[BLITZ-AF Cancer study: an international observational research project on patients with atrial fibrillation and cancer]. / Studio BLITZ-AF Cancer: un progetto di ricerca osservazionale internazionale sui pazienti con fibrillazione atriale e cancro.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is an important condition associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). The objectives of the BLITZ-AF Cancer study were to collect real-life information on the clinical profile and use of antithrombotic drugs in patients with AF and cancer to improve clinical management, as well as the evaluation of the association between different antithrombotic treatments (or their absence) and the main clinical events. METHODS: European multinational, multicenter, prospective, non-interventional study conducted in patients with AF (electrocardiographically confirmed) and cancer occurring within 3 years. The CHA2DS2-VASc and the HAS-BLED scores were calculated in all enrolled patients. RESULTS: From June 2019 to July 2021, 1514 patients were enrolled, 36.5% women, from 112 cardiology departments in 6 European countries (Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and Ireland). Italy enrolled 971 patients in 77 centers. Average age of patients was 74 ± 9 years, of which 20.9% affected by heart failure, 18.1% by ischemic heart disease, 9.8% by peripheral arterial disease and 38.5% by valvular diseases; 41.5% of patients had a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥4. The most represented cancer sites were lung (14.9%), colorectal tract (14.1%), prostate (8.8%), or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (8.1%). Before enrollment, 16.6% of patients were not taking antithrombotic therapy, while 22.7% were on therapy with antiplatelet agents and/or low molecular weight heparin. After enrollment these percentages decreased to 7.7% and 16.6%, respectively and, at the same time, the percentage of patients on direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy increased from 48.4% to 68.4%, also to the detriment of those on vitamin K antagonist therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The BLITZ-AF Cancer study, which enrolled patients diagnosed with AF and cancer, highlights that the use of DOACs by cardiologists in this clinical context has increased, even though the guidelines on AF do not give accurate indications about oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with cancer.

Coronary physiology instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) derived from x-ray angiography using artificial intelligence deep learning models: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary angiography (CAG)-derived physiology methods have been developed in an attempt to simplify and increase the usage of coronary physiology, based mostly on dynamic fluid computational algorithms. We aimed to develop a different approach based on artificial intelligence methods, which has seldom been explored. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing invasive instantaneous free-wave ratio (iFR) measurements were included. We developed artificial intelligence (AI) models capable of classifying target lesions as positive (iFR ≤ 0.89) or negative (iFR > 0.89). The predictions were then compared to the true measurements. RESULTS: Two hundred-fifty measurements were included, and 3 models were developed. Model 3 had the best overall performance: accuracy, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, and specificity were 69%, 88%, 44%, 74%, and 67%, respectively. Performance differed per target vessel. For the left anterior descending artery (LAD), model 3 had the highest accuracy (66%), while model 2 the highest NPV (86%) and sensitivity (91%). PPV was always low/modest. Model 1 had the highest specificity (68%). For the right coronary artery, model 1's accuracy was 86%, NPV was 97%, and specificity was 87%, but all models had low PPV (maximum 25%) and low/modest sensitivity (maximum 60%). For the circumflex, model 1 performed best: accuracy, NPV, PPV, sensitivity, and specificity were 69%, 96%, 24%, 80%, and 68%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We developed 3 AI models capable of binary iFR estimation from CAG images. Despite modest accuracy, the consistently high NPV is of potential clinical significance, as it would enable avoiding further invasive maneuvers after CAG. This pivotal study offers proof of concept for further development.

Cardiovascular multimodality imaging in women: a scientific statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the European Society of Cardiology.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent an important cause of mortality and morbidity in women. It is now recognized that there are sex differences regarding the prevalence and the clinical significance of the traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors as well as the pathology underlying a range of CVDs. Unfortunately, women have been under-represented in most CVD imaging studies and trials regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. There is therefore a clear need for further investigation of how CVD affects women along their life span. Multimodality CV imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis of CVD in women as well as in prognosis, decision-making, and monitoring of therapeutics and interventions. However, multimodality imaging in women requires specific consideration given the differences in CVD between the sexes. These differences relate to physiological changes that only women experience (e.g. pregnancy and menopause) as well as variation in the underlying pathophysiology of CVD and also differences in the prevalence of certain conditions such as connective tissue disorders, Takotsubo, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection, which are all more common in women. This scientific statement on CV multimodality in women, an initiative of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the European Society of Cardiology, reviews the role of multimodality CV imaging in the diagnosis, management, and risk stratification of CVD, as well as highlights important gaps in our knowledge that require further investigation.

