METHODS: Observational study of standard 12-lead resting ECG in a cohort of children (5-16 years) attending a PPS program (August 2018-May 2019). RESULTS: 6,401 children (mean ± SD age 11.2 ± 2.9 years, 99.2% Caucasian, 93.8% male, 97.2% soccer players) were studied. We found CSP in 850 participants (prevalence = 13.3% [95% confidence interval 12.5-14.1]) whereas 553 (8.6%) had IRBBB. The proportion of athletes showing an S1S2S3 pattern was higher in those with CSP compared with the other QRS morphologies (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: CSP might have been overlooked in previous reports of sports PPS for children and misdiagnosed as IRBBB, as the proportion of the former condition was higher. Our findings might add useful information to improve the interpretation of the young athletes' ECG and thus the diagnostic value of PPS.

Rational and design of the Baseline Interatrial block and Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (BIT) registry.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis (AS) is currently the most frequent heart valve disease. Symptomatic severe AS has a poor prognosis and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is becoming the therapy of choice in these patients. Changes in the conduction tissue after the procedure constitute one of the main limitations of TAVI, with a frequent need for a definitive pacemaker. Interatrial block (IAB) is defined as a prolonged P-wave duration and is related with atrial fibrosis. The presence of IAB could be a marker of conduction tissue abnormalities at other levels. No study has specifically analyzed the role of IAB as a predictor of the need for permanent pacemaker in patients with AS undergoing TAVI. METHODS: The Baseline Interatrial block and Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (BIT) registry will be performed in approximately 3000 patients with severe AS treated with TAVI. A centralized analysis of baseline ECGs will study the presence and type of IAB and other ECG data (rhythm, P-wave duration, PR and QRS intervals/intraventricular conduction disorders). Clinical follow-up will be carried out by local researchers. The primary endpoint will be the requirement of permanent pacemaker during post-TAVI hospitalization. As secondary objectives, the incidence of new onset AF, stroke, or mortality during follow-up will be analyzed. Secondary endpoints will include the incidence of new onset AF, stroke, or mortality during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The BIT registry will study, for the first time, the influence of previous IAB in the need of permanent pacemaker after TAVI: This large registry will also provide information regarding the association of this and other ECG parameters with prognosis.

Una rara imagen angiográfica de una endocarditis infecciosa / An unusual angiographic image of infective endocarditis

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Evolución de los pacientes con estenosis aórtica grave tras la indicación de intervención / Prognosis of patients with severe aortic stenosis after the decision to perform an intervention

Introducción y objetivos: Los tratamientos actuales de la estenosis aórtica (EAo) grave incluyen el implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica (TAVI) y la cirugía de sustitución valvular aórtica (SVAo). El objetivo es describir la evolución de los pacientes con EAo grave tras la indicación de intervención, las variables que influyen en su pronóstico y los determinantes de un tiempo de espera superior a 2 meses. Métodos: Subanálisis del registro IDEAS (Influencia del Diagnóstico de Estenosis Aórtica Severa) en los pacientes a los que se indicó intervención. Resultados: De 726 pacientes con EAo grave diagnosticada en enero de 2014, se indicó intervención a 300 que son el foco del presente estudio. La media de edad era 74,0 +/- 9,7 años. Se intervino a 258 pacientes (86,0%): 59 con TAVI y 199 con SVAo. Al año, 42 (14,0%) continuaban sin intervención, ya sea por seguir en espera (34) o haber fallecido (8). La mitad de los pacientes que murieron antes del procedimiento fallecieron en los primeros 100 días. El tiempo hasta la intervención fue 2,9 +/- 1,6 meses para el TAVI y 3,5 +/- 0,2 meses para la SVAo (p = 0,03). Los predictores de mortalidad independientes fueron el sexo masculino (HR = 2,6; IC95%, 1,1-6,0), la insuficiencia mitral moderada-grave (HR = 2,6; IC95%, 1,5-4,5), la movilidad reducida (HR = 4,6; IC95%, 1,7-12,6) y la falta de intervención (HR = 2,3; IC95%, 1,02-5,03). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con EAo grave en espera de intervención tienen alto riesgo de mortalidad. Hay indicadores clínicos asociados con peor pronóstico que podrían indicar la necesidad de una intervención precoz

