Association of Coronary Collaterals and Myocardial Salvage Measured by Serial Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging after Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Coronary collateral flow in angiography has been linked with lower mortality rates in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the relevance of the underlying mechanism is sparse. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), relevant coronary collateral flow is associated with more salvaged myocardium and lower risk of developing heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with first AMI who received a percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 h after symptom onset were classified visually by assigning a Cohen-Rentrop Score (CRS) ranging between 0 (no collaterals) and 3 (complete retrograde filling of the occluded vessel). All 36 patients included in the analysis underwent cardiac magnetic resonance examination within 3 to 5 days after myocardial infarction and after 12 weeks. Patients with relevant collateral flow (CRS 2-3) to the infarct-related artery had significantly smaller final infarct size compared to those without (7 ± 4% vs. 20 ± 12%, p < 0.001). In addition, both groups showed improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction early after AMI, whereas the recovery was greater in CRS 2-3 (+8 ± 5% vs. +3 ± 5%, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: In patients with first AMI, relevant collateral flow to the infarct-related artery was associated with more salvaged myocardium at 12 weeks, translating into greater improvement of systolic left ventricular function. The protective effect of coronary collaterals and the variance of infarct location should be further investigated in larger studies.

Restoration of von Willebrand factor after transcatheter aortic valve replacement-A possible cause for posttranscatheter aortic valve replacement thrombocytopenia?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to analyze the clinical and procedural predictors of thrombocytopenia and the relationship between the decrease in platelet count (DPC) and change in vWF function (ΔvWF) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). BACKGROUND: TAVR often causes temporary thrombocytopenia. At the same time, TAVR leads to a restoration of von Willebrand factor (vWF) function. METHODS: One hundred and forty-one patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR were included in the study. Platelet count and vWF function (vWF:Ac/Ag ratio) were assessed at baseline and 6 h after TAVR. Thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet count <150/nL. RESULTS: Median platelet count at baseline was 214/nL (interquartile range [IQR]: 176-261) and decreased significantly to 184/nL (IQR: 145-222) 6 h after TAVR. The number of patients with thrombocytopenia increased from 12.8% at baseline to 29.1% after 6 h. DPC 6 h after TAVR showed a significant correlation with ΔvWF (r = - 0.254, p = 0.002). Patients with DPC > 20% had significantly higher ΔvWF (10.9% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.021). Obese patients showed a significantly lower DPC (11.8% vs. 19.9%, p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, ΔvWF 6 h after TAVR was the only significant predictor for DPC > 20% (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The restoration of vWF after TAVR is a significant predictor for DPC after TAVR. An increased platelet consumption due to vWF restoration could play a key role in the development of thrombocytopenia after TAVR.

Less major bleeding and higher hemoglobin after left atrial appendage closure in high-risk patients: Data from a long-term, longitudinal, two-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a mechanical alternative for stroke prevention in patients at risk who cannot tolerate oral anticoagulation (OAC). HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis was that the reduction of anticoagulation following LAAC results in a decrease of bleeding events and a rise in serum hemoglobin in a high-risk collective of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Bleeding events, use of erythrocyte concentrates, anticoagulation, embolic events, and serum hemoglobin levels before and following LAAC were compared over more than 4 years. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (CHA2DS2-VASc score 4.4 ± 1.7, HAS-BLED score 4.6 ± 1.1) were analyzed. Before LAAC (observation period 1.8 ± 1.8 years), 67 patients experienced 1.8 ± 1.4 bleeding events (0.9 ± 1.3 major) per year resulting in 0.7 ± 1.3 transfusions per year. After LAAC (2.6 ± 2.0 years), 26 patients (p < .0001 vs. before) had 0.6 ± 2.1 bleeding events (p < .0001), 0.2 ± 0.6 major bleedings (p < .0001) and received 0.6 ± 1.9 transfusions per year (p = .671). Fourteen patients had stroke before and 3 after LAAC (p = .008). Serum hemoglobin increased from initially 9.9 ± 3.0 to 11.9 ± 2.3 g/dL until the end of follow-up (p = .0005). Adverse embolic events did not differ before and after LAAC in our collective. CONCLUSION: In this clinical relevant cohort of AF patients with high risk for stroke and intolerance to OAC, we show that LAAC was able to reduce the rate of stroke and bleeding events, which translated into a rising serum hemoglobin concentration.