Chest Computed Tomography for Lymphoma Staging: A Wasted Opportunity for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification?

AIM: Patients with a lymphoma diagnosis undergo non-gated chest computed tomography (CT) scans as part of cancer diagnosis or staging. Although coronary artery calcification (CAC) is traditionally evaluated on dedicated cardiac CT, CAC can also be detected on standard chest CT. This exploratory study aimed to determine the prognostic value of CAC detected on non-gated chest CT and to report its use on clinical practice. METHOD: Consecutive patients with a lymphoma diagnosis who performed non-contrasted non-gated chest CT for cancer diagnosis or staging were included and retrospectively evaluated. Coronary artery calcification was evaluated by quantitative (Agatston score) and qualitative (visual) assessment. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included in this study (mean age 61±15 years; 58% male). Coronary artery calcification was identified in 22 patients (39%), most of them with multi-vessel involvement. Coronary artery calcification was qualitatively classified as mild, moderate and severe in 11%, 19% and 9% patients, respectively. This study suggested that moderate or severe CAC was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (odds ratio 3, 95% confidence interval 2-11; p=0.04) after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and lymphoma staging. Regarding quantitative evaluation, a higher CAC score was also associated with higher mortality. While significant CAC was identified in 22 patients, it was only reported in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary findings of this hypothesis-generating study support the investigation of CAC identified by chest CT for diagnosis/staging of cancer as a risk modifier in the global risk assessment of patients with lymphoma. The unrecognition and underreporting of this finding may represent a wasted opportunity to detect subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in these patients and may help in guiding preventive cardiology care.

Low-Dose Colchicine in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Recent Myocardial Infarction in the Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (COLCOT).

OBJECTIVE: The cardiovascular benefits of low-dose colchicine have been demonstrated in patients with coronary disease. Its effects were evaluated in this prespecified analysis in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from the Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (COLCOT). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: COLCOT was a randomized, double-blinded trial of colchicine, 0.5 mg daily, versus placebo initiated within 30 days after a myocardial infarction. RESULTS: There were 959 patients with T2D enrolled and monitored for a median of 22.6 months. A primary end point event occurred in 8.7% of patients in the colchicine group and in 13.1% in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0.65; 95% CI 0.44-0.96; P = 0.03). Nausea was reported in 2.7% and 0.8% in the study groups (P = 0.03), and pneumonia occurred in 2.4% and 0.4% (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with T2D and a recent myocardial infarction, colchicine, 0.5 mg daily, leads to a large reduction of cardiovascular events. These results support the conduct of the COLCOT-T2D trial in primary prevention.

The Heart of the World.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally. Of the 20.5 million CVD-related deaths in 2021, approximately 80% occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, NCD Countdown initiative, WHO Global Health Observatory, and WHO Global Health Expenditure database, we present the burden of CVDs, associated risk factors, their association with national health expenditures, and an index of critical policy implementation. The Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia region face the highest levels of CVD mortality globally. Although CVD mortality levels are generally lower in women than men, this is not true in almost 30% of countries in the North Africa and Middle East and Sub-Saharan regions. Raised blood pressure remains the leading global CVD risk factor, contributing to 10.8 million deaths in 2019. The regions with the highest proportion of countries achieving the maximum score for the WHF Policy Index were South Asia, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, and the High-Income regions. The Sub-Saharan Africa region had the highest proportion of countries scoring two or less. Policymakers must assess their country's risk factor profile to craft effective strategies for CVD prevention and management. Fundamental strategies such as the implementation of National Tobacco Control Programmes, ensuring the availability of CVD medications, and establishing specialised units within health ministries to tackle non-communicable diseases should be embraced in all countries. Adequate healthcare system funding is equally vital, ensuring reasonable access to care for all communities.

