Clinical impact of the infrapatellar location in symptomatic peripheral arterial disease patients / Impacto clínico de la localización infrapatelar en pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica sintomática

Abstract Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) frequently affects multiple segments of the limbs. Contradictory data have reported worse prognosis in aortoiliac lesions, nevertheless, diabetes and chronic limb ischemia frequently affects the infrapatellar territory. Our aim was to assess the impact of infrapatellar disease in cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study at a university hospital in Argentina. Electronic health records were retrospectively reviewed including symptomatic PAD patients requiring revascularization. A multivariable regression model was performed to account for confounders. The primary endpoint was a composite of hospitalizations due to chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) and major amputation events between infrapatellar and suprapatellar patients. Minor amputation events, all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major cardiovascular events (MACE) were secondary endpoints. Results: From January 2014 through July 2020, a total of 309 patients were included in the analysis. 151 patients had suprapatellar disease, and 158 had infrapatellar disease. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 35 patients (22.2%) in the infrapatellar patients and 18 patients (11.9%) in the suprapatellar patients (HR = 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.22-3.82]; p = 0.008). Both components of the primary outcomes occurred more frequently in infrapatellar patients. Minor amputation events were more prevalent in infrapatellar patients (HR = 5.09; 95% CI = [1.47-17.6]; p = 0.010). Death, MI, stroke, and MACE events were not different among groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Infrapatellar disease was an independent factor for increased hospitalization of CLTI, major and minor amputations events, compared to suprapatellar disease in symptomatic revascularized PAD patients.

Resumen Objetivo: La enfermedad vascular periférica (EVP) afecta generalmente múltiples segmentos de los miembros. Existe información contradictoria con respecto al pronóstico de pacientes con enfermedad aortoilíaca, sin embargo, la diabetes y la enfermedad critica de miembros inferiores habitualmente afecta el territorio infrapatelar. Nuestro objetivo es determinar el impacto de la afectación infrapatelar en eventos cardiovasculares. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional en un hospital universitario de Argentina. Se revisó la historia clínica electrónica de pacientes con EVP con requerimiento de revascularización. Se generó un modelo de regresión multivariado incluyendo variables clínicamente relevantes. El punto final primario fue un combinado de hospitalización por isquemia crítica y amputaciones mayores entre pacientes con afectación infrapatelar y suprapatelar. Amputaciones menores, muerte por todas las causas, infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y un combinado de eventos cardiovasculares (MACE) fueron los puntos secundarios. Resultados: Se reclutó un total de 309 pacientes desde enero de 2014 hasta julio de 2020. 151 pacientes presentaron enfermedad suprapatelar y 158 infrapatelar. El punto final primario ocurrió en 35 pacientes (22.2%) en el grupo infrapatelar y en 18 pacientes (11.9%) en suprapatelares (HR 2.16; intervalo de confianza 95% [1.22-3.82]; p = 0.008). Ambos componentes ocurrieron con mayor frecuencia en pacientes con afectación infrapatelar. Los eventos de amputación menor fueron mas prevalentes en pacientes con afectación infrapatelar (HR 5.09; IC95% [1.47-17.6]; p = 0.010) La mortalidad por todas las causas, IAM, ACV y MACE no fueron diferentes entre los grupos (p > 0.05). Conclusión: La enfermedad infrapatelar fue un factor independiente para mayor riesgo de hospitalización por isquemia critica, amputación mayor y menor comparado con pacientes con afectación suprapatelar en EVP sintomática revascularizada.

The Role of CT-Guided Optimal Fluoroscopic Viewing Angle for Coronary Engagement After TAVR.

