Hypoglycemic Drugs in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure: A Narrative Review.

Over the last few years, given the increase in the incidence and prevalence of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF), it became crucial to develop guidelines for the optimal preventive and treatment strategies for individuals facing these coexisting conditions. In patients aged over 65, HF hospitalization stands out as the predominant reason for hospital admissions, with their prognosis being associated with the presence or absence of T2DM. Historically, certain classes of glucose-lowering drugs, such as thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone), raised concerns due to an observed increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiovascular (CV)-related mortality. In response to these concerns, regulatory agencies started requiring CV outcome trials for all novel antidiabetic agents [i.e., dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is)] with the aim to assess the CV safety of these drugs beyond glycemic control. This narrative review aims to address the current knowledge about the impact of glucose-lowering agents used in T2DM on HF prevention, prognosis, and outcome.

The Role of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Mitral Regurgitation.

Mitral regurgitation (MR), a primary cause of valvular disease in adults, affects millions and is growing due to an ageing population. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as an essential tool, offering insights into valvular and myocardial pathology when compared to the primary imaging modality, echocardiography. This review highlights CMR's superiority in high-resolution volumetric assessment and tissue characterization, including also advanced techniques like late gadolinium enhancement imaging, parametric mapping, feature tracking and 4D flow analysis. These techniques provide a deeper understanding of MR's pathophysiology and its effect on cardiac chambers, enabling CMR to surpass echocardiography in predicting hard clinical outcomes and left ventricular (LV) remodelling post mitral valve surgery. Despite its advantages, CMR's application faces limitations like cost, lack of standardization, and susceptibility to arrhythmia artifacts. Nonetheless, as technological advancements continue and new evidence emerges, CMR's role in MR assessment is set to expand, offering a more nuanced and personalized approach to cardiac care. This review emphasizes the need for further research and standardized protocols to maximize CMR's potential in MR management.

Prognostic relevance of pre-procedural plasma volume status estimation in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To systematically evaluate the prognostic utility of estimated plasma volume status (ePVS) on the outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS: The exposure variable of interest was the ePVS, enumerating the percentage change of the actual plasma volume from the ideal plasma volume, and being calculated on the basis of weight and hematocrit using sex-specific constants. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed after a systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus and Web Of Science. RESULTS: The systematic literature search yielded 5 eligible observational cohort studies encompassing a total of 7,121 patients undergoing TAVI. The meta-analysis suggested that "high ePVS" status was independently associated with increased risk for 1-year all-cause mortality (pooled adjusted hazard ratio: 1.63, 95 % confidence intervals: 1.36-1.95) compared to "low ePVS". Also, the pooled unadjusted odds for 1-year mortality, 30-day mortality, peri-procedural stroke, major bleeding, and acute kidney injury were significantly increased in the "high ePVS" group of patients. Conversely, the unadjusted risk of pacemaker implantation and major vascular complications did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma volume expansion appears to be linked with a worse peri-procedural and long-term prognostic course in TAVI. Its use in clinical practice could refine risk stratification and candidate selection practices.

Changes in right ventricular dimensions, function, and pulmonary circulation loading according to the degree of interdialytic weight gain in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in echocardiographic right ventricular (RV) indices in relation to the degree of fluid accumulation between hemodialysis sessions, evaluated according to the recommended threshold of interdialytic-weight-gain corrected for dry weight (IDWG%). METHODS: A post-hoc analysis was performed using data from 41 maintenance hemodialysis patients. Patients were divided into a higher (>4.5%) and a lower (<4.5%) IDWG% group and underwent an echocardiographic assessment at the start and the end of the 3-day and the 2-day interdialytic interval. RESULTS: RV systolic pressure (RVSP) increments were more pronounced in the higher compared to the lower IDWG% group (16.43 ± 5.37 vs. 14.11 ± 13.38 mm Hg respectively, p = 0.015) over the 3-day interval, while changes in RV filling pressures, did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: During the 3-day interdialytic interval, pulmonary circulation is particularly overloaded in patients with fluid accumulation higher than the recommended thresholds, as evidenced by higher RVSP elevations.

Multimodality imaging for the global evaluation of aortic stenosis: The valve, the ventricle, the afterload.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease growing in parallel to the increment of life expectancy. Besides the valve, the degenerative process affects the aorta, impairing its elastic properties and leading to increased systemic resistance. The composite of valvular and systemic afterload mediates ventricular damage. The first step of a thorough evaluation of AS should include a detailed assessment of valvular anatomy and hemodynamics. Subsequently, the ventricle, and the global afterload should be assessed to define disease stage and prognosis. Multimodality imaging is of paramount importance for the comprehensive evaluation of these three elements. Echocardiography is the cornerstone modality whereas Multi-Detector Computed Tomography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance provide useful complementary information. This review comprehensively examines the merits of these imaging modalities in AS for the evaluation of the valve, the ventricle, and the afterload and ultimately endeavors to integrate them in a holistic assessment of AS.

