Ischaemic electrocardiogram patterns and its association with survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a COACT trials' post-hoc subgroup analysis.

AIMS: ST-depression and T-wave inversion are frequently present on the post-resuscitation electrocardiogram (ECG). However, the prognostic value of ischaemic ECG patterns is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this post-hoc subgroup analysis of the Coronary Angiography after Cardiac arrest (COACT) trial, the first in-hospital post-resuscitation ECG in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with a shockable rhythm was analysed for ischaemic ECG patterns. Ischaemia was defined as ST-depression of ≥0.1 mV, T-wave inversion in ≥2 contiguous leads, or both. The primary endpoint was 90-day survival. Secondary endpoints were rate of acute unstable lesions, levels of serum troponin-T, and left ventricular function. Of the 510 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, 340 (66.7%) patients had ischaemic ECG patterns. Patients with ischaemic ECG patterns had a worse 90-day survival compared with those without [hazard ratio 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-2.12; P = 0.02]. A higher sum of ST-depression was associated with lower survival (log-rank = 0.01). The rate of acute unstable lesions (14.5 vs. 15.8%; odds ratio 0.90; 95% CI 0.51-1.59) did not differ between the groups. In patients with ischaemic ECG patterns, maximum levels of serum troponin-T (µg/L) were higher [0.595 (interquartile range 0.243-1.430) vs. 0.359 (0.159-0.845); ratio of geometric means 1.58; 1.13-2.20] and left ventricular function (%) was worse (44.7 ± 12.5 vs. 49.9 ± 13.3; mean difference -5.13; 95% CI -8.84 to -1.42). Adjusted for age and time to return of spontaneous circulation, ischaemic ECG patterns were no longer associated with survival. CONCLUSION: Post-arrest ischaemic ECG patterns were associated with worse 90-day survival. A higher sum of ST-depression was associated with lower survival. Adjusted for age and time to return of spontaneous circulation, ischaemic ECG patterns were no longer associated with survival.

Cost Analysis From a Randomized Comparison of Immediate Versus Delayed Angiography After Cardiac Arrest.

Background In patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest without ST-segment elevation, immediate coronary angiography did not improve clinical outcomes when compared with delayed angiography in the COACT (Coronary Angiography After Cardiac Arrest) trial. Whether 1 of the 2 strategies has benefits in terms of health care resource use and costs is currently unknown. We assess the health care resource use and costs in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Methods and Results A total of 538 patients were randomly assigned to a strategy of either immediate or delayed coronary angiography. Detailed health care resource use and cost-prices were collected from the initial hospital episode. A generalized linear model and a gamma distribution were performed. Generic quality of life was measured with the RAND-36 and collected at 12-month follow-up. Overall total mean costs were similar between both groups (EUR 33 575±19 612 versus EUR 33 880±21 044; P=0.86). Generalized linear model: (ß, 0.991; 95% CI, 0.894-1.099; P=0.86). Mean procedural costs (coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft) were higher in the immediate angiography group (EUR 4384±3447 versus EUR 3028±4220; P<0.001). Costs concerning intensive care unit and ward stay did not show any significant difference. The RAND-36 questionnaire did not differ between both groups. Conclusions The mean total costs between patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest randomly assigned to an immediate angiography or a delayed invasive strategy were similar during the initial hospital stay. With respect to the higher invasive procedure costs in the immediate group, a strategy awaiting neurological recovery followed by coronary angiography and planned revascularization may be considered. Registration URL: https://trialregister.nl; Unique identifier: NL4857.