We report the case of an 89-year-old woman with prior transcatheter aortic valve replacement who underwent successful left coronary artery engagement and left circumflex percutaneous coronary intervention using patient-specific computed tomography fluoroscopic projections. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Clinical impact of the infrapatellar location in symptomatic peripheral arterial disease patients.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) frequently affects multiple segments of the limbs. Contradictory data have reported worse prognosis in aortoiliac lesions, nevertheless, diabetes and chronic limb ischemia frequently affects the infrapatellar territory. Our aim was to assess the impact of infrapatellar disease in cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study at a university hospital in Argentina. Electronic health records were retrospectively reviewed including symptomatic PAD patients requiring revascularization. A multivariable regression model was performed to account for confounders. The primary endpoint was a composite of hospitalizations due to chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) and major amputation events between infrapatellar and suprapatellar patients. Minor amputation events, all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major cardiovascular events (MACE) were secondary endpoints. Results: From January 2014 through July 2020, a total of 309 patients were included in the analysis. 151 patients had suprapatellar disease, and 158 had infrapatellar disease. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 35 patients (22.2%) in the infrapatellar patients and 18 patients (11.9%) in the suprapatellar patients (HR = 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]= [1.22-3.82]; p = 0.008). Both components of the primary outcomes occurred more frequently in infrapatellar patients.Minor amputation events were more prevalent in infrapatellar patients (HR = 5.09; 95% CI = [1.47-17.6]; p = 0.010). Death,MI, stroke, and MACE events were not different among groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Infrapatellar disease was anindependent factor for increased hospitalization of CLTI, major and minor amputations events, compared to suprapatellardisease in symptomatic revascularized PAD patients.

Objetivo: La enfermedad vascular periférica (EVP) afecta generalmente múltiples segmentos de los miembros. Existe información contradictoria con respecto al pronóstico de pacientes con enfermedad aortoilíaca, sin embargo, la diabetes y la enfermedad critica de miembros inferiores habitualmente afecta el territorio infrapatelar. Nuestro objetivo es determinar el impacto de la afectación infrapatelar en eventos cardiovasculares. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional en un hospital universitario de Argentina. Se revisó la historia clínica electrónica de pacientes con EVP con requerimiento de revascularización. Se generó un modelo de regresión multivariado incluyendo variables clínicamente relevantes. El punto final primario fue un combinado de hospitalización por isquemia crítica y amputaciones mayores entre pacientes con afectación infrapatelar y suprapatelar. Amputaciones menores, muerte por todas las causas, infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y un combinado de eventos cardiovasculares (MACE) fueron los puntos secundarios. Resultados: Se reclutó un total de 309 pacientes desde enero de 2014 hasta julio de 2020. 151 pacientes presentaron enfermedad suprapatelar y 158 infrapatelar. El punto final primario ocurrió en 35 pacientes (22.2%) en el grupo infrapatelar y en 18 pacientes (11.9%) en suprapatelares (HR 2.16; intervalo de confianza 95% [1.22-3.82]; p = 0.008). Ambos componentes ocurrieron con mayor frecuencia en pacientes con afectación infrapatelar. Los eventos de amputación menor fueron mas prevalentes en pacientes con afectación infrapatelar (HR 5.09; IC95% [1.47-17.6]; p = 0.010) La mortalidad por todas las causas, IAM, ACV y MACE no fueron diferentes entre los grupos (p > 0.05). Conclusión: La enfermedad infrapatelar fue un factor independiente para mayor riesgo de hospitalización por isquemia critica, amputación mayor y menor comparado con pacientes con afectación suprapatelar en EVP sintomática revascularizada.

Aortic Annulus S-Curve: Implications for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Related Procedures, Part 1.

Most transcatheter aortic valve replacement-related procedures (eg, transcatheter aortic valve replacement implantation depth, commissural alignment, coronary access, bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction, paravalvular leak closure) require an optimal fluoroscopic viewing angle located somewhere along the aortic annulus S-curve. Chamber views, coronary cusp and coronary anatomy, can be understood along the aortic annulus S-curve. A better understanding of the optimal fluoroscopic viewing angles along the S-curve may translate into increased operator confidence and improved safety and efficacy while reducing procedural time, radiation dose, contrast volume, and complication rates.