The association between asthma and atrial fibrillation: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Respiratory disease and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequent coexist, but the risk of AF among asthma patients is less characterized. Growing evidence suggest that AF shares with asthma a systemic inflammation background and asthma treatments, such as beta agonists, have been associated with increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the risk of AF in patients with asthma in observational studies. We search for longitudinal studies reporting AF outcome in asthma and control patients through MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and EMBASE. Pooled estimates of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived by random effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. The risk of bias of individual studies was evaluated using the ROBINS-E tool. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO: CRD42020215707. Seven cohort/nested case-control studies with 1 405 508 individuals were included. The mean follow-up time was 9 years, ranging from 1 to 15 years. Asthma was associated with a higher risk of AF (OR 1.15. 95% CI 1.01-1.29). High heterogeneity (I2 = 81%) and overall "serious" risk of bias, lead to a very low confidence in in this result. Asthma was associated with an increased risk of AF. However, the high risk of bias and high heterogeneity reduces the robustness of these results, calling for further high-quality data.

Diagnostic and prognostic contribution of DPD scintigraphy in transthyretin V30M cardiac amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis and prognostic stratification of cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis are crucial. Although 99mTc 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanedicarboxylic acid (DPD) scintigraphy is the preferred method for the non-invasive diagnosis, its accuracy appears to be limited in transthyretin amyloidosis protein (ATTR) V30M mutation. Furthermore, its prognostic value in this mutation is unknown. This study investigated the diagnostic value of DPD scintigraphy to detect ATTR cardiomyopathy in V30M mutation and explored its prognostic value regarding mortality. METHODS: A total of 288 ATTR V30M mutation carriers (median age: 46 years; 49% males) without myocardial thickening (defined as septal thickness ≥13mm) attributable to other causes and who underwent DPD scintigraphy were enrolled. ATTR cardiomyopathy was defined by septal thickness ≥13mm and at least one of the criteria: late heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake ratio <1.60; electrical heart disease or biopsy-documented amyloidosis. RESULTS: ATTR cardiomyopathy was identified in 41 (14.2%) patients and cardiac DPD uptake in 34 (11.8%). During a mean follow-up of 33.6 ± 1.2 months, 16 patients died (5.6%). Mortality was 14 times higher in patients with ATTR cardiomyopathy, 13 times higher in those with DPD uptake and 10 times higher in those with late H/M MIBG <1.60. The combined assessment of septal thickness and cardiac DPD uptake improved risk stratification: patients without septal thickening and without DPD retention had an excellent prognosis while those who presented either or both of them had a significantly worse prognosis, with 5-year mortality rates ranging from 39.9 to 53.3%. CONCLUSIONS: DPD scintigraphy is useful for prognostic stratification of ATTR V30M mutation carriers. Patients without septal thickening and no DPD uptake present the best prognosis compared to those with any signs of cardiac involvement.

Incidence of muscle symptoms in placebo arm among statin-intolerant patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Statins are highly used in cardiovascular prevention. Statin intolerance is the most significant cause of decreased adherence, translating into a higher cardiovascular risk. This systematic review aims to estimate the incidence of muscle adverse events in patients with a history of statin intolerance receiving placebo. METHODS: Database search was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE until March 2023. This systematic review included blinded randomized control trials enrolling patients with a history of statin intolerance who received a placebo. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Results were presented in percentages, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Overall, eight studies with 8095 patients with a history of statin intolerance receiving placebo were included. The muscle adverse events incidence rate was 21.34% (95% CI 13.26-30.63%, 8 studies), and discontinuation due to adverse muscle events was 6.12% (95% CI 1.22-13.70%, 3 studies). The incidence was higher in subcutaneous placebo/sham (41.67%, 1 study) compared to oral placebo studies (22.95%, 6 studies). CONCLUSION: In patients previously labeled as statin-intolerant, about a fifth of the patients exhibited muscle symptoms when receiving a placebo. This highlights the importance of ruling out non-statin-related symptoms to further optimize statin therapy for cardiovascular risk improvement.

Association between the number of altered late potential criteria and increased arrhythmic risk in Brugada syndrome patients.

