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)

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.

El sistema TriClip para la reparación transcatéter de la válvula tricúspide. Estudio multicéntrico español / The TriClip system for edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair. A Spanish multicenter study

Introducción y objetivos En pacientes con insuficiencia tricuspídea (IT), la reparación transcatéter de la válvula tricúspide (RTVT) mediante el uso de dispositivos «borde a borde» ha experimentado un creciente uso en todo el mundo. Recientemente se ha puesto a disposición un sistema dedicado de RTVT borde a borde. El presente artículo describe la experiencia inicial con este sistema en España. Métodos Estudio multicéntrico prospectivo que incluyen los centros aceptados para el uso del novedoso sistema. Entre junio de 2020 y marzo de 2021 se incluyó a todos los pacientes sometidos a una RTVT con el sistema TriClip en España. El criterio de valoración principal fue la consecución de una reducción de la IT de al menos 1 grado al alta hospitalaria. Resultados Se incluyó a un total de 34 pacientes. La mayoría de ellos refería antecedentes de fibrilación auricular (91%). El objetivo primario se alcanzó en todos los pacientes. La mayoría requirieron uno (47%) o dos clips (44%), con un claro predominio del dispositivo XT (87%) sobre NT (13%). La localización del primer clip fue principalmente anteroseptal (> 90%). Solo un paciente presentó un desprendimiento parcial que pudo ser estabilizado con clips adicionales en el mismo procedimiento. Al alta, la gravedad de la IT fue de grado 2 en el 91% de los pacientes. A los 3 meses, no se detectó ninguna muerte. Al seguimiento, el 88% de los pacientes se encontraban en clase funcional New York Heart Association 2 y el 80% presentaban IT grado 2 residual. Conclusiones La RTVT borde a borde pareció ser eficaz y segura con una reducción sostenida de la IT a los 3 meses. Serán necesarios más estudios para confirmar estos resultados (AU)

Introduction and objectives In patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR), edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) is the strategy with the highest penetration worldwide. A dedicated edge-to-edge TTVR system has recently become available in Europe. The present study describes the initial experience with the system in Spain. Methods This multicenter study collected individual data from the centers accepted for the use of the novel system within an initial limited release. Between June 2020 and March 2021, all patients undergoing an edge-to-edge TTVR using the TriClip system in Spain were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the achievement of a TR reduction of at least 1 grade at discharge. Results We included 34 patients. Most of them reported a previous history of atrial fibrillation (91%) and only 1 had a pacemaker lead. The primary endpoint (TR reduction of at least 1 grade at discharge) was met in all patients. Most of the patients required 1 (47%) or 2 clips (44%) with a clear predominance of XT (87%) over NT (13%). The location of the first clip was anteroseptal in >90% of the patients. Only 1 patient had a partial detachment, which was stabilized with additional clips in the same procedure. At discharge, TR severity was≤2 in 91% of patients. At 3 months, mortality was nil. Overall, 88% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class≤2 and 80% had residual TR≤2. Conclusions Edge-to-edge TTVR seemed to be effective and safe with a sustained TR reduction at 3 months. Further studies will be needed to confirm our findings (AU)

The TriClip system for edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair. A Spanish multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR), edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) is the strategy with the highest penetration worldwide. A dedicated edge-to-edge TTVR system has recently become available in Europe. The present study describes the initial experience with the system in Spain. METHODS: This multicenter study collected individual data from the centers accepted for the use of the novel system within an initial limited release. Between June 2020 and March 2021, all patients undergoing an edge-to-edge TTVR using the TriClip system in Spain were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the achievement of a TR reduction of at least 1 grade at discharge. RESULTS: We included 34 patients. Most of them reported a previous history of atrial fibrillation (91%) and only 1 had a pacemaker lead. The primary endpoint (TR reduction of at least 1 grade at discharge) was met in all patients. Most of the patients required 1 (47%) or 2 clips (44%) with a clear predominance of XT (87%) over NT (13%). The location of the first clip was anteroseptal in >90% of the patients. Only 1 patient had a partial detachment, which was stabilized with additional clips in the same procedure. At discharge, TR severity was≤2 in 91% of patients. At 3 months, mortality was nil. Overall, 88% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class≤2 and 80% had residual TR≤2. CONCLUSIONS: Edge-to-edge TTVR seemed to be effective and safe with a sustained TR reduction at 3 months. Further studies will be needed to confirm our findings.

[Right heart failure after pacemaker implantation]. / Insuficiencia cardiaca derecha tras el implante de un marcapasos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) secondary to interference pacemaker (PM) cable is a rare cause of progressive right heart failure (HF), which can worsen patient outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present 3 clinical cases of right HF secondary to TR after PM implantation. RESULTS: In these patients the clinic is right HF, which can appear early, as in our second patient, or after years of implementation of the PM, as in the first and third patients. The diagnosis is confirmed by echocardiography, the most accurate 3D, followed by transesophageal. The 2D transthoracic can not detect it, because it has low sensitivity for TR associated with PM. Medical treatment is always the first choice, since any other procedure carries significant morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Probably this is a condition that we will diagnose with increasing frequency, because there are more and more patients with devices and, at the same time, the diagnostic tools are improving.