Sarcopenic Obesity Is Associated With Reduced Cardiorespiratory Fitness Compared With Nonsarcopenic Obesity in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia impairs cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Obesity has also been shown to impair CRF; however, the effects of sarcopenia on CRF in patients with obesity and HFrEF are unknown. The aim of this analysis was to examine differences in CRF between patients with sarcopenic obesity (SO) and non-SO (NSO) with HFrEF. We also assessed associations between skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) and CRF. METHODS: Forty patients with HFrEF and obesity underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to collect measures of CRF including peak oxygen consumption (VO2), circulatory power, oxygen uptake efficiency slope, O2 pulse, and exercise time. Body composition was performed in all patients using bioelectrical impedance analysis to quantify fat mass index and divide patients into SO and NSO based on SMMI cutoffs. Results are presented as mean (SD) or median [interquartile range] as appropriate. RESULTS: Nearly half (43% [n=17]) of patients had SO. Patients with SO had a lower SMMI than those with NSO, and no differences in fat mass index were observed between groups. Those with SO achieved a lower absolute peak VO2 (NSO, 1.62±0.53 L·min-1 versus SO, 1.27±0.44 L·min-1, P=0.035), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (NSO, 1.92±0.59 versus SO, 1.54±0.48, P=0.036), and exercise time (NSO, 549±198 seconds versus SO, 413±140 seconds, P=0.021) compared to those with NSO. On multivariate analysis, SMMI remained a significant predictor of absolute peak VO2 when adjusted for age, sex, adiposity, and HF severity. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HFrEF and obesity, sarcopenia, defined as low SMMI, is associated with a clinically significant reduction in CRF, independent of adiposity.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Through a Single Femoral Access: A Multicenter Experience.

OBJECTIVES: During the past few years, physicians have optimized transcatheter aortic valve replacement and its periprocedural management, with the minimalist approach becoming popular. We aimed to further simplify the procedure using a single femoral access (the "all-in-one" technique). Here, we report a multicenter experience with TAVR with Acurate neo/neo2 transcatheter heart valves (Boston Scientific) through a single, large-bore, femoral sheath. METHODS: Patients underwent TAVR with the Acurate neo or neo2 through a single femoral access at 4 centers. The large sheath was used for both the delivery catheter and the pigtail used to visualize the aortic root. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients (59% women) with a mean age of 82 ± 6 years underwent TAVR with the Acurate neo (n = 100) or the Acurate neo2 (n = 57). The procedure was successfully performed through a single large sheath in all patients. Median duration of hospitalization stay was 2 days (interquartile range, 1-3 days). On echocardiography before discharge, the mean gradient was 7 ± 3 mm Hg and 7 patients (4.4%) had more than mild paravalvular leak. At 30 days, a major vascular complication had occurred in 2 patients (1.3%), 2 patients (1.3%) had suffered a stroke, and only 4 patients (2.5%) had required new permanent pacemaker implantation. A total of 3 patients (1.9%) had died. CONCLUSIONS: An all-in-one access technique allows safe implantation of Acurate neo and neo2 transcatheter heart valves, with low rates of periprocedural complications and favorable short-term outcomes.

Additive prognosis of clinical presentation in revascularized peripheral arterial disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality. It may present with diverse clinical presentations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of these clinical presentations. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study, in which symptomatic PAD patients were included from 2014 to 2020 at a university hospital in Argentina. We classified symptomatic PAD in intermittent claudication (IC), chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and acute ischemia (AI). Our primary endpoint was to compare the composite of all-cause mortality and major amputation events between the three groups. RESULTS: We included 309 patients, with a median follow up of 1.87 years (IQR 0.72-3.67). The primary endpoint was more prevalent in CLTI and AI patients (33% and 33.3%) compared to IC patients (8.1%), P<0.001. CLTI and AI were independently associated with the primary endpoint after adjusting for clinical variables of interest (OR 4.04 95%CI [1.86-9.07], P<0.001 and OR 5.40 95%CI [2.18-13.7], P<0.001, respectively). Mortality incidence rate (per 100 patients/year) was similar between AI and CLTI patients (14.2 95% CI [8.0-24.1] and 13.1 95%CI [8.8-19.7], respectively, P=0.67) but higher compared to IC (2.9 95%CI [1.6-5.1], P<0.01). Major amputation events were more prevalent in CLTI (16.5%) compared to AI (8.9%) and IC patients (1.2%), P<0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Those with CLTI and AI have a particular increased risk of all-cause death and major amputation events. Although mortality incidence was similar between AI and CLTI patients, the latter have an increased risk of major amputation events compared to AI and IC patients.

