Percutaneous closure of incomplete surgical left atrial appendage ligation: success begins with the decision to try.

The authors present a case of percutaneous closure of an incomplete surgical left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation with a new device LAmbre (Lifetech ScientificCo Ltd).

Circulating miRNA in functional tricuspid regurgitation. Unveiling novel links to heart failure: A pilot study.

AIM: Severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is associated with high risk of cardiovascular events, particularly heart failure (HF) and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recently identified as novel biomarkers in different cardiovascular conditions, but no studies have focused on FTR. We sought to (1) to identify and validate circulating miRNAs as regulators of FTR and (2) to test association of miRNA with heart failure and mortality in FTR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with isolated severe FTR (n = 100) evaluated in the outpatient Heart Valve Clinic and age- and gender-matched subjects with no TR (controls, n = 50) were prospectively recruited. The experimental design included (1) a screening phase to identify candidate miRNA differentially expressed in FTR (n = 8) compared with controls (n = 8) through miRNA array profiling of 192 miRNAs using quantitative reverse transcription PCR arrays [qRT-PCR]) and (2) a validation phase in which candidate miRNAs identified in the initial screening were selected for further validation by qRT-PCR in a prospectively recruited cohort of FTR (n = 92) and controls (n = 42). Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict their potential target genes and functional pathways elicited. A combined endpoint of hospital admission due to heart failure (HF) and all-cause mortality was defined. Initial screening identified 16 differentially expressed miRNAs in FTR compared with controls, subsequently confirmed in the validation phase (n = 16 were excluded due to significant haemolysis). miR-186-5p, miR-30e-5p, and miR-152-3p identified FTR with high predictive value [AUC of 0.93 (0.88-0.97), 0.83 (0.75-0.91) and 0.84 (0.76-0.92), respectively]. During a median follow-up of 20.4 months (IQR 8-35 months), 32% of FTR patients reached the combined endpoint. Patients with low relative expression of miR-15a-5p, miR-92a-3p, miR101-3p, and miR-363-3p, miR-324-3p, and miR-22-3p showed significantly higher rates of events (log-rank test for all P < 0.01). Both miR-15a-5p [hazard ratio: 0.21 (0.06-0.649, P = 0.007) and miR-92a-3p (0.27 (0.09-0.76), P = 0.01] were associated with outcomes after adjusting for age, gender, and New York Heart Association functional class. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating miRNAs are novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in severe FTR. The quantification of miR-186-5p, miR-30e-5p, and miR-152-3p held strong diagnostic value, and the quantification of miR-15a-5p and miR-92a-3p are independently associated with outcomes. The recognition of specific miRNAs offers a novel perspective for TR evaluation.

STREI: a new index of right heart function in isolated severe tricuspid regurgitation by Speckle tracking Echocardiography.

AIMS: Right ventricular (RV) performance determines clinical management in severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Right atrial (RA) function complements RV assessment in TR. This study aimed to design a novel index by Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STREI index) integrating RA and RV strain information and to evaluate the clinical utility of combining RV and RA strain for prediction of cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with at least (≥) severe TR evaluated in the Heart Valve Clinic (n = 300) were prospectively included. An additional independent TR cohort was included for external validation (n = 50). STREI index was developed with the formula: [2 * RV-free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS)] + Reservoir RA strain (RASr). The composite endpoint included hospital admission due to HF and all cause-mortality. 176 patients with ≥ severe TR were finally included. STREI index identified a higher percentage of patients with RV dysfunction compared to conventional parameters. After a median follow-up of 2.2 years (IQR: 12-41 months), 38% reached the composite endpoint. STREI values were predictors of outcomes independently of TR severity and RV dimensions. The combination of prognostic cut-off values of RASr (<10%) and RV-FWLS (>-20%) (STREI stratification) stratified 4 different groups of risk independently of TR severity, RV dimensions and clinical status (adj HR per stratum 1.89 (1.4-2.34), p < 0.001). Pre-defined cut-off values achieved similar prognostic performance in the validation cohort (n = 50). CONCLUSION: STREI index is a novel parameter of RV performance that independently predicts CV events. The combination of RA and RV strain stratifies better patients' risk, reflecting a broader effect of TR on right heart chambers.