BACKGROUND: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is associated with abnormal electrophysiological properties at right ventricular epicardium, consisting of fragmented electrograms extending well beyond QRS termination. We aimed to evaluate the utility of signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SA-ECG) for the noninvasive assessment of late potentials (LP) and risk stratification of BrS patients. METHODS: A prospective, observational, single-center study of BrS patients is submitted to SA-ECG with the determination of the total filtered QRS duration (fQRS), root mean square voltage of the 40 ms terminal portion of the QRS (RMS40), and duration of the low-amplitude electric potential component of the terminal portion of the QRS (LAS40). LP were considered positive when above standard cut-offs: fQRS > 114 ms, RMS40 < 20 µV, and LAS40 > 38 ms. The rates of malignant arrhythmic events (MAEs), defined as sudden death or appropriate shocks, were compared in relation to clinical characteristics and SA-ECG findings. RESULTS: A total of 106 BrS patients (mean age, 48 ± 12 years, 67.9% male) were studied, 49% with type-1 spontaneous pattern and 81% asymptomatic. During a median follow up of 4.7 years, 10 patients (7.1%) suffered MAEs, including 4 sudden deaths. The presence of LP was significantly associated with the arrhythmic risk, which increased with the number of altered LP criteria. In comparison to the patients who had none or 1 altered LP criterium, MAE risk was 4.7 times higher in those with 2 altered criteria and 9.4 times higher in those with 3 altered LP criteria. CONCLUSIONS: SA-ECG may be a useful tool for risk stratification in BrS. The presence of 2 or 3 abnormal LP criteria could identify a subset of asymptomatic patients at high risk of arrhythmic events.

Coronary Artery Calcium Identified on Non-Gated Chest CT Scans: A Wasted Opportunity for Preventive Cardiological Care.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcium (CAC) evaluated on dedicated cardiac computed tomography (CT) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between CAC detected on non-gated standard chest CT and coronary lesions on coronary angiography (CAG) and determine its impact on prognosis. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent CAG due to acute coronary syndrome and had prior non-contrasted non-gated chest CT were included and retrospectively evaluated. Coronary artery calcium was evaluated by quantitative (Agatston score) and qualitative (visual assessment) assessment. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were included in this study. The mean time difference between chest CT and CAG was 23 months. Coronary artery calcium was visually classified as mild, moderate, and severe in 31%, 33%, and 16% of patients, respectively. Moderate or severe CAC was an independent predictor of significant lesions on CAG (OR 22; 95% CI 8-61; p<0.001) and all-cause mortality (OR 4; 95% CI 2-9; p=0.001). Quantitative CAC evaluation accurately predicted significant lesions on CAG (AUC 0.81; p<0.001). While significant CAC was identified in 80% of chest CTs, formal reporting was 25%. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery calcium evaluation with chest CT was feasible and strongly associated with severity of coronary disease on CAG and mortality. Although the identification of CAC on chest CT represents a unique opportunity for cardiovascular risk stratification for preventive care, CAC underreporting is frequent.

World Heart Federation Consensus on Transthyretin Amyloidosis Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM).

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive and fatal condition that requires early diagnosis, management, and specific treatment. The availability of new disease-modifying therapies has made successful treatment a reality. Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy can be either age-related (wild-type form) or caused by mutations in the TTR gene (genetic, hereditary forms). It is a systemic disease, and while the genetic forms may exhibit a variety of symptoms, a predominant cardiac phenotype is often present. This document aims to provide an overview of ATTR-CM amyloidosis focusing on cardiac involvement, which is the most critical factor for prognosis. It will discuss the available tools for early diagnosis and patient management, given that specific treatments are more effective in the early stages of the disease, and will highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and of specialized amyloidosis centres. To accomplish these goals, the World Heart Federation assembled a panel of 18 expert clinicians specialized in TTR amyloidosis from 13 countries, along with a representative from the Amyloidosis Alliance, a patient advocacy group. This document is based on a review of published literature, expert opinions, registries data, patients' perspectives, treatment options, and ongoing developments, as well as the progress made possible via the existence of centres of excellence. From the patients' perspective, increasing disease awareness is crucial to achieving an early and accurate diagnosis. Patients also seek to receive care at specialized amyloidosis centres and be fully informed about their treatment and prognosis.

Segmentation of X-ray coronary angiography with an artificial intelligence deep learning model: Impact in operator visual assessment of coronary stenosis severity.