Prevalencia, predictores e impacto clínico de la rehospitalización en pacientes con estenosis valvular aórtica valorados por un Heart Team / Prevalence, Predictors and Clinical Impact of Readmission in Patients with Aortic Stenosis Evaluated by a Heart Team

RESUMEN Introducción: En nuestro medio existe escasa evidencia sobre la incidencia de rehospitalización, factores predictores y evolución clínica de los pacientes con estenosis aórtica (EAo) grave valorados por un Heart Team. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia, los predictores de rehospitalización y la evolución clínica de pacientes con EAo grave valorados por el Heart Team. Material y métodos: Estudio unicéntrico de cohorte retrospectivo, que incluyó pacientes con EAo grave valorados por el Heart Team. Se analizaron las características del total de la cohorte, y según la presencia o ausencia de rehospitalización, en un seguimiento de 2 años. Resultados: La edad promedio de la población (n = 275) fue de 83,3 ± 6,9 años, con 51,1% de sexo femenino y una incidencia de rehospitalización de 21,5%. Los pacientes rehospitalizados fueron más añosos (85,54 ± 6,66 vs. 82,62 ± 6,87 años; p = 0,003), más frágiles (97,4% vs. 89,3%; p = 0,035), con mayor riesgo quirúrgico (STS score 6,11 ± 4,79 vs. 4,72 ± 4,12; p = 0,033), y fibrilación auricular (FA) previa (40,7% vs. 23,6%; p = 0,009), en comparación con los no rehospitalizados. Se identificó la FA previa como factor de riesgo independiente de rehospitalización (OR 4,59; IC 95% 1,95-10,81, p<0,001). La incidencia de rehospitalización fue de 33,9% para el implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica (TAVI), 1,7% para la cirugía de reemplazo valvular (CRVAo), y 64,4% para el tratamiento conservador (p = 0,002). A 2 años, la rehospitalización se asoció a una mayor mortalidad (47,5% vs. 13,4%; p <0,001). Conclusiones: En pacientes con EAo grave valorados por un Heart Team se observó una significativa incidencia de rehospitalización a 2 años, que se asoció a mayor mortalidad. La FA fue un factor de riesgo independiente de rehospitalización.

ABSTRACT Background: There is scarce evidence in our setting regarding the prevalence of readmission, risk factors and clinical evolution of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) evaluated by a Heart Team. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, predictors and clinical evolution of readmission in patients with severe AS evaluated by a Heart Team. Methods: This was an observational, single-center, retrospective cohort study including patients with severe AS evaluated by a Heart Team. Total cohort characteristics were analyzed at baseline, and after stratification according to the presence or absence of readmission during a 2-year follow-up period. Results: Mean population age (n = 275) was 83.3 ± 6.9 years, and 51.1% were female patients. The prevalence of readmissions was 21.5%. Readmitted patients were older (85.54 ± 6.66 vs. 82.62 ± 6.87 years; p = 0.003) and had greater frailty (97,4% vs. 89.3%; p = 0.035), surgical risk (STS 6.11 ± 4.79 vs. 4.72 ± 4.12; p = 0.033), and previous history of atrial fibrillation (AF) (40.7% vs. 23.6%; p = 0.009), compared with non-readmitted patients. Prior AF was an independent risk factor of readmission (OR 4.59 [IC95% 1.95-10.81]; p <0.001). The prevalence of readmission was 33.9% for percutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI), 1.7% for valve replacement surgery (AVRS), and 64.4% for conservative treatment (p = 0.002). At 2 years, readmission was associated with lower survival (47.5% vs. 13.4%; p <0.001). Conclusions: In patients with severe AS evaluated by a Heart Team, a significant prevalence of readmission was observed at 2 years, and this was associated with higher mortality. Atrial fibrillation was an independent risk factor of readmissions.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty through the novel transradial technique.

