Diagnostic accuracy of baseline troponin and troponin change for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) in the presence of heart failure (HF) presents a clinical problem. While diagnostic algorithms using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin have been established for suspected MI, their accuracy in patients with HF remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of high-sensitivity troponin I (TnI) levels in identifying acute MI among patients with HF, focusing on baseline, absolute and relative TnI changes. METHODS: Data from 562 individuals admitted to the emergency department with suspected MI were retrospectively analysed. Two-point TnI and baseline brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test results were available. HF status was determined based on clinical, laboratory and instrumental criteria. RESULTS: Among the 562 patients, 299 (53.2%) were confirmed having MI. Baseline TnI demonstrated predictive capability for MI in the overall population (area under the curve (AUC) 0.63), while TnI relative change exhibited superior performance (AUC 0.83). Baseline TnI accuracy varied significantly by group, notably decreasing in the third group (severe HF) (AUC 0.54) compared with the first and second groups (AUC 0.67 and AUC 0.71, respectively). TnI relative change demonstrated consistent accuracy across all groups, with AUCs of 0.79, 0.79 and 0.89 for the first, second and third groups, respectively, even after adjustment for age, sex and glomerular filtration rate. DISCUSSION: Troponin relative change is a reliable predictor of MI, even in patients with acute HF. Baseline TnI accuracy is influenced by HF severity. It is essential to consider HF status and BNP levels when employing high-sensitivity cardiac troponin testing to rule out suspected MIs.

Impacto pronóstico a diez años del fallo del vaso diana tras un IAMCEST. Perspectivas del ensayo EXAMINATION-EXTEND / Ten-year prognostic impact of target versus non-target vessel failure after STEMI. Insight from the EXAMINATION-EXTEND trial

Introducción y objetivos Se desconoce el impacto pronóstico de los diferentes tipos de eventos adversos tras el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST). El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar los predictores a largo plazo del objetivo combinado orientado al paciente (POCE) y si tener un fallo del vaso diana (FVD) como primer evento puede influir en los resultados. Métodos El ensayo EXAMINATION-EXTEND aleatorizó a pacientes con IAMCEST a tratamiento con stents liberadores de everolimus o a stents convencionales, con un seguimiento de hasta 10 años. En la población del estudio, se evaluaron los predictores de POCE (combinado de mortalidad por cualquier causa, infarto de miocardio y cualquier revascularización). Se clasificó a los pacientes según el tipo de primer evento (FVD primero o FDV no primero) y comparado en términos de POCE posterior. El FVD se definió como el compuesto de muerte cardiaca, IAMCEST del vaso diana y revascularización del vaso diana. Resultados De los 1.498 pacientes del estudio, 529 (35,3%) tuvieron POCE durante el seguimiento a los 10 años. Los predictores independientes de POCE fueron la edad, la diabetes mellitus, el infarto de miocardio previo, la enfermedad arterial periférica y la enfermedad coronaria multivaso. El primer evento fue un FVD o no FVD en 296 y 233 casos respectivamente. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre quienes tuvieron primero un FVD y los que tuvieron un evento no FVD en cuanto a POCE (el 21,7 frente al 39,3%; razón de tiempo, 1,79; IC95%, 0,87-3,67; p=0,12) o sus componentes individuales. Conclusiones En el seguimiento a 10 años, alrededor de un tercio de los pacientes con IAMCEST tuvo al menos 1 evento de POCE, cuyos predictores independientes fueron la edad, la diabetes mellitus y una mayor extensión de la enfermedad ateroesclerótica... (AU)

Introduction and objectivesAfter ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI), the impact of different adverse events on prognosis remains unknown. We aimed to assess very long-term predictors of patient-oriented composite endpoints (POCE) and investigate whether the occurrence of target vessel failure (TVF) vs a non-TVF event as the first event could potentially influence subsequent outcomes. Methods The EXAMINATION.EXTEND trial randomized STEMI patients to receive either an everolimus-eluting stent or a bare-metal stent. The follow-up period was 10 years. Predictors of POCE (a composite of all-cause death, any myocardial infarction, or any revascularization) were evaluated in the overall study population. The patients were stratified based on the type of first event (TVF-first vs non–TVF-first) and were compared in terms of subsequent POCE. TVF was defined as a composite of cardiac death, TV myocardial infarction, or TV revascularization. Results Out of the 1498 enrolled patients, 529 (35.3%) experienced a POCE during the 10-year follow-up. Independent predictors of POCE were age, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and multivessel coronary disease. The first event was a TVF in 296 patients and was a non-TVF in 233 patients. No significant differences were observed between TVF-first and non–TVF-first patients in terms of subsequent POCE (21.7% vs 39.3%, time ratio 1.79; 95%CI, 0.87-3.67; P=.12) or its individual components. Conclusions At the 10-year follow-up, approximately one-third of STEMI patients had experienced at least 1 POCE. Independent predictors of these events were age, diabetes, and more extensive atherosclerotic disease. The occurrence of a TVF or a non-TVF as the first event did not seem to influence subsequent outcomes. Trial registration number: NCT04462315. (AU)