Intraoperative suggestions to prevent postoperative delirium in patients undergoing transaortic valvular replacement: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious complication following anaesthesia and surgery and significantly influences postoperative outcome especially in the elderly population. Intraoperative music and positive suggestions influence postoperative outcomes by attenuating analgesic demand and increasing patient satisfaction. AIMS: Here, we examined the effect of intraoperative music and positive suggestions on the development of POD in aged patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure under general anaesthesia. METHODS: For this randomized placebo-controlled study, eligible patients without cognitive deficit, indicated by a MMSE < 10 points, were anesthetized using remifentanil and sevoflurane. Anaesthetic depth was guide with bispectral index. An audiotape with positive suggestions was applied from a MP3 player via headphones. POD, pain and PONV was assessed. CAM-ICU and Nu-DESC were done twice daily for the first 5 days. RESULTS: Of 140 patients 118 patients could be analysed (57 male, 80.6 ± 5.1 years). POD was diagnosed in 16 patients (12.7%). POD was significantly more often observed in male (12, 21.1%) than in female (4, 6.6%, p = 0.02) and in patients with a low MMSE (23.6 ± 4.5 vs. 26.8 ± 2.8, p = 0.001). Anaesthetic depth did not influence the incidence of POD. Intraoperative music and suggestions did not affect the rate of POD, pain, analgesic requirement or PONV. DISCUSSION: In patients undergoing TAVR male sex and low MMSE scoring are associated with an increase in POD. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative music and positive suggestions do not influence the incidence of POD in this patient group. STUDY REGISTRATION: DRKS: 00024444, start of registration: 4.02.202, final registration: 17.09.2021.

A Pilot Trial to Compare the Long-Term Efficacy of Pulmonary Vein Isolation with High-Power Short-Duration Radiofrequency Versus Laser Energy with Rapid Ablation Mode.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection is the major cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The probability of reconnection is higher if the primary lesion is not sufficiently effective, which can be unmasked with an adenosine provocation test (APT). High-power short-duration radiofrequency energy (HPSD) guided with ablation index (AI) and the third generation of the visually guided laser balloon (VGLB) are new methods for PVI. METHODS: A total of 70 participants (35 in each group) who underwent a PVI with either AI-guided HPSD (50 W; AI 500 for the anterior and 400 for the posterior wall, respectively) or VGLB ablation were included in this observational pilot trial. Twenty minutes after each PVI, an APT was performed. The primary endpoint was the event-free survival from AF after three years. RESULTS: A total of 137 (100%) PVs in the HPSD arm and 131 PVs (98.5%) in the VGLB arm were initially successfully isolated (p = 0.24). The overall procedure duration was similar in both arms (155 ± 39 in HPSD vs. 175 ± 58 min in VGLB, p = 0.191). Fluoroscopy time, left atrial dwelling time and duration from the first to the last ablation were longer in the VGLB arm (23 ± 8 vs. 12 ± 3 min, p < 0.001; 157 (111-185) vs. 134 (104-154) min, p = 0.049; 92(59-108) vs. 72 (43-85) min, p = 0.010). A total of 127 (93%) in the HPSD arm and 126 (95%) PVs in the VGLB arm remained isolated after APT (p = 0.34). The primary endpoint was met 1107 ± 68 days after ablation in 71% vs. 66% in the VGLB and HPSD arms, respectively (p = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: HPSD and VGLB did not differ with respect to long-term outcome of PVI. A large, randomized study should be conducted to compare clinical outcomes with respect to these new ablation techniques.

Left atrial strain parameters derived by echocardiography are impaired in patients with acute myocarditis and preserved systolic left ventricular function.