La clasificación 4A para pacientes con insuficiencia tricuspídea / The 4A classification for patients with tricuspid regurgitation

Introducción y objetivos: La insuficiencia tricuspídea (IT) significativa se asocia con un aumento de la morbimortalidad. La valoración clínica del paciente con IT es un reto. Nuestro objetivo es establecer una nueva clasificación clínica, específica para pacientes con IT, denominada clasificación 4A, y evaluar su impacto pronóstico. Métodos: Se incluyó a pacientes evaluados en la clínica valvular, con IT aislada al menos grave y ausencia de antecedentes de insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Se recogieron síntomas y signos de astenia, edema en extremidades inferiores, dolor o distensión abdominal y anorexia (asthenia, ankle swelling, abdominal pain or distention and anorexia) y se realizó un seguimiento cada 6 meses. La clasificación 4A abarca desde A0 (ninguna A) a A3 (3 o 4 Aes). Se definió un resultado combinado de ingreso hospitalario debido a IC derecha o muerte de causa cardiovascular. Resultados: Se incluyó a 135 pacientes con IT significativa entre 2016 y 2021 (el 69% mujeres; media de edad, 78±7 años). Durante un seguimiento medio de 26 [intervalo intercuartílico, 10-41] meses, 53 pacientes (39%) alcanzaron el resultado combinado. Ingresaron por IC 46 (34%) y murió un 5% (n=7). Al inicio, el 94% de los pacientes se encontraban en NYHA I o II, mientras que el 24% ya presentaba A2 o A3. La presencia de A2 o A3 se asoció con una alta incidencia de eventos. El cambio en la puntuación de la clasificación 4A fue un marcador independiente de IC y muerte cardiovascular (HR ajustada por unidad de cambio de la clasificación 4A=1,95 [1,37-2,77]; p <0,001). Conclusiones: Se muestra una nueva clasificación clínica específica para pacientes con IT basada en signos y síntomas de IC derecha y predictora de eventos.

Introduction and objectives: Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Clinical evaluation of TR patients is challenging. Our aim was to establish a new clinical classification specific for patients with TR, the 4A classification, and evaluate its prognostic performance. Methods: We included patients with isolated TR that was at least severe and without previous episodes of heart failure (HF) who were assessed in the heart valve clinic. We registered signs and symptoms of asthenia, ankle swelling, abdominal pain or distention and/or anorexia and followed up the patients every 6 months. The 4A classification ranged from A0 (no A) to A3 (3 or 4 As present). We defined a combined endpoint consisting of hospital admission due to right HF or cardiovascular mortality. Results: We included 135 patients with significant TR between 2016 and 2021 (69% females, mean age 78±7 years). During a median follow-up of 26 [IQR, 10-41] months, 39% (n=53) patients had the combined endpoint: 34% (n=46) were admitted for HF and 5% (n=7) died. At baseline, 94% of the patients were in NYHA I or II, while 24% were in classes A2 or A3. The presence of A2 or A3 conferred a high incidence of events. The change in 4A class remained an independent marker of HF and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR per unit of change of 4A class, 1.95 [1.37-2.77]; P<.001). Conclusions: This study reports a novel clinical classification specifically for patients with TR that is based on signs and symptoms of right HF and has prognostic value for events.(AU)

Dataset for the study of the effect of anticoagulation in the incidence of stroke and other outcomes in patients with left ventricular thrombus.

The optimal duration of anticoagulation in patients with left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is unknown. The data package herein presented contains the information used to assess the effect of duration of anticoagulation in the incidence of stroke in patients with left ventricular thrombus (LVT) in a tertiary hospital. In order to collect the required data, all transthoracic echocardiography studies at our institution from January 1st 2014 to December 31st 2021 with LVT were retrieved using dedicated software (Phillips Intellispace Cardiovascular; Koninklijke Phillips N.V., 2004-2020). Second, a dataset was designed ad hoc for this study in which the recruited data for the predefined objectives were obtained from electronic medical records. These data included clinical and demographic information including treatment choices (vitamin K antagonists [VKA] versus direct oral anticoagulants [DOAC]), duration of treatment, reason for interruption of treatment, occurrence of stroke, acute myocardial infarction, bleeding events, thrombus resolution, recurrence, and death. Retrieved data were stored in an excel sheet for analysis using the statistical package STATA (StataCorp v. 15.0, College station, TX). This methodology allows the reuse of these data for further analysis, in the context of the present study and also for future recruitment of additional patients from other institutions to increase statistical power.

Clinical utility and prognostic value of right atrial function in severe tricuspid regurgitation: one more piece of the puzzle.