A propósito de la pericarditis constrictiva / Study of a case of constrictive pericarditis / A propósito de um caso de pericardite constritiva

La pericarditis constrictiva (PC) crónica es una entidad infrecuente, pero incapacitante y potencialmente fatal, cuyo diagnóstico supone un desafío para los facultativos. Su diagnóstico se basa en la existencia de una afectación hemodinámica, una fisiopatología de constricción y, en la mayoría de los casos, de un pericardio engrosado, y a menudo, también calcificado. La ecocardiografía es la técnica de elección y la más utilizada en la evaluación inicial de pacientes con sospecha de patología pericárdica, dado que, principalmente, permite determinar numerosos parámetros que demuestran la fisiopatología constrictiva. La pericardiectomía es el tratamiento de elección de la PC crónica con clínica persistente, siendo el pronóstico muy bueno si se realiza de forma precoz. Se reporta el caso de un varón de 72 años en el que, como ocurre con frecuencia, el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la PC sintomática se realizó tras numerosas visitas y exploraciones y en una fase avanzada de la enfermedad.

The chronic constrictive pericarditis (CP) is an uncommon, disabling and potentially fatal disease but whose diagnosis is a challenge for physicians. Diagnosis is based on the existence of hemodynamic compromise, pathophysiology constriction and, in most cases, a thickened pericardium and often also calcified. Echocardiography is the technique of choice and the most used in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected pericardial disease, because, mainly, to determine many parameters those demonstrate the constrictive pathophysiology. Pericardiectomy is the treatment of choice for chronic CP with persistent clinical, with very good prognosis if performed early. We report the case of a man of 72 years in which, as often happens, the diagnosis and treatment of CP was reached after numerous visits and examinations and in an advanced stage of the disease.

A pericardite constritiva (PC) crônica é uma doença rara, incapacitante e potencialmente fatal, mas cujo diagnóstico é um desafio para os médicos. O diagnóstico baseia-se na existência de um compromisso hemodinâmico, com uma fisiopatologia de constrição e ,na maioria dos casos, um pericárdio espessado e frequentemente também calcificado. O ecocardiograma é a técnica de escolha e os mais utilizados na avaliação inicial de pacientes com suspeita de doenças do pericárdio, pois principalmente, ajuda a determinar vários parâmetros que demonstram a fisiopatologia constritiva. A pericardiectomia é o tratamento de escolha para a PC crônica com clínica persistente, e o prognóstico é muito bom se for feito precocemente. Relatamos o caso de um homem de 72 anos em que, como muitas vezes acontece, o diagnóstico e tratamento da PC foi alcançado após inúmeras visitas e exames e em um estágio avançado da doença.

A propósito de la pericarditis constrictiva / Study of a case of constrictive pericarditis / A propósito de um caso de pericardite constritiva

La pericarditis constrictiva (PC) crónica es una entidad infrecuente, pero incapacitante y potencialmente fatal, cuyo diagnóstico supone un desafío para los facultativos. Su diagnóstico se basa en la existencia de una afectación hemodinámica, una fisiopatología de constricción y, en la mayoría de los casos, de un pericardio engrosado, y a menudo, también calcificado. La ecocardiografía es la técnica de elección y la más utilizada en la evaluación inicial de pacientes con sospecha de patología pericárdica, dado que, principalmente, permite determinar numerosos parámetros que demuestran la fisiopatología constrictiva. La pericardiectomía es el tratamiento de elección de la PC crónica con clínica persistente, siendo el pronóstico muy bueno si se realiza de forma precoz. Se reporta el caso de un varón de 72 años en el que, como ocurre con frecuencia, el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la PC sintomática se realizó tras numerosas visitas y exploraciones y en una fase avanzada de la enfermedad.(AU)

The chronic constrictive pericarditis (CP) is an uncommon, disabling and potentially fatal disease but whose diagnosis is a challenge for physicians. Diagnosis is based on the existence of hemodynamic compromise, pathophysiology constriction and, in most cases, a thickened pericardium and often also calcified. Echocardiography is the technique of choice and the most used in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected pericardial disease, because, mainly, to determine many parameters those demonstrate the constrictive pathophysiology. Pericardiectomy is the treatment of choice for chronic CP with persistent clinical, with very good prognosis if performed early. We report the case of a man of 72 years in which, as often happens, the diagnosis and treatment of CP was reached after numerous visits and examinations and in an advanced stage of the disease.(AU)

A pericardite constritiva (PC) cr¶nica é uma doenþa rara, incapacitante e potencialmente fatal, mas cujo diagnóstico é um desafio para os médicos. O diagnóstico baseia-se na existÛncia de um compromisso hemodinÔmico, com uma fisiopatologia de constriþÒo e ,na maioria dos casos, um pericárdio espessado e frequentemente também calcificado. O ecocardiograma é a técnica de escolha e os mais utilizados na avaliaþÒo inicial de pacientes com suspeita de doenþas do pericárdio, pois principalmente, ajuda a determinar vários parÔmetros que demonstram a fisiopatologia constritiva. A pericardiectomia é o tratamento de escolha para a PC cr¶nica com clínica persistente, e o prognóstico é muito bom se for feito precocemente. Relatamos o caso de um homem de 72 anos em que, como muitas vezes acontece, o diagnóstico e tratamento da PC foi alcanþado após inúmeras visitas e exames e em um estágio avanþado da doenþa.(AU)