Comparison of Predictors of Heart Failure With Preserved Versus Reduced Ejection Fraction in a Multiracial Cohort of Preclinical Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction.

Preclinical diastolic dysfunction (PDD) is a well-known but poorly understood risk factor for heart failure. We aimed to investigate risk factors contributing to progression of PDD to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients with echocardiogram from 2003 to 2008 with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%, grade I diastolic dysfunction, and free of clinical heart failure were included. The end point was incident HFpEF or HFrEF. Cumulative probabilities were estimated and multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regressions were performed to examine predictors of incident HFpEF and HFrEF. In total, 7,878 patients with PDD (79.2% nonwhite) were included. At the end of follow-up (median 5.9 years), 146 patients developed HFrEF, and 635 patients developed HFpEF. The 10-year cumulative probabilities of HFrEF and HFpEF were 3.1% and 12.6%, respectively. Incidence of HFrEF was significantly lower in non-Hispanic blacks (2.2%) compared with non-Hispanic whites (4.5%). Age, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and renal disease were independent predictors of both HFrEF and HFpEF. Male gender, cerebrovascular accident, and low baseline left ventricular ejection fraction were associated with HFrEF only; whereas pulmonary disease, blood urea nitrogen, and anemia were predictors of HFpEF only. In conclusion, our results revealed a distinct set of predictors of HFrEF and HFpEF in patients with PDD and underscored a differential approach of risk stratification, prevention, and early treatment based on heart failure subtypes.

Ventricular septal rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction in the modern era with mechanical circulatory support: a single center observational study.

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but devastating complication after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). While the incidence has decreased, the mortality rate from VSR has remained extremely high. The use of mechanical circulatory support with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be useful in providing hemodynamic stability and time for myocardial scarring. However, the optimal timing for surgical repair remains an enigma. Retrospective analysis of 14 consecutive patients diagnosed with VSR after AMI at Montefiore Medical Center between January 2009 and June 2015. A chart review was performed with analysis of baseline characteristics, hemodynamics, imaging, percutaneous interventions, surgical timing, and outcomes. The survival group had a higher systolic BP (145 vs 98, p<0.01), higher MAP (96 vs 76, p=0.03), and lower HR (75 vs 104, p=0.05). Overall surgical timing was 6.5 ± 3.7 days after indexed myocardial infarction with a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors (9.8 vs 4.3, p=0.01). The number of pre-operative days using IABP was longer in survivors (6.5 vs 3.2, p=0.36) as was post-operative ECMO use (4.5 vs 2 days, p=0.35). The overall 30-day mortality was 71.4% with a 60% surgical mortality rate. Hemodynamics at the time of presentation and a delayed surgical approach of at least 9 days showed significant association with improved survival. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was more common in non-survivors. The use of IABP in the pre-operative period and post-operative ECMO use likely provide a survival benefit.

Mechanical valve obstruction: Review of diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Prosthetic valve obstruction (PVO) is a rare but feared complication of mechanical valve replacement. Diagnostic evaluation should focus on differentiating prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) from pannus formation, as their treatment options differ. History of sub-optimal anti-coagulation and post-op time course to development of PVO are useful clinical characteristics in differentiating thrombus from pannus formation. Treatment of PVT is influenced by the patient's symptoms, valve location, degree of obstruction and thrombus size and may include thrombolysis or surgical intervention. Alternatively, pannus formation requires surgical intervention. The purpose of this article is to review the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnostic approach and treatment options for aortic and mitral valve PVO.