AIMS: The optimal management of severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) remains controversial. While right ventricular systolic function is an established prognostic marker of outcomes, the potential role of right atrial (RA) function is unknown. This study aimed to describe RA function by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) in at least severe TR and to evaluate its potential association with cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with at least (≥) severe TR (severe, massive, or torrential TR) evaluated in the Heart Valve Clinic following a comprehensive clinical protocol were included. Consecutive control subjects and patients with permanent isolated atrial fibrillation (AF) were included for comparison (control and AF group, respectively). RA function was measured with 2D-STE and two components of RA function were calculated: reservoir (RASr) and contractile (RASct) strain (AutoStrain, Philips Medical Systems the EPIQ system). A combined endpoint of hospital admission due to heart failure (HF) or all-cause mortality was defined. Patients with ≥ severe TR (n = 140) showed lower RASr compared with controls (n = 20) and with the AF group (n = 20) (P < 0.001). Atrial TR showed lower RASr compared with other aetiologies of TR (P < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 2.2 years (IQR: 12-41 months), RASr remained an independent predictor of mortality and HF. A cut-off value of RASr of <9.4% held the best accuracy to predict outcomes. CONCLUSION: RA function by 2D-STE independently predicts mortality and HF hospitalizations in patients with ≥ severe TR.

Transcatheter Tricuspid Annuloplasty in a Patient With Very Long Segment of Right Coronary Artery Proximity.

A 78-year-old woman with severe symptomatic secondary atrial tricuspid regurgitation and a long segment of right coronary artery proximity in the posterior tricuspid annulus was treated with transcatheter annuloplasty. Six consecutive anchors were implanted at the level of the atrial wall, crossing the right coronary artery, achieving residual mild regurgitation. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

The 4A classification for patients with tricuspid regurgitation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Clinical evaluation of TR patients is challenging. Our aim was to establish a new clinical classification specific for patients with TR, the 4A classification, and evaluate its prognostic performance. METHODS: We included patients with isolated TR that was at least severe and without previous episodes of heart failure (HF) who were assessed in the heart valve clinic. We registered signs and symptoms of asthenia, ankle swelling, abdominal pain or distention and/or anorexia and followed up the patients every 6 months. The 4A classification ranged from A0 (no A) to A3 (3 or 4 As present). We defined a combined endpoint consisting of hospital admission due to right HF or cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: We included 135 patients with significant TR between 2016 and 2021 (69% females, mean age 78±7 years). During a median follow-up of 26 [IQR, 10-41] months, 39% (n=53) patients had the combined endpoint: 34% (n=46) were admitted for HF and 5% (n=7) died. At baseline, 94% of the patients were in NYHA I or II, while 24% were in classes A2 or A3. The presence of A2 or A3 conferred a high incidence of events. The change in 4A class remained an independent marker of HF and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR per unit of change of 4A class, 1.95 [1.37-2.77]; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports a novel clinical classification specifically for patients with TR that is based on signs and symptoms of right HF and has prognostic value for events.

Prognostic Impact of Right Ventricular Strain in Isolated Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) systolic function is an established marker of outcomes in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Timely detection of RV dysfunction using conventional two-dimensional echocardiography is challenging. RV strain has emerged as an accurate and sensitive tool for the evaluation of RV function, with the capability to detect subclinical RV dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of RV strain parameters in early stages of severe TR. METHODS: Consecutive patients with at least severe TR (severe, massive, or torrential) and the absence of a formal indication for tricuspid valve intervention in secondary TR evaluated in the Heart Valve Clinic were prospectively included. RV systolic function was measured using conventional echocardiographic indices (RV fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and Doppler tissue imaging S wave [S']) and speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived automatic peak global longitudinal strain and free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) using an automated two-dimensional strain analytic software. A combined end point of hospital admission due to heart failure or all-cause mortality was defined. RESULTS: A total of 266 patients were enrolled in the study, and 151 were ultimately included. Strain parameters detected a higher percentage of abnormal RV values compared with conventional indices. During a median follow-up period of 26 months (interquartile range, 13-42 months), 35% of the patients reached the combined end point. Cumulative event-free survival was significantly worse in patients with impaired RV global longitudinal strain and RV FWLS. Conventional indices of RV systolic function were not associated with outcomes (P > .05 for all). On multivariate analysis, RV FWLS was independently associated with mortality and heart failure (adjusted hazard ratio for abnormal RV FWLS, 5.90; 95% CI, 3.17-10.99; P < .001). CONCLUSION: In early stages of severe TR, RV FWLS is more frequently impaired compared with conventional indices of RV function. Among all parameters, RV FWLS is the strongest predictor of mortality and heart failure, independent of additional prognostic markers.