Ten-year prognostic impact of target versus non-target vessel failure after STEMI. Insight from the EXAMINATION-EXTEND trial.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: After ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI), the impact of different adverse events on prognosis remains unknown. We aimed to assess very long-term predictors of patient-oriented composite endpoints (POCE) and investigate whether the occurrence of target vessel failure (TVF) vs a non-TVF event as the first event could potentially influence subsequent outcomes. METHODS: The EXAMINATION-EXTEND trial randomized STEMI patients to receive either an everolimus-eluting stent or a bare-metal stent. The follow-up period was 10 years. Predictors of POCE (a composite of all-cause death, any myocardial infarction, or any revascularization) were evaluated in the overall study population. The patients were stratified based on the type of first event (TVF-first vs non-TVF-first) and were compared in terms of subsequent POCE. TVF was defined as a composite of cardiac death, TV myocardial infarction, or TV revascularization. RESULTS: Out of the 1498 enrolled patients, 529 (35.3%) experienced a POCE during the 10-year follow-up. Independent predictors of POCE were age, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and multivessel coronary disease. The first event was a TVF in 296 patients and was a non-TVF in 233 patients. No significant differences were observed between TVF-first and non-TVF-first patients in terms of subsequent POCE (21.7% vs 39.3%, time ratio 1.79; 95%CI, 0.87-3.67;P=.12) or its individual components. CONCLUSIONS: At the 10-year follow-up, approximately one-third of STEMI patients had experienced at least 1 POCE. Independent predictors of these events were age, diabetes, and more extensive atherosclerotic disease. The occurrence of a TVF or a non-TVF as the first event did not seem to influence subsequent outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04462315.

Independent prognostic importance of blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio in heart failure.

AIM: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to creatinine ratio is associated with worse outcomes in acute heart failure (HF) but little is known about its importance in chronic HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We combined individual patient data from clinical trials (HF with reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF]: PARADIGM-HF, ATMOSPHERE and DAPA-HF, and HF with preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]: PARAGON-HF and I-PRESERVE). The primary outcome examined was a composite time to first HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death; its components and all-cause death were also examined. Each HF phenotype was categorized according to median BUN/creatinine ratio, generating four groups that is, HFpEF ≤ and >median BUN/creatinine ratio and HFrEF ≤ and >median BUN/creatinine ratio. The association between BUN/creatinine ratio and outcomes was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazard models. Overall, 28 820 patients were analysed. The median (IQR) BUN/creatinine ratio was 20.1 (Q1-Q3 16.7-24.7) in HFpEF and 18.7 (15.2-22.8) in HFrEF. In both HFpEF and HFrEF, higher BUN/creatinine ratio was associated with older age, female sex, and diabetes, but similar estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The risk of each outcome examined was significantly higher in patients with BUN/creatinine ratio ≥median, compared to

Feasibility of Ultrasound-Guided Axillary Vein Puncture under Valsalva Maneuver for Diagnostic and Cardiovascular Interventional Purposes: Pacemaker and Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation.

Although ultrasound-guided axillary vein access (USGAVA) has proven to be a highly effective and safe method for cardiac electronic implantable device (CIED) lead placement, the collapsibility of the axillary vein (AV) during tidal breathing can lead to narrowing or complete collapse, posing a challenge for successful vein puncture and cannulation. We investigated the potential of the Valsalva maneuver (Vm) as a facilitating technique for USGAVA in this context. Out of 148 patients undergoing CIED implantation via USGAVA, 41 were asked to perform the Vm, because they were considered unsuitable for venipuncture due to a narrower AV diameter, as assessed by ultrasound (2.7 ± 1.7 mm vs. 9.1 ± 3.3 mm, p < 0.0001). Among them, 37 patients were able to perform the Vm correctly. Overall, the Vm resulted in an average increase in the AV diameter of 4.9 ± 3.4 mm (p < 0.001). USGAVA performed during the Vm was successful in 30 patients (81%), and no Vm-related complications were observed during the 30-day follow-up. In patients with unsuccessful USGAVA, the Vm resulted in a notably smaller increase in AV diameter (0.5 ± 0.3 mm vs. 6.0 ± 2.8 mm, p < 0.0001) compared to patients who achieved successful USGAVA, while performing the Vm. Therefore, the Vm is a feasible maneuver to enhance AV diameter and the success rate of USGAVA in most patients undergoing CIED implantation while maintaining safety.

Importance of cystatin C in estimating glomerular filtration rate: the PARADIGM-HF trial.