PURPOSE: Data derived by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking suggest that not only left ventricular but also left atrial function is impaired in patients with acute myocarditis. Therefore, we investigated the diagnostic value of speckle tracking echocardiography of the left ventricle and left atrium in patients with acute myocarditis and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS AND RESULTS: 30 patients with acute myocarditis confirmed by CMR according to the Lake Louise criteria and 20 healthy controls were analyzed including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left atrial (LA) strain parameters. Although preserved LVEF was present in both groups, GLS was significantly lower in patients with acute myocarditis (GLS - 19.1 ± 1.8% vs. GLS - 22.1 ± 1.7%, p < 0.001). Further diastolic dysfunction measured by E/e' mean was significantly deteriorated in the myocarditis group compared to the control group (E/e' mean 6.4 ± 1.6 vs. 5.5 ± 1.0, p = 0.038). LA reservoir function (47.6 ± 10.4% vs. 55.5 ± 10.8%, p = 0.013) and LA conduit function (-33.0 ± 9.6% vs. -39.4 ± 9.5%, p = 0.024) were significantly reduced in patients with acute myocarditis compared to healthy controls. Also left atrial stiffness index (0.15 ± 0.05 vs. 0.10 ± 0.03, p = 0.003) as well as left atrial filling index (1.67 ± 0.47 vs. 1.29 ± 0.34, p = 0.004) were deteriorated in patients with myocarditis compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute myocarditis and preserved LVEF not only GLS but also LA reservoir function, LA conduit function and left atrial stiffness index as well as left atrial filling index were impaired compared to healthy controls indicating ventricular diastolic dysfunction and elevated LV filling pressures.

Impact of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair on central sleep apnoea.

AIMS: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and its subtype central sleep apnoea (CSA) are highly prevalent in patients with heart failure and associated with worse prognosis. Whereas pharmacological therapy of heart failure has been shown to ameliorate CSA, results from previous studies on the effect of mitral regurgitation therapy on SDB are contradicting. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) on prevalence and severity of CSA. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 47 patients undergoing TEER for symptomatic mitral regurgitation in a prospective study. Secondary mitral regurgitation and left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% were present in 79% and 68% of patients, respectively. Respiratory polygraphy was performed before TEER in a compensated condition and four weeks after the procedure. 34 patients completed the follow-up. At baseline, 19 (56%) patients showed moderate-to-severe SDB, of whom 13 (68%) were classified as CSA. Both apnoea-hypopnoea index and percentage of recorded time spent in Cheyne-Stokes respiration strongly decreased from baseline to follow-up (median [IQR] 16 [7-30] vs. 7 [4-15] /h, p = 0.007; 6 [0-34] vs. 0 [0-8] %, p = 0.008). Median relative reduction of central apnoea index was 75% (p = 0.023), while obstructive apnoea index did not change significantly. Increase in stroke volume after TEER and high systolic pulmonary artery pressure at baseline predicted a > 50% reduction of both Apnoea-hypopnoea index and Cheyne-Stokes respiration. CONCLUSION: TEER is associated with a significant short-term reduction of CSA and Cheyne-Stokes respiration in high-risk patients, strengthening its value as an effective treatment option for advanced heart failure.

Evaluation of the MANTA Vascular Closure Device in Transfemoral TAVI.

BACKGROUND: The MANTA vascular closure device (VCD) is a novel collagen plug-based VCD for large bore arteriotomies. The current literature regarding complication rates of this device is quite variable and mostly limited to relatively small case series. METHODS: This study is retrospective analysis of the MANTA VCD-related main access site complications according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria during the hospital stay. Particular attention was paid to the detailed analysis of multislice computed tomography with regard to the anatomy of the access vessel and the puncture site itself. RESULTS: A total of 524 patients underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF TAVI) including the use of the MANTA device (18F) for percutaneous vascular closure. A group of 22 patients was excluded from the study due to incomplete imaging data. During the study period, we observed 28 major (5.6%) and five minor (1.0%) MANTA device-related vascular complications. There was no patient death related to these adverse events. Female gender, vessel angulation at the puncture site, and at least moderate calcification of the dorsal vessel segment were identified as independent predictors for major complications. CONCLUSIONS: The MANTA device is a feasible option for vascular closure of large bore arteriotomies in patients undergoing TF TAVI or other percutaneous transfemoral interventions. Furthermore, we have identified novel predictors for device failure/complications that should be taken into account for selection of the appropriate closure device. To our knowledge, this report is one of the largest case series analyzing the use of the MANTA VCD.