Moving from left ventricular ejection fraction to deformation imaging in mitral valve regurgitation.

The increasing prevalence of valvular heart diseases, specifically mitral regurgitation (MR), underscores the need for a careful and timely approach to intervention. Severe MR, whether primary or secondary, when left untreated leads to adverse outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of a timely surgical or transcatheter intervention. While left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains the guideline-recommended measure for assessing left ventricle damage, emerging evidence raises concerns regarding its reliability in MR due to its volume-dependent nature. This review summarizes the existing literature on the role of LVEF and deformation imaging techniques, emphasizing the latter's potential in providing a more accurate evaluation of intrinsic myocardial function. Moreover, it advocates the need for an integrated approach that combines traditional with emerging measures, aiming to optimize the management of patients with MR. It attempts to highlight the need for future research to validate the clinical application of deformation imaging techniques through large-scale studies.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting as Cardiac Tamponade in a Young Female.

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon malignancy that is characterized by Hodgkin or Reed-Sternberg cells. Cardiac implications of HL remain one of the least investigated subjects. There are few case reports in the literature of cardiac tamponade in HL patients. We describe a case of a 21-year-old female patient who presented with cardiac tamponade as an initial presentation of HL. Any pericardial effusion significant for tamponade requires immediate drainage and fluid analysis for thorough investigation. Prompt identification and timely intervention are crucial in effectively addressing these complex situations. Therefore, clinicians should maintain heightened awareness in such cases.

Serum Prolactin Levels and Mortality in Adults Without Prolactinoma: A Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: Prolactin (PRL) is a highly versatile, multifunctional hormone synthesized and secreted by lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary. Its metabolic role has been extensively studied even in normoprolactinemic populations. Recently, a wealth of observational data have outlined the potential prognostic value of PRL in various clinical settings. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to systematically evaluate and quantitatively synthesize the association between serum PRL levels and risk of mortality in adults without prolactinoma. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted up to June 10, 2023, to identify studies reporting the association of serum PRL levels with clinical outcomes of adults without prolactinoma. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the adjusted hazard ratios [(a)HRs] for all-cause and cardiovascular death (CVD) during follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were deemed eligible reporting the outcomes of adults without prolactinoma, in whom serum PRL levels were measured for risk-stratification. Fourteen studies reported appropriate data for meta-analysis encompassing a total of 23 596 individuals. Each unit of PRL increase was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause (pooled aHR = 1.17 [1.08-1.27]; I2 = 48%) and CV mortality (pooled aHR = 1.54 [1.14-2.09]; I2 = 89%). Individuals belonging to the highest PRL category had significantly higher risk for all-cause (pooled aHR = 1.81 [1.43-2.30]; I2 = 65%) and CV (pooled aHR = 1.59 [1.04-2.42]; I2 = 82%) mortality compared to their lowest-PRL category counterparts. The association between PRL levels and in-hospital death did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: PRL levels seem to be an independent predictor for mortality. Further validation is warranted before its role as a risk-stratification tool can be delineated in clinical practice.

Right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling in patients with first acute myocardial infarction: an emerging post-revascularization triage tool.

BACKGROUND: The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio is a non-invasive surrogate for right ventricular-pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) coupling, studied in chronic RV pressure overload syndromes. However, its prognostic utility in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which may cause acute RV pressure overload, remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine predictors of RV-PA uncoupling in patients with first AMI and examine whether it could improve risk stratification for cardiovascular in-hospital mortality after revascularization. METHODS: Three-hundred consecutive patients with first AMI were prospectively studied (age 61.2 ± 11.8, 24% females). Echocardiography was performed 24 h after successful revascularization, and TAPSE/PASP was evaluated. Cardiovascular in-hospital mortality was recorded. RESULTS: The optimal cutoff value of TAPSE/PASP to determine cardiovascular in-hospital mortality was 0.49 mm/mmHg. RV-PA uncoupling was considered for patients with TAPSE/PASP ≤0.49 mm/mmHg. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was independently associated with RV-PA uncoupling. A total of 23 (7.7%) patients died in hospital despite successful revascularization. TAPSE/PASP was independently associated with in-hospital mortality after adjustment for Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score and LVEF (odds ratio 0.14 [95% confidence interval 0.03-0.56], P = 0.007). The prognostic value of a baseline model including the GRACE risk score and NT-pro-BNP (χ2 26.55) was significantly improved by adding LVEF ≤40% (χ2 44.71, P < 0.001), TAPSE ≤ 17 mm (χ2 75.42, P < 0.001) and TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.49 mm/mmHg (χ2 101.74, P < 0.001) for predicting cardiovascular in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: RV-PA uncoupling, assessed by echocardiographic TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.49 mm/mmHg 24 h after revascularization, may improve risk stratification for cardiovascular in-hospital mortality after first AMI.