BACKGROUND: Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has been typically performed through a femoral approach thus increasing the risk of bleeding and access site-related vascular complications. The aim of this study was to describe the safety and efficacy of transradial aortic valve valvuloplasty (TRBAV). METHODS: The present research is a retrospective, single-center study including patients undergoing TRBAV (October 2019-July 2020). BAV was performed using 18-25 mm balloons through an 8-10 French (F) radial sheath. Successful BAV was defined as ≥50% reduction in peak-to-peak gradient (efficacy endpoint). Procedural complications, including radial artery occlusion (RAO) at follow-up were evaluated (safety endpoint). RESULTS: Twenty-four patients underwent TRBAV were included, aged 81 (73-85) years, 70% males, EuroScoreII 3.1 (2.1-5.5). Aortic valve gradient was significantly reduced (pre-50±24 vs. 18.7±13 mmHg post, P<0.001), and 91% had successful BAV. Mean gradient drop was 31.4±16.8 mmHg. One patient (4%) required cross-over to femoral access for severe vasospasm and was excluded from the analysis. Most used sheaths were 8F (46%) and 9F (37%), mostly for 20 mm (50%) and 23 mm (38%) balloons. There were neither major procedural complications (neither balloon entrapment nor compartmental syndrome) nor minor complications (any access-site bleeding). RAO was observed in 2 patients (8%), both asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: TRBAV was safe, feasible, and efficacious with a small rate of conversion and RAO, suggesting reproducibility of this novel technique. TRBAV may represent an alternative to femoral access in selected patients although larger studies are warranted.

The effects of canagliflozin compared to sitagliptin on cardiorespiratory fitness in type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: The CANA-HF study.

BACKGROUND: Canagliflozin reduces hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Its effect on cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiac function in patients with established HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial of canagliflozin 100 mg or sitagliptin 100 mg daily for 12 weeks in 88 patients, and measured peak oxygen consumption (VO2 ) and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2 ) slope (co-primary endpoints for repeated measure ANOVA time_x_group interaction), lean peak VO2 , ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), cardiac function and quality of life (ie, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire [MLHFQ]), at baseline and 12-week follow-up. RESULTS: The study was terminated early due to the new guidelines recommending canagliflozin over sitagliptin in HF: 17 patients were assigned to canagliflozin and 19 to sitagliptin, total of 36 patients. There were no significant changes in peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope between the two groups (P = .083 and P = .98, respectively). Canagliflozin improved lean peak VO2 (+2.4 mL kgLM-1 min-1 , P = .036), VAT (+1.5 mL kg-1 min-1 , P = .012) and VO2 matched for respiratory exchange ratio (+2.4 mL Kg-1 min-1 , P = .002) compared to sitagliptin. Canagliflozin also reduced MLHFQ score (-12.1, P = .018). CONCLUSIONS: In this small and short-term study of patients with T2DM and HFrEF, interrupted early after only 36 patients, canagliflozin did not improve the primary endpoints of peak VO2 or VE/VCO2 slope compared to sitagliptin, while showing favourable trends observed on several additional surrogate endpoints such as lean peak VO2 , VAT and quality of life.

Interleukin-1 Blockade Inhibits the Acute Inflammatory Response in Patients With ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction is associated with an intense acute inflammatory response and risk of heart failure. We tested whether interleukin-1 blockade with anakinra significantly reduced the area under the curve for hsCRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein) levels during the first 14 days in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (VCUART3 [Virginia Commonwealth University Anakinra Remodeling Trial 3]). Methods and Results We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial in 99 patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction in which patients were assigned to 2 weeks treatment with anakinra once daily (N=33), anakinra twice daily (N=31), or placebo (N=35). hsCRP area under the curve was significantly lower in patients receiving anakinra versus placebo (median, 67 [interquartile range, 39-120] versus 214 [interquartile range, 131-394] mg·day/L; P<0.001), without significant differences between the anakinra arms. No significant differences were found between anakinra and placebo groups in the interval changes in left ventricular end-systolic volume (median, 1.4 [interquartile range, -9.8 to 9.8] versus -3.9 [interquartile range, -15.4 to 1.4] mL; P=0.21) or left ventricular ejection fraction (median, 3.9% [interquartile range, -1.6% to 10.2%] versus 2.7% [interquartile range, -1.8% to 9.3%]; P=0.61) at 12 months. The incidence of death or new-onset heart failure or of death and hospitalization for heart failure was significantly lower with anakinra versus placebo (9.4% versus 25.7% [P=0.046] and 0% versus 11.4% [P=0.011], respectively), without difference between the anakinra arms. The incidence of serious infection was not different between anakinra and placebo groups (14% versus 14%; P=0.98). Injection site reactions occurred more frequently in patients receiving anakinra (22%) versus placebo (3%; P=0.016). Conclusions In patients presenting with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, interleukin-1 blockade with anakinra significantly reduces the systemic inflammatory response compared with placebo. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT01950299.