Targeted Temperature Management in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest With Shockable Rhythm: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Coronary Angiography After Cardiac Arrest Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The optimal targeted temperature in patients with shockable rhythm is unclear, and current guidelines recommend targeted temperature management with a correspondingly wide range between 32°C and 36°C. Our aim was to study survival and neurologic outcome associated with targeted temperature management strategy in postarrest patients with initial shockable rhythm. DESIGN: Observational substudy of the Coronary Angiography after Cardiac Arrest without ST-segment Elevation trial. SETTING: Nineteen hospitals in The Netherlands. PATIENTS: The Coronary Angiography after Cardiac Arrest trial randomized successfully resuscitated patients with shockable rhythm and absence of ST-segment elevation to a strategy of immediate or delayed coronary angiography. In this substudy, 459 patients treated with mild therapeutic hypothermia (32.0-34.0°C) or targeted normothermia (36.0-37.0°C) were included. Allocation to targeted temperature management strategy was at the discretion of the physician. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After 90 days, 171 patients (63.6%) in the mild therapeutic hypothermia group and 129 (67.9%) in the targeted normothermia group were alive (hazard ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.62-1.18]; log-rank p = 0.35; adjusted odds ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.45-1.72). Patients in the mild therapeutic hypothermia group had longer ICU stay (4 d [3-7 d] vs 3 d [2-5 d]; ratio of geometric means, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.15-1.51), lower blood pressures, higher lactate levels, and increased need for inotropic support. Cerebral Performance Category scores at ICU discharge and 90-day follow-up and patient-reported Mental and Physical Health Scores at 1 year were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with shockable rhythm and no ST-elevation, treatment with mild therapeutic hypothermia was not associated with improved 90-day survival compared with targeted normothermia. Neurologic outcomes at 90 days as well as patient-reported Mental and Physical Health Scores at 1 year did not differ between the groups.

The effect of immediate coronary angiography after cardiac arrest without ST-segment elevation on left ventricular function. A sub-study of the COACT randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: The effect of immediate coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients who are successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest in the absence of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) on left ventricular function is currently unknown. METHODS: This prespecified sub-study of a multicentre trial evaluated 552 patients, successfully resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest without signs of STEMI. Patients were randomized to either undergo immediate coronary angiography or delayed coronary angiography, after neurologic recovery. All patients underwent PCI if indicated. The main outcomes of this analysis were left ventricular ejection fraction and end-diastolic and systolic volumes assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or echocardiography. RESULTS: Data on left ventricular function was available for 397 patients. The mean (± standard deviation) left ventricular ejection fraction was 45.2% (±12.8) in the immediate angiography group and 48.4% (±13.2) in the delayed angiography group (mean difference: -3.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], -6.75 to 0.37). Median left ventricular end-diastolic volume was 177 ml in the immediate angiography group compared to 169 ml in the delayed angiography group (ratio of geometric means: 1.06; 95% CI, 0.95-1.19). In addition, mean left ventricular end-systolic volume was 90 ml in the immediate angiography group compared to 78 ml in the delayed angiography group (ratio of geometric means: 1.13; 95% CI 0.97-1.32). CONCLUSION: In patients successfully resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and without signs of STEMI, immediate coronary angiography was not found to improve left ventricular dimensions or function compared with a delayed angiography strategy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register number, NTR4973.

VA-ECMO With IABP is Associated With Better Outcome Than VA-ECMO Alone in the Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether combining venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) improves outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) over VA-ECMO alone. BACKGROUND: VA-ECMO is an upcoming technique in the treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS); however, it increases afterload. IABP + VA-ECMO has been suggested to reduce afterload and increase survival. METHODS: A multicenter in-hospital registry was maintained on all patients undergoing VA-ECMO or VA-ECMO + IABP treatment for CS in STEMI. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2018, a total of 18 patients with STEMI underwent VA-ECMO ± IABP treatment for CS. The majority (n = 14; 78%) were male and median age was 59 years (interquartile range, 47-75 years). VA-ECMO + IABP was performed in 7 patients (39%) and VA-ECMO alone was performed in 11 patients (61%). The VA-ECMO + IABP group had more complex coronary anatomy and a higher number of patients with left main (LM) disease, LM + 3-vessel disease, or 3-vessel disease (VA-ECMO + IABP 86% vs VA-ECMO alone 18%; P=.03). The Survival After Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (SAVE) score did not differ between the groups (VA-ECMO alone -5.9 ± 2.4 vs VA-ECMO + IABP -6.1 ± 2.6; P=.88). The SYNTAX score was higher in the VA-ECMO + IABP group (32 ± 13 vs 22 ± 14 in the VA-ECMO alone group). In the total group, a SAVE score of -6 had a predicted survival of 25%-35%. Survival in the VA-ECMO + IABP group was 100% (7/7) and survival in the VA-ECMO group was 55% (6/11); P=.04. Good neurological outcome was achieved in more patients in the VA-ECMO + IABP group (VA-ECMO alone 45% vs VA-ECMO + IABP 100%; P=.04). CONCLUSION: In STEMI complicated by CS, VA-ECMO + IABP leads to a lower observed mortality and higher observed good neurological outcome.