Introduction and objectives: Current therapeutic options for severe aortic stenosis (AS) include transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Our aim was to describe the prognosis of patients with severe AS after the decision to perform an intervention, to study the variables influencing their prognosis, and to describe the determinants of waiting time > 2 months. Methods: Subanalysis of the IDEAS (Influence of the Severe Aortic Stenosis Diagnosis) registry in patients indicated for TAVI or SAVR. Results: Of 726 patients with severe AS diagnosed in January 2014, the decision to perform an intervention was made in 300, who were included in the present study. The mean age was 74.0 +/- 9.7 years. A total of 258 (86.0%) underwent an intervention: 59 TAVI and 199 SAVR. At the end of the year, 42 patients (14.0%) with an indication for an intervention did not receive it, either because they remained on the waiting list (34 patients) or died while waiting for the procedure (8 patients). Of the patients who died while on the waiting list, half did so in the first 100 days. The mean waiting time was 2.9 +/- 1.6 for TAVI and 3.5 +/- 0.2 months for SAVR (P = .03). The independent predictors of mortality were male sex (HR, 2.6; 95%CI, 1.1-6.0), moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (HR, 2.6; 95%CI, 1.5-4.5), reduced mobility (HR, 4.6; 95%CI, 1.7-12.6), and non intervention (HR, 2.3; 95%CI, 1.02-5.03). Conclusions: Patients with severe aortic stenosis a waiting therapeutic procedures have a high mortality risk. Some clinical indicators predict a worse prognosis and suggest the need for early intervention

Prevalence of Microvascular and Endothelial Dysfunction in the Nonculprit Territory in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Approximately half of the patients presenting with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have multivessel disease. The physiology of the nonculprit artery has not been thoroughly studied to date. We sought to characterize the coronary physiology of the nonculprit artery in the early phase after STEMI and determine the real prevalence of microvascular and endothelial dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with STEMI and another coronary artery lesion in a different territory were prospectively included in an observational single-center study. The protocol took place after revascularization of the culprit artery and comprised 3 phases: first, epicardial endothelial functional assessment using intracoronary acetylcholine; second, epicardial severity quantification based on fractional flow reserve, and nonendothelial microvascular function with coronary flow reserve and the index of microvascular resistance; third, endothelium-dependent microvascular function assessment based on the endothelial coronary flow reserve. Eighty-four patients were included. Mean age was 62±10 years, and 86.9% were men. Only 6 subjects had a nonpathological study: macrovascular endothelial dysfunction was present in 60% of the patients; fractional flow reserve ≤0.8, coronary flow reserve <2, and index of microvascular resistance >25 were evident in 34%, 37%, and 28% of the subjects respectively; and microvascular endothelial dysfunction (endothelial coronary flow reserve <1.5) was observed in 44%. In hospital-mortality was 0%, and no major complications occurred. At 6-month follow-up, there were no events related to the nonculprit artery. CONCLUSIONS: Microvascular and endothelial dysfunction in the nonculprit artery territory in patients with STEMI are very common. In 93% of the patients, we found functional abnormalities. Acetylcholine administration in the early phase post-STEMI in patients with multivessel disease is safe.