The impact of bicuspid aortic valve morphology on von Willebrand factor function in patients with severe aortic stenosis and its change after TAVI.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis (AS) can cause acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) and valve replacement has been shown to lead to von Willebrand factor (vWF) recovery. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of AVWS in different severe AS phenotypes and its course after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS: 143 patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI were included in the study. vWF function was assessed at baseline, 6 and 24 h after TAVI. AVWS was defined as a reduced vWF:Ac/Ag ratio ≤ 0.7. Phenotypes were classified by tricuspid (TAV) and bicuspid (BAV) valve morphology, mean transvalvular gradient (Pmean), stroke volume index (SVI), ejection fraction (EF) and indexed effective orifice area (iEOA). RESULTS: AVWS was present in 36 (25.2%) patients before TAVI. vWF:Ac/Ag ratio was significantly lower in high gradient compared to low-gradient severe AS [0.78 (IQR 0.67-0.86) vs. 0.83 (IQR 0.74-0.93), p < 0.05] and in patients with BAV compared to TAV [0.70 (IQR 0.63-0.78) vs. 0.81 (IQR 0.71-0.89), p < 0.05]. Normalization of vWF:Ac/Ag ratio was achieved in 61% patients 24 h after TAVI. As in the overall study cohort, vWF:Ac/Ag ratio increased significantly in all severe AS subgroups 6 h after TAVI (each p < 0.05). Regarding binary logistic regression analysis, BAV was the only significant predictor for AVWS. CONCLUSIONS: BAV morphology is a strong predictor for AVWS in severe AS. TAVI restores vWF function in most patients with severe AS independently of AS phenotype and valve morphology.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with the development of diastolic dysfunction after myocardial infarction with preserved ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is a predictor of adverse outcome after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We aimed to test if sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) contributes to the development of diastolic dysfunction in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction after AMI. METHOD: Patients with AMI, percutaneous coronary intervention and an ejection fraction ≥50% were included in this sub-analysis of a prospective observational study. Patients with AMI (n = 41) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (volume-time curve analysis) to define diastolic function by means of the normalised peak filling rate [nPFR; (end diastolic volume/second)]. In patients with AMI, the nPFR was assessed within <5 days and three months after AMI. Patients with AMI were stratified in patients with (apnoea-hypopnoea index, AHI ≥15/h) and without (AHI <15/h) SDB as assessed by polysomnography. RESULTS: At the time of AMI, the nPFR was similar between patients with and without SDB (2.90 ± 0.54 vs. 3.03 ± 1.20, p = 0.662). Within three months after AMI, diastolic function was significantly lower in patients with SDB than in patients without SDB (ΔnPFR: -0.83 ± 0.14 vs. 0.03 ± 0.14; p < 0.001; ANCOVA, adjusted for baseline nPFR). In contrast to central AHI, obstructive AHI was associated with a lower nPFR three months after AMI, after accounting for established risk factors for diastolic dysfunction [multiple linear regression analysis, B (95%CI): -0.036 (-0.063 to -0.009), p = 0.011]. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that obstructive sleep apnoea impairs diastolic function early after myocardial infarction.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing Is Associated With Reduced Left Atrial Strain Measured by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

AIMS: Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is known to cause left atrial (LA) remodeling. However, the relationship between SDB severity and LA dysfunction is insufficiently understood and may be elucidated by detailed feature tracking (FT) strain analysis of cardiac magnetic resonance images (CMR). After myocardial infarction (MI), both the left ventricle and atrium are subjected to increased stress which may be substantially worsened by concomitant SDB that could impair consequential healing. We therefore analyzed atrial strain in patients at the time of acute MI and 3 months after. METHODS AND RESULTS: 40 patients with acute MI underwent CMR and polysomnography (PSG) within 3-5 days after MI. Follow-up was performed 3 months after acute MI. CMR cine data were analyzed using a dedicated FT software. Atrial strain (ε) and strain rate (SR) for atrial reservoir ([εs]; [SRs]), conduit ([εe]; [SRe]) and booster function ([εa]; [SRa]) were measured in two long-axis views. SDB was defined by an apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI) ≥15/h. Interestingly, LA εs and εe were significantly reduced in patients with SDB and correlated negative with AHI as a measure of SDB severity at both baseline and follow-up. Intriguingly, patients that exhibited a reduced AHI at follow-up were more likely to have developed improved atrial reservoir and conduit strain (linear regression, p=0.08 for εs and εe). Patients with improved SDB (ΔAHI < -5/h) exhibited a mean improvement of LA reservoir strain of +7.2 ± 8.4% whereas patients with SDB deterioration (ΔAHI> + 5/h) showed a mean decrease of -5.3 ± 11.0% (p = 0.0131). Similarly, the difference for LA conduit function was +4.8 ± 5.9% (ΔAHI < -5/h) vs -3.6 ± 8.8% (ΔAHI> +5/h). Importantly, conventional volumetric parameters for atrial function (LA area, LA volume index) did not correlate with AHI at baseline or follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our results show that LA function measured by CMR strain but not by volumetry is impaired in patients with SDB during acute cardiac injury. Consistent with a mechanistic association, improvement of SBD at follow-up resulted in improved LA strain. LA strain measurement might thus provide insight into atrial function in patients with SDB.