Sex differences in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest without ST-segment elevation: A COACT trial substudy.

BACKGROUND: Whether sex is associated with outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study examined sex differences in survival in patients with OHCA without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: Using data from the randomized controlled Coronary Angiography after Cardiac Arrest (COACT) trial, the primary point of interest was sex differences in OHCA-related one-year survival. Secondary points of interest included the benefit of immediate coronary angiography compared to delayed angiography until after neurologic recovery, angiographic and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 522 patients (79.1% men) were included. Overall one-year survival was 59.6% in women and 63.4% in men (HR 1.18; 95% CI: 0.76-1.81;p = 0.47). No cardiovascular risk factors were found that modified survival. Women less often had significant coronary artery disease (CAD) (37.0% vs. 71.3%;p < 0.001), but when present, they had a worse prognosis than women without CAD (HR 3.06; 95% CI 1.31-7.19;p = 0.01). This was not the case for men (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.67-1.65;p = 0.83). In both sexes, immediate coronary angiography did not improve one-year survival compared to delayed angiography (women, odds ratio (OR) 0.87; 95% CI 0.58-1.30;p = 0.49; vs. men, OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.45-2.09;p = 0.93). CONCLUSION: In OHCA patients without STEMI, we found no sex differences in overall one-year survival. Women less often had significant CAD, but when CAD was present they had worse survival than women without CAD. This was not the case for men. Both sexes did not benefit from a strategy of immediate coronary angiography as compared to delayed strategy with respect to one-year survival. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Netherlands trial register (NTR) 4973.

Data on sex differences in one-year outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients without ST-segment elevation.

Sex differences in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients are increasingly recognized. Although it has been found that post-resuscitated women are less likely to have significant coronary artery disease (CAD) than men, data on follow-up in these patients are limited. Data for this data in brief article was obtained as a part of the randomized controlled Coronary Angiography after Cardiac Arrest without ST-segment elevation (COACT) trial. The data supplements the manuscript "Sex differences in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients without ST-segment elevation: A COACT trial substudy" were it was found that women were less likely to have significant CAD including chronic total occlusions, and had worse survival when CAD was present. The dataset presented in this paper describes sex differences on interventions, implantable-cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks and hospitalizations due to heart failure during one-year follow-up in patients successfully resuscitated after OHCA. Data was derived through a telephone interview at one year with the patient or general practitioner. Patients in this randomized dataset reflects a homogenous study population, which can be valuable to further build on research regarding long-term sex differences and to further improve cardiac care.