BACKGROUND: Visual assessment of the percentage diameter stenosis (%DSVE ) of lesions is essential in coronary angiography (CAG) interpretation. We have previously developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of accurate CAG segmentation. We aim to compare operators' %DSVE in angiography versus AI-segmented images. METHODS: Quantitative coronary analysis (QCA) %DS (%DSQCA ) was previously performed in our published validation dataset. Operators were asked to estimate %DSVE of lesions in angiography versus AI-segmented images in separate sessions and differences were assessed using angiography %DSQCA as reference. RESULTS: A total of 123 lesions were included. %DSVE was significantly higher in both the angiography (77% ± 20% vs. 56% ± 13%, p < 0.001) and segmentation groups (59% ± 20% vs. 56% ± 13%, p < 0.001), with a much smaller absolute %DS difference in the latter. For lesions with %DSQCA of 50%-70% (60% ± 5%), an even higher discrepancy was found (angiography: 83% ± 13% vs. 60% ± 5%, p < 0.001; segmentation: 63% ± 15% vs. 60% ± 5%, p < 0.001). Similar, less pronounced, findings were observed for %DSQCA < 50% lesions, but not %DSQCA > 70% lesions. Agreement between %DSQCA /%DSVE across %DSQCA strata (<50%, 50%-70%, >70%) was approximately twice in the segmentation group (60.4% vs. 30.1%; p < 0.001). %DSVE inter-operator differences were smaller with segmentation. CONCLUSION: %DSVE was much less discrepant with segmentation versus angiography. Overestimation of %DSQCA < 70% lesions with angiography was especially common. Segmentation may reduce %DSVE overestimation and thus unwarranted revascularization.

Infective endocarditis risk in patients with bicuspid aortic valve: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Antibiotic prophylaxis in bicuspid aortic valve patients is currently a matter of debate. Although it is no longer recommended by international guidelines, some studies indicate a high risk of infective endocarditis. We aim to evaluate the risk of native valve infective endocarditis in bicuspid aortic valve patients and compare to individuals with tricuspid aortic valve. Methods: Study search of longitudinal studies regarding infective endocarditis incidence in bicuspid aortic valve patients (compared with tricuspid aortic valve/overall population) was conducted through OVID in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE; from inception until October 2020. The outcomes of interest were the incidence rate and relative risk of infective endocarditis. The relative risk and incidence rate (number of cases for each 10 000 persons-year) with their 95 % confidence intervals (95 %CI) were estimated using a random effects model meta-analysis. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO CRD42020218639. Results: Eight cohort studies were selected, with a total of 5351 bicuspid aortic valve patients. During follow up, 184 bicuspid aortic valve patients presented infective endocarditis, with an incidence rate of 48.13 per 10,000 patients-year (95 %CI 22.24-74.02), and a 12-fold (RR: 12.03, 95 %CI 5.45-26.54) increased risk compared with general population, after adjusted estimates. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that bicuspid aortic valve patients have a significant high risk of native valve infective endocarditis. Large prospective high-quality studies are required to estimate more accurately the incidence of infective endocarditis, the relative risk and the potential benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis.

Cardiovascular effects of rivaroxaban in heart failure patients with sinus rhythm and coronary disease with and without diabetes: a retrospective international cohort study from COMMANDER-HF.

OBJECTIVES: COMMANDER-HF was a randomised trial comparing rivaroxaban 2.5 mg two times a day to placebo, in addition to antiplatelet therapy, in patients hospitalised for worsening heart failure with coronary artery disease and sinus rhythm. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of cardiovascular events and therefore have more to gain. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this post-hoc analysis, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with (n=2052) and without diabetes (n=2970). The primary outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI) or ischaemic stroke. HRs and 95% CIs with interaction analyses were used to describe event-rates and treatment effects. Patients with diabetes had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities (eg, hypertension, obesity) and increased incidence of cardiovascular events. Adjusted HRs for events in people with versus without diabetes were 1.34 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.50) for the primary outcome, 1.21 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.75) for stroke, 1.51 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.99) for MI, 1.17 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.31) for heart failure hospitalisation and 1.06 (95% CI 0.56 to 2.01) for major bleeding. Rivaroxaban had no significant effect on event-rates in patients with and without diabetes (all interaction p values >0.05). Low-dose rivaroxaban was associated with an overall reduction in ischaemic stroke (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.95), with no apparent subgroup interaction according to diabetes status (p-int=0.93). CONCLUSIONS: In COMMANDER-HF a diagnosis of diabetes conferred higher rates of cardiovascular events that, with exception of ischaemic stroke, was not substantially reduced by rivaroxaban. Rivaroxaban was associated with reduced risk of ischaemic stroke for patients with and without diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01877915; Post-results.