Reduction of radiation exposure during transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter mitral valve repair is an increasingly used therapy for mitral regurgitation which requires fluoroscopic guidance. Limiting radiation exposure during lengthy procedures is important for both patient and operator safety. This study aimed to investigate radiation dose during contemporary use of MitraClip implantation and the effects of a dose reduction program. METHODS: A total of 115 patients who underwent MitraClip implantation were prospectively enrolled in a single-center observational study. During the inclusion period, our institution adopted a radiation dose reduction program, comprising lowering of fluoroscopy pulse rate and image target dose. The first 58 patients were treated with conventional fluoroscopy settings, while the following 57 patients underwent the procedure with the newly implemented low dose protocol. RESULTS: Radiation dose area product significantly decreased after introduction of the low dose protocol (693 [366-1231] vs. 2265 [1517-3914] cGy·cm2 , p < 0.001). After correcting for fluoroscopy time, gender and body mass index, the low dose protocol emerged as a strong negative predictor of radiation dose (p < 0.001), reducing dose area product by 64% (95% confidence interval [57-70]). Device time, device success, and procedural safety did not differ between the normal dose and low dose group. Furthermore, the low dose protocol was not associated with an increased incidence of a combined endpoint consisting of death, repeat intervention, or heart surgery during 12 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Reduction of radiation exposure during transcatheter mitral valve repair by 64% is feasible without affecting procedural success or safety.

Central Sleep Apnea Is Associated with an Abnormal P-Wave Terminal Force in Lead V1 in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Independent from Ventricular Function.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent in patients with cardiovascular disease. We have recently shown that an elevation of the electrocardiographic (ECG) parameter P wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) is linked to atrial proarrhythmic activity by stimulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent pathways. Since SDB leads to increased ROS generation, we aimed to investigate the relationship between SDB-related hypoxia and PTFV1 in patients with first-time acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We examined 56 patients with first-time AMI. PTFV1 was analyzed in 12-lead ECGs and defined as abnormal when ≥4000 µV*ms. Polysomnography (PSG) to assess SDB was performed within 3-5 days after AMI. SDB was defined by an apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI) >15/h. The multivariable regression analysis showed a significant association between SDB-related hypoxia and the magnitude of PTFV1 independent from other relevant clinical co-factors. Interestingly, this association was mainly driven by central but not obstructive apnea events. Additionally, abnormal PTFV1 was associated with SDB severity (as measured by AHI, B 21.495; CI [10.872 to 32.118]; p < 0.001), suggesting that ECG may help identify patients suitable for SDB screening. Hypoxia as a consequence of central sleep apnea may result in atrial electrical remodeling measured by abnormal PTFV1 in patients with first-time AMI independent of ventricular function. The PTFV1 may be used as a clinical marker for increased SDB risk in cardiovascular patients.

Cardiac MRI Based Left Ventricular Global Function Index: Association with Disease Severity in Patients with ICD for Secondary Prevention.

Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) is the most widely used prognostic marker in cardiovascular diseases. LV global function index (LVGFI) is a novel marker which incorporates the total LV structure in the assessment of LV cardiac performance. We evaluated the prognostic significance of LVGFI, measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), in predicting mortality and ICD therapies in a real-world (ICD) population with secondary ICD prevention indication, to detect a high-risk group among these patients. In total, 105 patients with cardiac MRI prior to the ICD implantation were included (mean age 56 ± 16 years old; 76% male). Using the MRI data for each patient LVGFI was determined and a cut-off for the LVGFI value was calculated. Patients were followed up every four to six months in our or clinics in proximity. Data on the occurrence of heart failure symptoms and or mortality, as well as device therapies and other vital parameters, were collected. Follow up duration was 37 months in median. The mean LVGFI was 24.5%, the cut off value for LVGFI 13.5%. According to the LVGFI Index patient were divided into 2 groups, 86 patients in the group with the higher LVGFI und 19 patients in the lower group. The LVGFI correlates significantly with the LVEF (r = 0.642, p < 0.001). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, a lower LVGFI (<13.5%) was associated with a higher rate of mortality and rehospitalization (p = 0.002). In contrast, echocardiographic LVEF ≤ 33% was not associated with a higher rate of mortality or rehospitalization. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis revealed a lower LVGFI (p = 0.025, HR = 0.941; 95%-CI 0.89-0.99) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.027, HR = 0.33; 95%-CI 0.13-0.88) as an independent predictor for mortality and rehospitalization. There was no association between the combined endpoint and the LVEFMRT, LVEFecho, NYHA > I, the initial device or a medication (each p = n.s.). Further, in Kaplan-Meier analysis no association was evident between the LVGFI and adequate ICD therapy (p = n.s.). In secondary prevention ICD patients reduced LVGFI was shown as an independent predictor for mortality and rehospitalization, but not for ICD therapies. We were able to identify a high-risk collective among these patients, but further investigation is needed to evaluate LVGFI compared to ejection fraction, especially in patients with an elevated risk for adverse cardiac events.