Multiorgan Congestion Assessment by Venous Excess Ultrasound Score in Acute Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to explore the prevalence and clinical utility of different patterns of multiorgan venous congestion as assessed by the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure (HF). METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted for acute HF were prospectively enrolled. Inferior vena cava diameter, hepatic vein, portal vein, and renal vein Doppler waveforms were assessed at admission, and patients were stratified based on VExUS score from 0 to 3, with higher values indicating worse congestion. The clinical score Get with the Guidelines (GWTG)-HF for predicting in-hospital mortality in HF was evaluated. In-hospital mortality was recorded. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety patients admitted with acute HF were included, and 114 (39%) of them were classified as VExUS score 3, which was the most prevalent group. Patients with VExUS score 3 suffered more frequently from chronic atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and anemia. Parameters independently associated with VExUS score 3 were higher mean E/e' ratio, larger right ventricular size, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and impaired right atrial function. A VExUS score of 3 was associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 8.03; 95% CI [2.25-28.61], P = .001). The addition of VExUS score on top of the GWTG-HF score improved the predictability of the model (Δx2 = +8.44, P = .03) for in-hospital mortality, whereas other indices of venous congestion (right atrial function, inferior vena cava size) did not. CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted with acute HF commonly had severe venous congestion based on the VExUS score. The VExUS score improved the prediction of in-hospital mortality compared with other indices of venous congestion.

Incidence and Prognostic Factors of Radial Artery Occlusion in Transradial Coronary Catheterization.

Background/Objectives: Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most common complication of transradial coronary catheterization. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of RAO and identify the risk factors that predispose patients to it. Methods: We conducted an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicenter, open-label study involving 1357 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization via the transradial route for angiography and/or a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential predictors of RAO occurrence. Additionally, a subgroup analysis only for patients undergoing PCIs was performed. Results: The incidence of RAO was 9.5% overall, 10.6% in the angiography-only group and 6.2% in the PCI group. Independent predictors of RAO were as follows: (i) the female gender (aOR = 1.72 (1.05-2.83)), (ii) access site cross-over (aOR = 4.33 (1.02-18.39)), (iii) increased total time of the sheath in the artery (aOR = 1.01 (1.00-1.02)), (iv) radial artery spasms (aOR = 2.47 (1.40-4.36)), (v) the presence of a hematoma (aOR = 2.28 (1.28-4.06)), (vi) post-catheterization dabigatran use (aOR = 5.15 (1.29-20.55)), (vii) manual hemostasis (aOR = 1.94 (1.01-3.72)) and (viii) numbness at radial artery ultrasound (aOR = 8.25 (1.70-40)). Contrariwise, two variables were independently associated with increased odds for radial artery patency (RAP): (i) PCI performance (aOR = 0.19 (0.06-0.63)), and (ii) a higher dosage of intravenous heparin per patient weight (aOR = 0.98 (0.96-0.99)), particularly, a dosage of >50 IU/kg (aOR = 0.56 (0.31-1.00)). In the PCI subgroup, independent predictors of RAO were as follows: (i) radial artery spasms (aOR = 4.48 (1.42-14.16)), (ii) the use of intra-arterial nitroglycerin as a vasodilator (aOR = 7.40 (1.67-32.79)) and (iii) the presence of symptoms at echo (aOR = 3.80 (1.46-9.87)), either pain (aOR = 2.93 (1.05-8.15)) or numbness (aOR = 4.66 (1.17-18.57)). On the other hand, the use of intra-arterial verapamil as a vasodilator (aOR = 0.17 (0.04-0.76)) was independently associated with a greater frequency of RAP. Conclusions: The incidence of RAO in an unselected, all-comers European population after transradial coronary catheterization for angiography and/or PCIs is similar to that reported in the international literature. Several RAO prognostic factors have been confirmed, and new ones are described. The female gender, radial artery trauma and manual hemostasis are the strongest predictors of RAO. Our results could help in the future identification of patients at higher risk of RAO, for whom less invasive diagnostic procedures maybe preferred, if possible.