Effect of Duration of Anticoagulation in the Incidence of Stroke in Patients With Left-Ventricular Thrombus.

The optimal duration of anticoagulation in patients with left-ventricular thrombus (LVT) is unclear. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the effect of treatment duration (≤12 months [short-term anticoagulation, (STA)] versus >12 months [long-term anticoagulation, (LTA)]) in the incidence of stroke and other secondary outcomes (acute myocardial infarction, bleeding, and mortality). Multivariate Cox regression was used to determine the association between treatment duration and stroke, adjusted for baseline embolic risk. A total of 98 cases of LVT (age 64.3 ± 12.8 years, female 18 [18%]) were identified. Sixty-one patients (62%) received LTA. Patients receiving LTA were older than those receiving STA (66.5 ± 11.6 vs 60.7 ± 13.9 years, p = 0.029), more often had atrial fibrillation (31% vs 0%, p <0.001), and had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (4.3 ± 1.6 vs 3.6 ± 1.6, p = 0.046). Stroke occurred in 2 and 10 patients (3% vs 27%, p <0.001), acute myocardial infarction in 2 and 3 patients (3% vs 8%, p = 0.292), bleeding in 4 and 3 patients (7% vs 8%, p = 0.773), and mortality in 12 and 7 patients (20% vs 19%, p = 0.927) in the LTA and STA groups, respectively. In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for embolic risk, LTA was associated with decreased risk of stroke at 5 years (adjusted hazard ratio 0.16; 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.72, p = 0.017). In conclusion, our data suggest that prolonged anticoagulation in patients with LVT may be associated with significantly lower risk of stroke.

Checkpoint Immunotherapy-Induced Myocarditis and Encephalitis Complicated With Complete AV Block: Not All Hope Is Lost.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are associated with a myriad of autoimmune adverse events. We present a 70-year-old patient with renal-cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab/ipilimumab complicated with myocarditis and encephalitis in which gradual impairment of the His-Purkinje system progressed to complete atrioventricular block. Full recovery was achieved after treatment with corticosteroids and immunoglobulins. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

An Infrequent Complication of VT Ablation: Should We Perform Delayed Routine Imaging After Steam Pops?

Catheter ablation has become the cornerstone of the treatment of ventricular arrythmias. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize the adverse effects of such treatment. We present a case of an incidental diagnosis of ventricular pseudoaneurysms after catheter ablation for treatment of drug-refractory nonsustained runs of ventricular tachycardia. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Spanish Registry of Acute Aortic Syndrome (RESA). Changes in therapeutic management and lower mortality in acute aortic syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The Spanish Registry of Acute Aortic Syndrome (RESA) was launched in 2005 to identify the characteristics of acute aortic syndrome (AAS) in Spain. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in management and mortality in the 3 RESA iterations. METHODS: We analyzed data from patients with AAS prospectively included by 24 to 30 tertiary centers during the 3 iterations of the registry: RESA I (2005-2006), RESA-II (2012-2013), and RESA III (2018-2019). RESULTS: AAS was diagnosed in 1902 patients (74% men; age, 60.7±12.5 years): 1329 (69.9%) type A and 573 (30.1%) type B. Comparison of the 3 periods revealed that the use of computed tomography increased as the first diagnostic technique (77.1%, 77.9%, and 84.2%, respectively; P=.001). In type A, surgical management increased (79.6%, 78.7%, and 84.5%; P=.045) and overall mortality decreased (41.2%, 34.5%, and 31.2%; P=.002), due to a reduction in surgical mortality (33.4%, 25.1%, and 23.9%; P=.003). In type B, endovascular treatment increased (22.8%, 32.8%, and 38.7%; P=.006), while medical and surgical treatment decreased. Overall type B mortality also decreased (21.6%, 16.1%, and 12.0%; P=.005) in line with a reduction in mortality with medical (16.8%, 13.8%, and 8.8%, P=.030) and endovascular (27.0%, 18.0%, and 9.2%; P=.009) treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The iterations of RESA show a decrease in mortality from type A AAS, coinciding with an increase in surgical treatment and a reduction in surgical mortality. In type B, the use of endovascular treatment was associated with improved survival, allowing better management in patients with complications.