Bail-out treatment of pulmonary embolism using a large-bore aspiration mechanical thrombectomy device.

We report on the first pulmonary embolism treatment via the large-bore aspiration mechanical thrombectomy device (Inari FlowTriever®) outside the USA, in a resuscitated patient on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) suffering from severe and acute right heart failure. In this particular high-risk patient population, where thrombolysis is mostly not applicable, this new technology could be a promising solution as the combination of large-bore thrombus aspiration and extraction successfully removes large emboli. In our case, right ventricular function improved rapidly after the procedure, ECMO could be weaned, and the patient was dismissed 2 weeks after. In summary, we provide a new therapeutic option for the often difficult treatment of pulmonary embolism in high-risk patients on VA-ECMO.

Abnormal P-wave terminal force in lead V1 is a marker for atrial electrical dysfunction but not structural remodelling.

AIMS: There is a lack of diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with atrial cardiomyopathy and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Interestingly, an abnormal P-wave terminal force in electrocardiogram lead V1 (PTFV1 ) has been associated with atrial cardiomyopathy, but this association is poorly understood. We investigated PTFV1 as a marker for functional, electrical, and structural atrial remodelling. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-six patients with acute myocardial infarction and 13 kidney donors as control cohort prospectively underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the association between PTFV1 and functional remodelling (atrial strain). To further investigate underlying pathomechanisms, right atrial appendage biopsies were collected from 32 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. PTFV1 was assessed as the product of negative P-wave amplitude and duration in lead V1 and defined as abnormal if ≥4000 ms*µV. Activity of cardiac Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was determined by a specific HDAC4 pull-down assay as a surrogate for electrical remodelling. Atrial fibrosis was quantified using Masson's trichrome staining as a measure for structural remodelling. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to account for potential confounders. A total of 16/56 (29%) of patients with acute myocardial infarction, 3/13 (23%) of kidney donors, and 15/32 (47%) of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting showed an abnormal PTFV1 . In patients with acute myocardial infarction, left atrial (LA) strain was significantly reduced in the subgroup with an abnormal PTFV1 (LA reservoir strain: 32.28 ± 12.86% vs. 22.75 ± 13.94%, P = 0.018; LA conduit strain: 18.87 ± 10.34% vs. 10.17 ± 8.26%, P = 0.004). Abnormal PTFV1 showed a negative correlation with LA conduit strain independent from clinical covariates (coefficient B: -7.336, 95% confidence interval -13.577 to -1.095, P = 0.022). CaMKII activity was significantly increased from (normalized to CaMKII expression) 0.87 ± 0.17 to 1.46 ± 0.15 in patients with an abnormal PTFV1 (P = 0.047). This increase in patients with an abnormal PTFV1 was independent from clinical covariates (coefficient B: 0.542, 95% confidence interval 0.057 to 1.027, P = 0.031). Atrial fibrosis was significantly lower with 12.32 ± 1.63% in patients with an abnormal PTFV1 (vs. 20.50 ± 2.09%, P = 0.006), suggesting PTFV1 to be a marker for electrical but not structural remodelling. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal PTFV1 is an independent predictor for impaired atrial function and for electrical but not for structural remodelling. PTFV1 may be a promising tool to evaluate patients for atrial cardiomyopathy and for risk of atrial fibrillation.

Occurrence of Coronary Collaterals in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Sleep Apnea.