The value of multiparametric prediction scores in heart failure varies with the type of follow-up after discharge: a comparative analysis.

AIMS: Multiple prediction score models have been validated to predict major adverse events in patients with heart failure. However, these scores do not include variables related to the type of follow-up. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a protocol-based follow-up programme of patients with heart failure regarding scores accuracy for predicting hospitalizations and mortality occurring during the first year after hospital discharge. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from two heart failure populations were collected: one composed of patients included in a protocol-based follow-up programme after an index hospitalization for acute heart failure and a second one-the control group-composed of patients not included in a multidisciplinary HF management programme after discharge. For each patient, the risk of hospitalization and/or mortality within a period of 12 months after discharge was calculated using four different scores: BCN Bio-HF Calculator, COACH Risk Engine, MAGGIC Risk Calculator, and Seattle Heart Failure Model. The accuracy of each score was established using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration graphs, and discordance calculation. AUC comparison was established by the DeLong method. The protocol-based follow-up programme group included 56 patients, and the control group, 106 patients, with no significant differences between groups (median age: 67 years vs. 68.4 years; male sex: 58% vs. 55%; median ejection fraction: 28.2% vs. 30.5%; functional class II: 60.7% vs. 56.2%, I: 30.4% vs. 31.9%; P = not significant). Hospitalization and mortality rates were significantly lower in the protocol-based follow-up programme group (21.4% vs. 54.7%; P < 0.001 and 5.4% vs. 17.9%; P < 0.001, respectively). When applied to the control group, COACH Risk Engine and BCN Bio-HF Calculator had, respectively, good (AUC: 0.835) and reasonable (AUC: 0.712) accuracy to predict hospitalization. There was a significant reduction of COACH Risk Engine accuracy (AUC: 0.572; P = 0.011) and a non-significant accuracy reduction of BCN Bio-HF Calculator (AUC: 0.536; P = 0.1) when applied to the protocol-based follow-up programme group. All scores showed good accuracy to predict 1 year mortality (AUC: 0.863, 0.87, 0.818, and 0.82, respectively) when applied to the control group. However, when applied to the protocol-based follow-up programme group, a significant predictive accuracy reduction of COACH Risk Engine, BCN Bio-HF Calculator, and MAGGIC Risk Calculator (AUC: 0.366, 0.642, and 0.277, P < 0.001, 0.002, and <0.001, respectively) was observed. Seattle Heart Failure Model had non-significant reduction in its acuity (AUC: 0.597; P = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of the aforementioned scores to predict major events in patients with heart failure is significantly reduced when they are applied to patients included in a multidisciplinary heart failure management programme.

WHF Recommendations for the Use of Echocardiography in Chagas Disease.

Chagas disease (ChD) represents a significant health burden in endemic regions of Latin America and is increasingly being recognized as a global health issue. The cardiac involvement in ChD, known as Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChCM), is the most severe manifestation and a leading cause of heart failure and mortality in affected individuals. Echocardiography, a non-invasive imaging modality, plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, monitoring, and risk stratification of ChCM. This consensus recommendation aims to provide guidance on the appropriate use of echocardiography in ChD. An international panel of experts, including cardiologists, infectious disease specialists, and echocardiography specialists, convened to review the available evidence and provide practical recommendations based on their collective expertise. The consensus addresses key aspects related to echocardiography in ChD, including its role in the initial evaluation, serial monitoring, and risk assessment of patients. It emphasizes the importance of standardized echocardiographic protocols, including the assessment of left ventricular function, chamber dimensions, wall motion abnormalities, valvular involvement, and the presence of ventricular aneurysm. Additionally, the consensus discusses the utility of advanced echocardiographic techniques, such as strain imaging and 3D echocardiography, in assessing myocardial mechanics and ventricular remodeling.