Coronary Angiography After Cardiac Arrest Without ST Segment Elevation: One-Year Outcomes of the COACT Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Ischemic heart disease is a common cause of cardiac arrest. However, randomized data on long-term clinical outcomes of immediate coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients successfully resuscitated from cardiac arrest in the absence of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are lacking. Objective: To determine whether immediate coronary angiography improves clinical outcomes at 1 year in patients after cardiac arrest without signs of STEMI, compared with a delayed coronary angiography strategy. Design, Setting, and Participants: A prespecified analysis of a multicenter, open-label, randomized clinical trial evaluated 552 patients who were enrolled in 19 Dutch centers between January 8, 2015, and July 17, 2018. The study included patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm who were successfully resuscitated without signs of STEMI. Follow-up was performed at 1 year. Data were analyzed, using the intention-to-treat principle, between August 29 and October 10, 2019. Interventions: Immediate coronary angiography and PCI if indicated or coronary angiography and PCI if indicated, delayed until after neurologic recovery. Main Outcomes and Measures: Survival, myocardial infarction, revascularization, implantable cardiac defibrillator shock, quality of life, hospitalization for heart failure, and the composite of death or myocardial infarction or revascularization after 1 year. Results: At 1 year, data on 522 of 552 patients (94.6%) were available for analysis. Of these patients, 413 were men (79.1%); mean (SD) age was 65.4 (12.3) years. A total of 162 of 264 patients (61.4%) in the immediate angiography group and 165 of 258 patients (64.0%) in the delayed angiography group were alive (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.63-1.28). The composite end point of death, myocardial infarction, or repeated revascularization since the index hospitalization was met in 112 patients (42.9%) in the immediate group and 104 patients (40.6%) in the delayed group (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.77-1.56). No significant differences between the groups were observed for the other outcomes at 1-year follow-up. For example, the rate of ICD shocks was 20.4% in the immediate group and 16.2% in the delayed group (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.66-2.64). Conclusions and Relevance: In this trial of patients successfully resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and without signs of STEMI, a strategy of immediate angiography was not found to be superior to a strategy of delayed angiography with respect to clinical outcomes at 1 year. Coronary angiography in this patient group can therefore be delayed until after neurologic recovery without affecting outcomes. Trial Registration: trialregister.nl Identifier: NTR4973.

Coronary Angiography after Cardiac Arrest without ST-Segment Elevation.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The role of immediate coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the treatment of patients who have been successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest in the absence of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains uncertain. METHODS: In this multicenter trial, we randomly assigned 552 patients who had cardiac arrest without signs of STEMI to undergo immediate coronary angiography or coronary angiography that was delayed until after neurologic recovery. All patients underwent PCI if indicated. The primary end point was survival at 90 days. Secondary end points included survival at 90 days with good cerebral performance or mild or moderate disability, myocardial injury, duration of catecholamine support, markers of shock, recurrence of ventricular tachycardia, duration of mechanical ventilation, major bleeding, occurrence of acute kidney injury, need for renal-replacement therapy, time to target temperature, and neurologic status at discharge from the intensive care unit. RESULTS: At 90 days, 176 of 273 patients (64.5%) in the immediate angiography group and 178 of 265 patients (67.2%) in the delayed angiography group were alive (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62 to 1.27; P = 0.51). The median time to target temperature was 5.4 hours in the immediate angiography group and 4.7 hours in the delayed angiography group (ratio of geometric means, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.36). No significant differences between the groups were found in the remaining secondary end points. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who had been successfully resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and had no signs of STEMI, a strategy of immediate angiography was not found to be better than a strategy of delayed angiography with respect to overall survival at 90 days. (Funded by the Netherlands Heart Institute and others; COACT Netherlands Trial Register number, NTR4973.).

Coronary angiography after cardiac arrest: Rationale and design of the COACT trial.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The role of immediate coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after restoration of spontaneous circulation following cardiac arrest in the absence of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains debated. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that immediate CAG and PCI, if indicated, will improve 90-day survival in post-cardiac arrest patients without signs of STEMI. DESIGN: In a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial, 552 post-cardiac arrest patients with restoration of spontaneous circulation and without signs of STEMI will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to immediate CAG and PCI (within 2 hours) versus initial deferral with CAG and PCI after neurological recovery. The primary end point of the study is 90-day survival. The secondary end points will include 90-day survival with good cerebral performance or minor/moderate disability, myocardial injury, duration of inotropic support, occurrence of acute kidney injury, need for renal replacement therapy, time to targeted temperature control, neurological status at intensive care unit discharge, markers of shock, recurrence of ventricular tachycardia, duration of mechanical ventilation, and reasons for discontinuation of treatment. SUMMARY: The COACT trial is a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical study that will evaluate the effect of an immediate invasive coronary strategy in post-cardiac arrest patients without STEMI on 90-day survival.

Effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients without left intraventricular dyssynchrony.

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on long-term survival of patients without baseline left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 290 heart failure patients (age 67 ± 10 years, 77% males) without significant baseline LV dyssynchrony (<60 ms as assessed with tissue Doppler imaging) were treated with CRT. Patients were divided according to the median LV dyssynchrony measured after 48 h of CRT into two groups. All-cause mortality was compared between the subgroups. In addition, the all-cause mortality rates of these subgroups were compared with the all-cause mortality of 290 heart failure patients treated with CRT who showed significant LV dyssynchrony (≥60 ms) at baseline. In the group of patients without significant LV dyssynchrony, median LV dyssynchrony increased from 22 ms (inter-quartile range 16-34 ms) at baseline to 40 ms (24-56 ms) 48 h after CRT. The cumulative mortality rates at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up of patients with LV dyssynchrony ≥40 ms 48 h after CRT implantation were significantly higher when compared with patients with LV dyssynchrony <40 ms (10, 17, and 23 vs. 3, 8, and 10%, respectively; log-rank P< 0.001). Finally, the cumulative mortality rates at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up of patients with baseline LV dyssynchrony were 3, 8, and 11%, respectively (log-rank P= 0.375 vs. patients with LV dyssynchrony <40 ms). Induction of LV dyssynchrony after CRT was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio: 1.247; P= 0.009). CONCLUSION: In patients without significant LV dyssynchrony, the induction of LV dyssynchrony after CRT may be related to a less favourable long-term outcome.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with ischemic versus non-ischemic heart failure: Differential effect of optimizing interventricular pacing interval.

BACKGROUND: Whether sequential biventricular pacing provides substantial benefits over conventional simultaneous stimulation remains unclear, particularly regarding the differences between ischemic and non-ischemic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of interventricular pacing interval (V-V) optimization on left ventricular (LV) systolic performance and dyssynchrony in ischemic versus non-ischemic patients. METHODS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy. Within 3 days after implantation, V-V was optimized by measuring (every 20-millisecond interval) LV systolic performance (LV outflow-tract velocity-time-integral, LVOT VTI) and LV dyssynchrony (using tissue Doppler imaging). Optimal pacing configuration was the one achieving maximal increase in LVOT VTI. RESULTS: Optimized sequential pacing provided a significant improvement in LVOT VTI compared to simultaneous stimulation (from 138 +/- 42 to 163 +/- 38 mm, P < .001) and was associated with a significant reduction in LV dyssynchrony (from 33 +/- 31 to 19 +/- 24 milliseconds, P < .001). The increase in LVOT VTI and LV ejection fraction after implantation was greater in non-ischemic as compared to ischemic patients (P < .001). However, V-V optimization yielded a larger improvement in LV systolic performance in ischemic patients (P = .03). Consequently, the 2 groups showed comparable response after V-V optimization. A significant correlation was observed between LV scar tissue and optimal V-V interval (r = 0.58, P < .001), with a larger extent of scar related to a larger level of LV preactivation, probably reflecting slow intra-LV conduction. CONCLUSIONS: Optimized sequential biventricular pacing further increased LV systolic performance as compared to simultaneous stimulation, particularly in ischemic patients where the presence of a large scar was correlated with a larger LV preactivation.

Limited effects of growth hormone replacement in patients with GH deficiency during long-term cure of acromegaly.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of replacement with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in patients with GH deficiency (GHD) after treatment of acromegaly. Intervention study. Sixteen patients (8 men, age 56 years), treated for acromegaly by surgery and radiotherapy, with an insufficient GH response to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, were treated with 1 year of rhGH replacement. Study parameters were assessed at baseline and after 1 year of rhGH replacement. Study parameters were cardiac function, body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), fasting lipids, glucose, bone turnover markers, and Quality of Life (QoL). During rhGH replacement IGF-I concentrations increased from -0.4 +/- 0.7 to 1.0 +/- 1.5 SD (P = 0.001), with a mean daily dose of 0.2 +/- 0.1 mg in men and 0.3 +/- 0.2 mg in women. Nonetheless, rhGH replacement did not alter cardiac function, lipid and glucose concentrations, body composition or QoL. Bone turnover markers (PINP and beta crosslaps) levels increased (P = 0.005 and P = 0.021, respectively), paralleled by a small, but significant decrease in BMD of the hip. The beneficial effects of rhGH replacement in patients with GHD during cure from acromegaly are limited in this study.