AIMS: The 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation combining creatinine and cystatin C provides a better estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) compared to the creatinine-only equation. METHODS AND RESULTS: CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C equation (creatinine-cystatin) was compared to creatinine-only (creatinine) equation in a subpopulation of Prospective comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and morbidity in Heart Failure (PARADIGM-HF). Patients were categorized according to difference in eGFR using the two equations: Group 1 (<-10 mL/min/1.73 m2, i.e. creatinine-cystatin more than 10 mL/min lower than creatinine), Group 2 (>-10 and <10 mL/min/1.73 m2), and Group 3 (>10 mL/min/1.73 m2, i.e. creatinine-cystatin more than 10 mL/min higher than creatinine). Cystatin C and creatinine were available in 1966 patients at randomization. Median (interquartile range) eGFR difference was -0.7 (-6.4-4.8) mL/min/1.73 m2. Compared to creatinine, creatinine-cystatin led to a substantial reclassification of chronic kidney disease stages. Overall, 212 (11%) and 355 (18%) patients were reallocated to a better and worse eGFR category, respectively. Compared to patients in Group 2, those in Group 1 (lower eGFR with creatinine-cystatin) had higher mortality and those in Group 3 (higher eGFR with creatinine-cystatin) had lower mortality. Increasing difference in eGFR (due to lower eGFR with creatinine-cystatin compared to creatinine) was associated with increasing elevation of biomarkers (including N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin) and worsening Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score. The reason why the equations diverged with increasing severity of heart failure was that creatinine did not rise as steeply as cystatin C. CONCLUSION: The CKD-EPI creatinine-only equation may overestimate GFR in sicker patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT01035255.

Left ventricular output indices and sacubitril/valsartan titration: role of stroke volume index.

AIMS: This study aims to investigate the role of echocardiographically determined left ventricular output indices on sacubitril/valsartan titration in a cohort of outpatients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 106 HFrEF patients who underwent echocardiography examination up to 1 week before starting treatment with sacubitril/valsartan. For each patient, a comprehensive list of clinical and laboratory parameters was collected, and stroke volume index (SVi), cardiac index, and flow rate were calculated. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of complete titration of sacubitril/valsartan. The secondary endpoint was the incidence of adverse events (hypotension and renal adverse events). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify variables associated with the primary and secondary endpoints. Mean age of patients was 73.7 ± 10.4 years, 72 patients (71.7%) had ischaemic aetiology of HF, and mean ejection fraction was 29.4 ± 5.9%. At multivariate analysis, SVi [odds ratio (OR) 1.43 per 5 mL/m2 increase, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.97; P = 0.028], serum sodium (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.37; P = 0.022), and haemoglobin (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.25-2.40; P = 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of titration during follow-up. Multivariate analysis for the secondary endpoint showed SVi (OR 0.63 per 5 mL/m2 increase, 95% CI 0.44-0.90; P = 0.012) and New York Heart Association Class III (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.07-6.5; P = 0.034) to be associated with hypotension. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke volume index is positively associated with complete titration of sacubitril/valsartan. Patients with low SVi are more prone to experience hypotension during titration.

Zero-Fluoroscopy Cardiac Ablation: Technology Is Moving Forward in Complex Procedures-A Novel Workflow for Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: A fluoroscopy-based approach to an electrophysiological procedure is widely validated and has been recognized as the gold standard for a long time. The use of fluoroscopy exposes both the healthcare staff and the patient to a non-negligible dose of radiation. To minimize the risks associated with the use of fluoroscopy, it would be reasonable to perform ablation procedures with zero fluoroscopy. This approach is widely used in simple ablation procedures, but not in complex procedures. In atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures, fluoroscopy remains the main technology used, in particular to guide the transseptal puncture. Main results and Implications. We present a workflow to perform a complete zero-fluoroscopy ablation for AF ablation procedures using a 3D electro-anatomical mapping system, intracardiac echocardiography and a novel steerable guiding sheath that can be visualized on the mapping system. We present two cases, one with paroxysmal AF and the other one with persistent AF during which we applied this novel workflow achieving a successful pulmonary vein isolation without complications and complete zero-fluoroscopy exposure.

Gender differences in acute coronary syndromes patterns during the COVID-19 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: Mortality from acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is strictly related to early management. As female patients usually experience longer delays before diagnosis and treatment, we assessed whether women were more affected by the dramatic drop in hospital admissions for ACS during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and angiographic characteristics of consecutive patients who were admitted for ACS at 15 hospitals in Northern Italy comparing men and women data. The study period was defined as the time between the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Italy (February 20, 2020) and March 31, 2020. We compared hospitalization rates between the study period and two control periods: the corresponding period during the previous year (February 20 to March 31, 2019) and the earlier period during the same year (January 1 to February 19, 2020). Incidence rate ratios comparing the study period with each of the control periods were calculated with the use of Poisson regression. RESULTS: Of the 547 patients who were hospitalized for ACS during the study period, only 127 (23%) were females, accounting for a mean of 3.1 admissions per day, while ACS hospitalized males were 420, with a mean of 10.2 admissions per day. There was a significant decrease driven by a similar reduction in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) diagnosis in both sexes compared to the control periods. A trend toward a greater reduction in admitted females was shown in the intra-year control period (46% admission reduction in females vs 37% in males, with females accounting for 26% of ACS, P=0.10) and a significant reduction when compared to the previous year control period (40% admission reduction in females vs 23% in males, with females accounting for 28% of ACS, P=0.03), mainly related to Unstable Angina diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The Covid-19 pandemic period closed the gap between men and women in ACS, with similar rates of reduction of hospitalized STEMI and NSTEMI and a trend toward greater reduction in UA admission among women. Furthermore, many typical differences between males and females regarding ischemic heart disease presentations and vessel distribution were leveled.