Economic benefits of fractional flow reserve utilization on intermediate lesions and its clinical impact after one year-follow up.

Background: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a proven technology for guiding percutaneous coronary intervention, but it is not reimbursed despite the fact that it frequently allows to defer revascularization. Our goal was to determine the economic benefit of FFR on intermediate lesions, as well as the clinical endpoints at 1 year follow up. Methods: Observational prospective study that included consecutive patients with intermediate lesions evaluated with FFR between April 2013 and March 2016. For the economic analysis we evaluated the specific resources used during the procedure. Clinical endpoints including cardiovascular death, target lesion revascularization and acute myocardial infarction, were followed up over a one-year period. Results: FFR was performed on 222 lesions in 151 consecutive patients. FFR was positive in 26.1% of the assessed lesions. The estimated total cost using FFR was US$ 891,290.08 while cost estimate without FFR was US$ 1,557,352, meaning 43% in cost savings. There was one cardiovascular death and two readmissions during follow up in the positive FFR group. Conclusions: FFR guided revascularization on intermediate coronary lesions resulted in an economic benefit by reducing overall costs without harming clinical outcomes.

Antecedentes: La reserva de flujo fraccional (FFR) es una herramienta con evidencia demostrada para guiar las angioplastias coronarias. El reembolso por los sistemas de cobertura de salud es parcial o nulo a pesar de frecuentemente diferir la angioplastia. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el beneficio económico de la utilización del FFR en la evaluación de lesiones intermedias, y evaluar asimismo puntos finales clínicos en el seguimiento a un año. Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo que incluyó una cohorte de pacientes consecutivos con lesiones coronarias intermedias, evaluadas con FFR, entre abril de 2013 y marzo de 2016. Para el análisis económico se evaluaron los recursos específicos utilizados para la realización del procedimiento. Se analizaron puntos finales clínicos (muerte cardiovascular, revascularización de la arteria objetivo e infarto agudo de miocardio) durante la internación y en el seguimiento a un año. Resultados: Se incluyeron 222 lesiones en 151 pacientes consecutivos. Se registró FFR positivo en el 26.1% de las lesiones evaluadas. Se estimó que sin la utilización de FFR, 126 pacientes hubieran sido tratados con angioplastia transluminal coronaria y 25 con cirugía de revascularización miocárdica. El costo estimado con la utilización de FFR fue US$ 891,290.08, mientras que sin el mismo hubiera sido de US$ 1,557,352. Esto implicó un ahorro del 43% de los gastos. Se observaron una muerte de origen cardiovascular y dos reinternaciones en el grupo FFR positivo en el seguimiento a un año. Conclusiones: La revascularización de lesiones intermedias guiada por FFR resultó en un beneficio económico al reducir los costos generales sin resultar clínicamente perjudicial.

Beneficio económico en la utilización de reserva fraccional de flujo en lesiones coronarias intermedias y su impacto clínico a un año / Economic benefits of fractional flow reserve utilization on intermediate lesions and its clinical impact after one year-follow up