Long-term prognosis after cardiac resynchronization therapy is related to the extent of left ventricular reverse remodeling at midterm follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relation between the extent of left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling and clinical/echocardiographic improvement after 6 months of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as well as long-term outcome. BACKGROUND: Despite the current selection criteria, individual response to CRT varies significantly. Furthermore, it has been suggested that reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) after CRT is related to outcome. METHODS: A total of 302 CRT candidates were included. Clinical status and echocardiographic evaluation were performed before implantation and after 6 months of CRT. Long-term follow-up included all-cause mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure. RESULTS: Based on different extents of LV reverse remodeling, 22% of patients were classified as super-responders (decrease in LVESV > or =30%), 35% as responders (decrease in LVESV 15% to 29%), 21% as nonresponders (decrease in LVESV 0% to 14%), and 22% negative responders (increase in LVESV). More extensive LV reverse remodeling resulted in more clinical improvement, with a larger increase in LV function and more reduction in mitral regurgitation. In addition, more LV reverse remodeling resulted in less heart failure hospitalizations and lower mortality during long-term follow-up (22 +/- 11 months); 1- and 2-year hospitalization-free survival rates were 90% and 70% in the negative responder group compared with 98% and 96% in the super-responder group (log-rank p value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of LV reverse remodeling at midterm follow-up is predictive for long-term outcome in CRT patients.

Comparison of time course of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with ischemic versus nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

The time course of the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on left ventricular (LV) systolic function and reverse remodeling is still unknown and was the subject of this study. In particular, whether the acute benefit of CRT translates in late response was explored. Furthermore, the time course of response was compared between ischemic and nonischemic patients. A total of 222 consecutive patients with heart failure (135 ischemic) scheduled for CRT were included. Standard echocardiography was performed before, immediately after CRT, and at 6-month follow-up to measure LV end-systolic volume (ESV), LV end-diastolic volume (EDV), and ejection fraction. Immediately after CRT, significant improvements in LV ejection fraction (from 25 +/- 8% to 31 +/- 9%, p <0.001) and LVESV (from 163 +/- 68 to 149 +/- 63 ml, p <0.001) were observed, followed by an additional improvement at 6-month follow-up (to 34 +/- 9% and 132 +/- 62 ml, respectively, p <0.001 for the 2 comparisons). A significant decrease in LVEDV was observed only at 6-month follow-up (from 217 +/- 73 to 194 +/- 72 ml, p <0.001). An acute decrease in LVESV of 6% could predict response to CRT at 6-month follow-up (defined as a decrease >or=15% in LVESV) with a sensitivity and specificity of 79% and 75%, respectively. The time course of response to CRT was similar in ischemic and nonischemic patients, but decreases in LVESV and LVEDV were significantly greater in nonischemic patients (p <0.001). In conclusion, the beneficial effect of CRT on LV systolic function occurs immediately after CRT, with additional improvement at 6-month follow-up. An acute decrease in LVESV can predict response to CRT at 6-month follow-up. Nonischemic patients show significantly greater LV reverse remodeling compared with ischemic patients.

Noninvasive imaging in cardiac resynchronization therapy--Part 2: Follow-up and optimization of settings.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become a therapeutic option for drug-refractory heart failure. Several noninvasive imaging techniques play an increasingly important role before and after device implantation. This review highlights the acute and long-term CRT benefits after implantation as assessed with echocardiography and nuclear imaging. Furthermore, optimization of CRT settings, in particular atrioventricular and interventricular delay, will be discussed using echocardiography and other (device-based) techniques.

Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in assessing cardiac veins and scar tissue.

The success of cardiac resynchronization therapy is influenced by several issues including cardiac venous anatomy and myocardial scar tissue. This article discusses non-invasive imaging modalities that could contribute significantly to the selection process of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) candidates: multi-slice computed tomography to depict the coronary sinus tributaries and magnetic resonance imaging to identify scar tissue.

Optimal left ventricular lead position predicts reverse remodeling and survival after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to evaluate echocardiographic parameters after 6 months of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as well as long-term outcome in patients with the left ventricular (LV) lead positioned at the site of latest activation (concordant LV lead position) as compared with that seen in patients with a discordant LV lead position. BACKGROUND: A nonoptimal LV pacing lead position may be a potential cause for nonresponse to CRT. METHODS: The site of latest mechanical activation was determined by speckle tracking radial strain analysis and related to the LV lead position on chest X-ray in 244 CRT candidates. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed after 6 months. Long-term follow-up included all-cause mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure. RESULTS: Significant LV reverse remodeling (reduction in LV end-systolic volume from 189 +/- 83 ml to 134 +/- 71 ml, p < 0.001) was noted in the group of patients with a concordant LV lead position (n = 153, 63%), whereas patients with a discordant lead position showed no significant improvements. In addition, during long-term follow-up (32 +/- 16 months), less events (combined for heart failure hospitalizations and death) were reported in patients with a concordant LV lead position. Moreover, a concordant LV lead position appeared to be an independent predictor of hospitalization-free survival after long-term CRT (hazard ratio: 0.22, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Pacing at the site of latest mechanical activation, as determined by speckle tracking radial strain analysis, resulted in superior echocardiographic response after 6 months of CRT and better prognosis during long-term follow-up.

Noninvasive imaging in cardiac resynchronization therapy--part 1: selection of patients.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapy for patients with advanced heart failure, depressed left ventricular function, and wide QRS complex. However, individual response varies, and a substantial amount of patients do not respond to CRT. Recent studies observed that assessment of inter- and particularly intraventricular dyssynchrony may allow identification of potential responders to CRT. In addition, presence of scar tissue and venous anatomy may play a role in the selection of candidates. In this review, an extensive overview of the available dyssynchrony measurements is provided using echocardiography as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging. Furthermore, other information derived from MRI, nuclear imaging, and computed tomography useful for the selection of potential candidates for CRT will be discussed.

Cardiac manifestations of GH deficiency after treatment for acromegaly: a comparison to patients with biochemical remission and controls.

OBJECTIVE: Both GH excess and GH deficiency (GHD) lead to specific cardiac pathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac morphology and function in patients with GHD after treatment for acromegaly. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cardiac parameters were studied by conventional two-dimensional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging in 53 patients with acromegaly (16 patients with GHD, 20 patients with biochemical remission, and 17 patients with active disease). Patients with GHD were also compared with age- and gender-matched controls. RESULTS: Left ventricular (LV) dimensions, wall thickness, and mass did not differ between the three groups, or between the patients with GHD and healthy controls. Systolic function, assessed by LV ejection fraction, tended to be lower in patients with GHD compared with patients with biochemical remission (65.9+/-7.3% vs 72.4+/-8.5%, P=0.070), but was higher when compared with active acromegaly (58.8+/-9.3%, P=0.047). No differences were found with healthy controls. Diastolic function, measured with early diastolic velocity (E'), was lower in patients with GHD when compared with both patients with biochemical remission (6.0+/-2.1 cm/s vs 8.3+/-1.5 cm/s, P=0.005) and healthy controls (8.1+/-1.9 cm/s, P=0.006). CONCLUSION: GHD after acromegaly results in a specific decrease in diastolic function compared with patients with biochemical remission of acromegaly and healthy controls. In addition, systolic function tends to be decreased in patients with GHD compared with patients with biochemical remission, but was higher than that in patients with active acromegaly.