Background In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), cardioprotective effects of obstructive sleep apnea are postulated on account of hypoxemic preconditioning. The aim of this single-center substudy was to investigate a potential association between obstructive sleep apnea and the presence of coronary collaterals in patients with first-time acute MI who have been enrolled in an ongoing, multicenter clinical trial. Methods and Results In TEAM-ASV I (Treatment of Sleep Apnea Early After Myocardial Infarction With Adaptive Servo-Ventilation Trial; NCT02093377) patients with first acute MI who received a coronary angiogram within 24 hours after onset of symptoms underwent polygraphy within the first 3 days. Coronary collaterals were classified visually by assigning a Cohen-Rentrop Score (CRS) ranging between 0 (no collaterals) and 3. Of 94 analyzed patients, 14% had significant coronary collaterals with a CRS ≥2. Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) score was significantly higher in patients with CRS ≥2 compared with those with CRS <2 (31/hour [11-54] versus 13/hour [4-27]; P=0.032). A multivariable regression model revealed a significant association between obstructive AHI and CRS ≥2 that was independent of age, sex, body mass index, and culprit lesion left anterior descending artery (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12; P=0.023), but no significant association between coronary collaterals and central AHI (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.97-1.08; P=0.443). Conclusions Patients with first-time acute MI had more extensive coronary collateralization with an increased AHI or rather an increased obstructive AHI. This finding supports the hypothesis that obstructive sleep apnea exerts potential cardioprotective effects, in addition to its known deleterious effects, in patients with acute MI. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02093377.

Patients with acute myocarditis and preserved systolic left ventricular function: comparison of global and regional longitudinal strain imaging by echocardiography with quantification of late gadolinium enhancement by CMR.

BACKGROUND: Conventional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) does often not accurately reveal pathologies in patients with acute myocarditis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEEF). Therefore, we investigated the diagnostic value of two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography compared to late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with acute myocarditis and normal global LVEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: 31 patients (group 1) with the diagnosis of acute myocarditis confirmed by CMR according to the Lake Louise criteria and 20 healthy controls (group 2) were analyzed including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and regional longitudinal strain (RLS) derived by the bull's eye plot. Although preserved LVEF was present in both groups, GLS was significantly lower in patients with acute myocarditis (group 1: GLS - 19.1 ± 1.8% vs. group 2: GLS - 22.1 ± 1.7%, p < 0.001). Compared to controls, lower RLS values were detected predominantly in the lateral, inferolateral, and inferior segments in patients with acute myocarditis. Additionally RLS values were significantly lower in segments without LGE. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute myocarditis and preserved LVEF, a significant reduction of GLS compared to healthy subjects was detected. Further RLS adds important information to the localization and extent of myocardial injury.

The impact of epicardial adipose tissue in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

AIMS: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been linked to impaired reperfusion success after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Whether EAT predicts myocardial damage in the early phase after acute myocardial infarction (MI) is unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether EAT in patients with acute MI is associated with more microvascular obstruction (MVO), greater ST-deviation, larger infarct size and reduced myocardial salvage index (MSI). METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective analysis of a prospective observational study including patients with acute MI (n = 54) undergoing PCI and 12 healthy matched controls. EAT, infarct size and MSI were analyzed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, conducted 3-5 days and 12 weeks after MI. Patients with acute MI showed higher EAT volume than healthy controls (46 [25.;75. percentile: 37;59] vs. 24 [15;29] ml, p < 0.001). The high EAT group (above median) showed significantly more MVO (2.22 [0.00;5.38] vs. 0.0 [0.00;2.18] %, p = 0.004), greater ST-deviation (0.38 [0.22;0.55] vs. 0.15 [0.03;0.20] mV×10-1, p = 0.008), larger infarct size at 12 weeks (23 [17;29] vs. 10 [4;16] %, p < 0.001) and lower MSI (40 [37;54] vs. 66 [49;88] %, p < 0.001) after PCI than the low EAT group. After accounting for demographic characteristics, body-mass index, heart volume, infarct location, TIMI-flow grade as well as apnea-hypopnea index, EAT was associated with infarct size at 12 weeks (B = 0.38 [0.11;0.64], p = 0.006), but not with MSI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute MI showed higher volume of EAT than healthy individuals. High EAT was linked to more MVO and greater ST-deviation. EAT was associated with infarct size, but not with MSI.