Resumen Antecedentes: La reserva de flujo fraccional (FFR) es una herramienta con evidencia demostrada para guiar las angioplastias coronarias. El reembolso por los sistemas de cobertura de salud es parcial o nulo a pesar de frecuentemente diferir la angioplastia. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el beneficio económico de la utilización del FFR en la evaluación de lesiones intermedias, y evaluar asimismo puntos finales clínicos en el seguimiento a un año. Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo que incluyó una cohorte de pacientes consecutivos con lesiones coronarias intermedias, evaluadas con FFR, entre abril de 2013 y marzo de 2016. Para el análisis económico se evaluaron los recursos específicos utilizados para la realización del procedimiento. Se analizaron puntos finales clínicos (muerte cardiovascular, revascularización de la arteria objetivo e infarto agudo de miocardio) durante la internación y en el seguimiento a un año Resultados: Se incluyeron 222 lesiones en 151 pacientes consecutivos. Se registró FFR positivo en el 26.1% de las lesiones evaluadas. Se estimó que sin la utilización de FFR, 126 pacientes hubieran sido tratados con angioplastia transluminal coronaria y 25 con cirugía de revascularización miocárdica. El costo estimado con la utilización de FFR fue US$ 891,290.08, mientras que sin el mismo hubiera sido de US$ 1,557,352. Esto implicó un ahorro del 43% de los gastos. Se observaron una muerte de origen cardiovascular y dos reinternaciones en el grupo FFR positivo en el seguimiento a un año. Conclusiones: La revascularización de lesiones intermedias guiada por FFR resultó en un beneficio económico al reducir los costos generales sin resultar clínicamente perjudicial.

Abstract Background: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a proven technology for guiding percutaneous coronary intervention, but it is not reimbursed despite the fact that it frequently allows to defer revascularization. Our goal was to determine the economic benefit of FFR on intermediate lesions, as well as the clinical endpoints at 1 year follow up. Methods: Observational prospective study that included consecutive patients with intermediate lesions evaluated with FFR between April 2013 and March 2016. For the economic analysis we evaluated the specific resources used during the procedure. Clinical endpoints including cardiovascular death, target lesion revascularization and acute myocardial infarction, were followed up over a one-year period. Results: FFR was performed on 222 lesions in 151 consecutive patients. FFR was positive in 26.1% of the assessed lesions. The estimated total cost using FFR was US$ 891,290.08 while cost estimate without FFR was US$ 1,557,352, meaning 43% in cost savings. There was one cardiovascular death and two readmissions during follow up in the positive FFR group. Conclusions: FFR guided revascularization on intermediate coronary lesions resulted in an economic benefit by reducing overall costs without harming clinical outcomes.

Stress Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis and Treatment: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

Stress cardiomyopathy is an acute reversible heart failure syndrome initially believed to represent a benign condition due to its self-limiting clinical course, but now recognized to be associated with a non-negligible rate of serious complications such as ventricular arrhythmias, systemic thromboembolism, and cardiogenic shock. Due to an increased awareness and recognition, the incidence of stress cardiomyopathy has been rising (15-30 cases per 100,000 per year), although the true incidence is unknown as the condition is likely underdiagnosed. Stress cardiomyopathy represents a form of neurocardiogenic myocardial stunning, and while the link between the brain and the heart is established, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. We herein review the proposed risk factors and triggers for the syndrome and discuss a practical approach to diagnosis and treatment of the patients with stress cardiomyopathy, highlighting potential challenges and unresolved questions.

Effects of empagliflozin on cardiorespiratory fitness and significant interaction of loop diuretics.

The effects of empagliflozin on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are unknown. In this pilot study we determined the effects of empagliflozin 10 mg/d for 4 weeks on peak oxygen consumption (VO2 ) in 15 patients with T2DM and HFrEF. As an exploratory analysis, we assessed whether there was an interaction of the effects of empagliflozin on peak VO2 of loop diuretics. Empagliflozin reduced body weight (-1.7 kg; P = .031), but did not change peak VO2 (from 14.5 mL kg-1 min-1 [12.6-17.8] to 15.8 [12.5-17.4] mL kg-1 min-1 ; P = .95). However, patients using loop diuretics (N = 9) demonstrated an improvement, whereas those without loop diuretics (N = 6) experienced a decrease in peak VO2 (+0.9 [0.1-1.4] vs -0.9 [-2.1 to -0.3] mL kg-1 min-1 ; P = .001), and peak VO2 changes correlated with the baseline daily dose of diuretics (R = +0.83; P < .001). Empagliflozin did not improve peak VO2 in patients with T2DM and HFrEF. However, as a result of exploratory analysis, patients concomitantly treated with loop diuretics experienced a significant improvement in peak VO2 .