Right Ventricular and Right Atrial Strain Are Associated with Kidney Dysfunction in Acute Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: In acute heart failure (HF), low cardiac output and venous congestion are pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to renal function impairment. This study investigated the association between advanced echocardiographic measures of right ventricular and atrial function and renal impairment in patients with acute HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 377 patients hospitalized for acute HF were prospectively evaluated. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on admission was measured using the 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equation. Advanced echocardiographic assessment was performed on admission. Patients with eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 were more likely to have chronic heart failure, chronic atrial fibrillation, and type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to patients with eGFR ≥ 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients with lower eGFR had lower cardiac output, higher mean E/e' ratio, larger right ventricular (RV) size, worse RV free wall longitudinal strain, more impaired right atrial (RA) reservoir strain, and more frequent severe tricuspid regurgitation. RV free wall longitudinal strain and RA reservoir strain were the only independent echocardiographic associates of low eGFR, whereas cardiac output was not. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired RV and RA longitudinal strain were independently associated with eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 in acute HF, while reduced cardiac output was not. This suggests that RV and RA dysfunction underlying venous congestion and increased renal afterload are more important pathophysiological determinants of renal impairment in acute HF than reduced cardiac output.

Prognostic implications of genotype findings in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy: A network meta-analysis.

AIMS: Evidence on the relative impact of diverse genetic backgrounds associated with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains contradictory. This study sought to synthesize the available data regarding long-term outcomes of different gene groups in DCM. METHODS AND RESULTS: Electronic databases were systematically screened to identify studies reporting prognostic data on pre-specified gene groups. Those included pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants, truncating titin variants (TTNtv), lamin A/C variants (LMNA), and desmosomal proteins. Outcomes were divided into composite adverse events (CAEs), malignant ventricular arrhythmic events (MVAEs) and heart failure events (HFEs). A total of 26 studies (n = 7255) were included in the meta-analysis and 6791 patients with genotyped DCM were analysed. Patients with P/LP variants had a higher risk for CAEs (odds ratio [OR] 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67-2.65), MVAEs (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.52-2.26), and HFEs (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.08-3.73) than genotype-negative patients. The presence of TTNtv was linked to a higher risk for CAEs (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.20-2.63), but not MVAEs or HFEs. LMNA and desmosomal groups suffered a higher risk for CAEs, MVAEs, and HFEs compared to non-LMNA and non-desmosomal groups, respectively. When genes were indirectly compared, the presence of LMNA resulted in a more detrimental effect that TTNtv, with respect to all composite outcomes but no significant difference was found between LMNA and desmosomal genes. Desmosomal genes harboured a higher risk for MVAEs compared to TTNtv. CONCLUSIONS: Different genetic substrates associated with DCM result in divergent natural histories. Routine utilization of genetic testing should be employed to refine risk stratification and inform therapeutic strategies in DCM.

Newly detected diabetes mellitus patients with acute coronary syndrome have an adverse cardiometabolic profile similar to patients with prior diabetes and a more extensive ischemic myocardial insult.

AIMS: The impact of newly detected diabetes mellitus (NDDM) on metabolic parameters and extent of myocardial necrosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is not fully explored. We examined the impact of NDDM on cardiometabolic characteristics and myocardial necrosis in ACS patients. METHODS: CALLINICUS-Hellas Registry is an ongoing prospective multicenter observational study evaluating the adherence to lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) among ACS patients in Greece. Three groups were created: a) patients with NDDM (abnormal fasting glucose, HbA1c ≥ 6.5 % and no previous history of DM), b) patients without known DM and HbA1c < 6.5 % (non-DM) and c) patients with prior DM. RESULTS: The prevalence of NDDM among 1084 patients was 6.9 %. NDDM patients had lower HDL-C [38 (32-45) vs 42 (36-50) mg/dL] and higher triglycerides levels [144 (104-231) vs 115 (87-152) mg/dL] compared to non-DM patients (p < 0.05). NDDM patients featured both higher body mass index [29.5 (26.4-34.3) vs 27.1 (24.9-29.9) kg/m2] and waist circumference [107 (100-114) vs 98 (91-106) cm] compared to non-DM patients (p < 0.05). In addition, NDDM patients had more extensive myocardial necrosis than patients with prior DM. CONCLUSIONS: ACS patients with NDDM have an adverse cardiometabolic profile similar to patients with prior DM and have more extensive myocardial insult.