Prognosis of Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis After the Decision to Perform an Intervention.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Current therapeutic options for severe aortic stenosis (AS) include transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Our aim was to describe the prognosis of patients with severe AS after the decision to perform an intervention, to study the variables influencing their prognosis, and to describe the determinants of waiting time > 2 months. METHODS: Subanalysis of the IDEAS (Influence of the Severe Aortic Stenosis Diagnosis) registry in patients indicated for TAVI or SAVR. RESULTS: Of 726 patients with severe AS diagnosed in January 2014, the decision to perform an intervention was made in 300, who were included in the present study. The mean age was 74.0 ± 9.7 years. A total of 258 (86.0%) underwent an intervention: 59 TAVI and 199 SAVR. At the end of the year, 42 patients (14.0%) with an indication for an intervention did not receive it, either because they remained on the waiting list (34 patients) or died while waiting for the procedure (8 patients). Of the patients who died while on the waiting list, half did so in the first 100 days. The mean waiting time was 2.9 ± 1.6 for TAVI and 3.5 ± 0.2 months for SAVR (P = .03). The independent predictors of mortality were male sex (HR, 2.6; 95%CI, 1.1-6.0), moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (HR, 2.6; 95%CI, 1.5-4.5), reduced mobility (HR, 4.6; 95%CI, 1.7-12.6), and nonintervention (HR, 2.3; 95%CI, 1.02-5.03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe aortic stenosis awaiting therapeutic procedures have a high mortality risk. Some clinical indicators predict a worse prognosis and suggest the need for early intervention.

Sacubitril/Valsartan in Daily Clinical Practice: Data From a Prospective Registry.

Sacubitril/valsartan (SV) is a new therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Our aim was to determine the efficacy and safety of this drug daily clinical practice. We performed a multicenter registry in 10 hospitals. All patients who started SV from October 2016 to March 2017 on an outpatient basis were included. A total of 427 patients started treatment with SV. Mean follow-up was 7.0 ± 0.1 months. Forty-nine patients (11.5%) discontinued SV, and 12 (2.8%) died. SV discontinuation was associated with higher cardiovascular (hazard ratio 13.22, 95% confidence interval, 6.71-15.73, P < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 13.51, 95% confidence interval 3.22-56.13, P < 0.001). Symptomatic hypotension occurred in 71 patients (16.6%). Baseline N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, functional class, and left ventricular ejection fraction improved at the end of follow-up in patients who continued with SV (all P values ≤0.001). This improvement was not significant in patients with SV discontinuation. SV has a good tolerability in patients from daily clinical practice. SV withdrawal in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality. Patients who continued with SV presented an improvement in functional class left ventricular ejection fraction and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels.

Clinical Profile of a Nonselected Population Treated With Sacubitril/Valsartan Is Different From PARADIGM-HF Trial.

Our aim is to describe the characteristics of the patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan (SV) in daily clinical practice. This is a prospective registry in 10 hospitals including all patients who started SV in everyday clinical practice. From October 2016 to March 2017, 427 patients started treatment with SV. The mean age was 68.1 ± 12.4 years, and 30.5% were women (22.0% in PARADIGM-HF, P < 0.001). Comparing our cohort with patients included in PARADIGM-HF, baseline treatment was different, with a lower ratio of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (2.7 vs. 3.5, P < 0.001), and a higher proportion of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (53.8% vs. 15%, P < 0.001), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (25.8% vs. 5%, P < 0.001). Treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists was more frequent (76.7% vs. 60.0%, P < 0.001), and the use of beta-blockers was similar (94.6% vs. 93.0%, P = 0.43). We observed more patients in functional class III-IV (30.4 vs. 24.8, P = 0.015), higher levels of Nt pro-BNP [3421 (904-4161) vs. 1631 (885-3154) pg/mL] and worse renal function (creatinine level 1.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001). In real life, patients receiving SV have a higher risk profile than in the pivotal trial, poorer functional class, higher levels of natriuretic peptides, and worse renal function.

Hipertrofia ventricular izquierda grave por inmunodepresores tras trasplante cardíaco: una complicación rara / Severe left ventricular hypertrophy due to immunosuppresive treatment after heart transplantation: A rare complication

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Ventricular Arrhythmic Storm after Initiating Sacubitril/Valsartan.

OBJECTIVES: Sacubitril/valsartan was approved recently for the treatment of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. We present 6 cases of ventricular arrhythmia, that occurred shortly after sacubitril/valsartan initiation, that required drug withdrawal. Other potential triggering factors of electrical storm were ruled out and, from the arrhythmic perspective, all of the patients were stable in the previous year. Our aim is to describe the possible association of sacubitril/valsartan with arrhythmic storm. METHODS: This was an observational monocentric study performed in the first 7 months of sacubitril/valsartan commercialization in Spain (October 2016). All patients were included in the SUMA (Sacubitril/Varsartan Usado Ambulatoriamente en Madrid [Sacubitril/Valsartan Used in Outpatients in Madrid]) registry. Patients were consecutively enrolled on the day they started the drug. Ventricular arrhythmic storm was defined as ≥2 episodes of sustained ventricular arrhythmia or defibrillator therapy application in 24 h. RESULTS: From 108 patients who received the drug, 6 presented with ventricular arrhythmic storm (5.6%). Baseline characteristics were similar in the patients with and without ventricular arrhythmic storm. The total number of days that sacubitril/valsartan was administered to each patient was 5, 6, 44 (8 since titration), 84, 93, and 136 (105 since titration), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data are not enough to infer a cause-and-effect relationship. Further investigations regarding a potential proarrhythmic effect of sacubitril/valsartan are probably needed.

Management of Nonagenarian Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis: The Role of Comorbidity.

BACKGROUND: The number of nonagenarian patients with aortic stenosis will likely increase due to the ageing population. We assessed the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of nonagenarian patients with severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: A total of 177 (117 females and 60 males) consecutive nonagenarian patients from two large contemporary registries were included in this study. Clinical characteristics, comorbidity as assessed by the Charlson Index, clinical management, and outcomes were recorded. The main outcome measure was 1-year mortality. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 91.1 years, and 56 patients (31.6%) had a Charlson Index <3. A strong association between comorbidity and 1-year overall mortality was observed, with higher 1-year mortality in patients with Charlson Index ≥3 (66.4% vs. 32.1%, p<0.001). A total of 150 patients (84.7%) were managed conservatively, and 27 (15.3%) underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Predictors of a conservative management were treatment out of TAVI centres, lower mean aortic gradient and better functional class. Clinical management was not significantly different with different degrees of comorbidity. A trend toward higher mortality in patients undergoing conservative management was observed (58% vs. 40.7%, p=0.097). Independent predictors of mortality were higher Charlson Index, lower creatinine clearance, lower mean aortic gradient, poorer left ventricular ejection fraction, significant mitral regurgitation and conservative management. CONCLUSIONS: About one third of nonagenarians with severe aortic stenosis have few comorbidities. The clinical management was similar irrespective of the Charlson Index. Both higher Charlson Index values and a conservative management were independently associated with a higher mortality.

Predictors of high Killip class after ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in the era of primary reperfusion.

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: Outcome after ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), has improved but patients with high Killip class still have a poor prognosis, and those ≥II need a closer monitoring in a specialized cardiac care unit. PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the predictors of Killip class in a group of patients admitted for acute STEMI. METHODS: Non-interventional registry in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Patients were consecutively included from January 2010 to April 2015, and multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of high Killip Class. RESULTS: We included 1111 patients, mean age was 64.0±14.0years and 258 (23.2%) were female. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 991 (89.2%), and 120 (10.8%) only received thrombolysis as acute reperfusion therapy. A total of 230 (20.7%) were in class II or higher. The independent predictors of Killip≥II were (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]): older age (2.1 [1.4-3.0]), female sex (1.6 [1.1-2.2]), diabetes (1.4 [1.0-2.1]), prior heart failure (3.2 [1.4-7.2]), chronic kidney disease (2.0 [1.1-3.6]), anaemia (3.0 [2.0-4.5]), multivessel disease (1.6 [1.1-2.2]), anterior location (2.4 [1.8-3.4]), time of evolution>2h (1.6 [1.1-2.4]), and TIMI flow-grade<3 (1.8 [1.2-2.7]). In-hospital mortality increased with Killip class (I 1.5%, II 3.7%, III 16.7%, IV 36.7%). CONCLUSION: In patients with STEMI Killip class can be predicted with variables available when primary percutaneous coronary intervention is performed and is strongly associated with in-hospital prognosis.

Una causa reversible de fracaso ventricular derecho agudo tras el trasplante cardiaco / A reversible cause of acute right ventricular failure after heart transplant

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