Conventional versus modified delivery system technique in commissural alignment from the Evolut low-risk CT substudy.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the impact of conventional delivery system (DS) insertion technique on "Hat-marker" orientation/commissural alignment in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the Evolut Low Risk Trial CT substudy versus a modified technique. BACKGROUND: Unlike surgical aortic valve replacement, where alignment of the surgical valve commissures with native commissures can be achieved virtually 100% of the time, commissural alignment during TAVR is not achieved consistently. This may subsequently impact the feasibility of both coronary access and reintervention after TAVR. METHODS: "Hat-marker" orientations during deployment were characterized as outer curve (OC), center front (CF), inner curve, and center back. Severe commissure-to-CA overlap was 0-20°. "Hat-marker" orientations and CA overlap were compared to 240 patients from a single center using the modified 3-o'clock flush port DS technique. RESULTS: In the CT substudy in which conventional DS insertion was performed (flush port at 12 o'clock); 154/249 had both analyzable CT and procedural fluoroscopy to validate "Hat-marker" to C-tab/commissural orientation. On post-TAVR CT, Evolut valve commissural orientation and coronary artery (CA) ostia were identified. Compared to conventional DS technique in the CT substudy, the modified technique had higher rates of "Hat-marker" at OC/CF orientation, improved commissural alignment and reduced severe CA overlap; (left main, 14.2 vs. 27.9%; right coronary artery, 11.7 vs. 27.3% both, 5.0 vs. 13.6%; 1 or both CA, 20.8 vs. 41.6%, all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The modified technique improved initial "Hat-marker" orientation during Evolut deployment and resulted in better commissural alignment and reduced CA overlap.

Outcomes and feasibility of redo-TAVR after Sapien 3 Ultra TAVR in extremely-undersized versus nominally-sized annuli.

OBJECTIVES: To compare outcomes in Sapien 3 Ultra (S3U) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with extreme annular undersizing (EAU) versus nominal annular sizing (NAS). BACKGROUND: The Edwards S3U valve has reduced paravalvular leak (PVL) in TAVR but outcomes remain unknown in extremely undersized anatomy. Implanting a smaller S3U valve may facilitate future redo-TAVR but risk compromising hemodynamics. METHODS: From December 2019 to July 2021, 366 patients with native aortic stenosis underwent S3U TAVR. Patients with EAU (annular areas >430 mm2 for 23 mm or >546 mm2 for 26 mm) were compared to NAS (338-430 mm2 for 23 mm or 430-546 mm2 for 26 mm). In-hospital and 30-day outcomes, and redo-TAVR feasibility were determined. RESULTS: There were 79 (21.6%) EAU patients, with more bicuspid (p = 0.0014) and ≥moderate annular/left ventricular outflow tract calcification (p < 0.001). The EAU group had less annular oversizing than NAS group (23 mm: -8.2 ± 2.6% vs. 4.0 ± 7.0%, p < 0.001; 26 mm: -8.9 ± 2.2% vs. 6.7 ± 6.9%, p < 0.001), more balloon overfilling (71.3% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.001), and postdilatation (15.0% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.016). No differences were found in in-hospital or 30-day mortality and stroke (p > 0.05). Mild PVL (13.4% EAU vs. 11.5% NAS, p = 0.56) and mean gradients (23 mm: 13.0 ± 4.5 vs. 14.1 ± 5.4 mmHg, p = 0.40; 26 mm: 11.4 ± 4.1 vs. 11.5 ± 3.9 mmHg, p = 1.0) were similar at 30 days. Had the EAU group undergone NAS with the larger Sapien 3/S3U, by computed tomography analysis simulating 80:20 or 90:10 target implant depth, 33.3%-60.9% (vs. 4.3%-23.2%) would not be feasible for redo-TAVR due to high risk of coronary obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: In this first report of EAU with S3U TAVR, similar excellent short-term outcomes can be achieved compared to NAS, and may preserve future redo-TAVR option.

Association of Acute Kidney Injury with Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Although transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) is a contrast-free procedure, prior single-center studies have demonstrated a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following TMVr. The main objective of this study was to examine risk factors for AKI, and its association with outcomes in patients undergoing TMVr. METHODS: We queried the National Readmission Database to identify TMVr procedures performed between January 2014 and December 2017. Complex samples multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with AKI, as well as to determine the association between AKI and clinical outcomes (in-hospital mortality, index length of stay (LOS), 30-day all-cause readmissions, and 30-day heart failure [HF] readmissions). RESULTS: Of 14,623 patients who underwent TMVr during the study period, 2,001 (13.6%) had a diagnosis of AKI. HF, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, fluid/electrolyte disorder, weight loss, nonelective admission, cardiogenic shock, and bleeding/transfusion were independently associated with an increased risk of AKI. In patients undergoing TMVr, AKI was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.92-8.34), 30-day all-cause readmissions (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.49-2.46), 30-day HF readmissions (aOR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.38-3.84), and longer index LOS (adjusted parameter estimate, 5.78; 95% CI, 5.26-6.41). CONCLUSION: AKI in the setting of TMVr is common and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine if optimizing renal function prior to TMVr may improve outcomes, as well as to understand the impact of TMVr itself on renal function.

Cusp Overlap Technique: Should It Become the Standard Implantation Technique for Self-expanding Valves?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Accurate imaging of the aortic root during valve implantation is crucial for proper prosthesis positioning during TAVR. The purpose of this review was to determine if routine use of the cusp-overlap view should be adopted for self-expanding valves. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of the cusp-overlap view with the Evolut, Portico, ACURATE neo/neo2, and JenaValve systems is associated with lower post-procedural new permanent pacemaker implantation rates when compared with the standard 3-cusp view, presumably due to more precise valve implantation relative to the conduction system by the non-coronary cusp. By elongating the left ventricular outflow tract and accentuating the right-non commissure in the center of the fluoroscopic view, the cusp-overlap technique allows operators to more precisely control the prosthesis implant depth during self-expanding valve deployment. While the early experience with this approach in Evolut TAVR has been promising, the results of larger studies with longer follow-up across multiple self-expanding systems are warranted.

Recent clinical trials in valvular heart diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In recent years, no other field of cardiology has experienced a greater influx of transformational therapeutic options as valvular heart disease. The present review discusses the landmark trials published in the last 18 months that have shaped the modern day management of valvular heart diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: There have been several landmark trials in recent years, which have expanded the indications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement to low-risk surgical patients and the use of MitraClip for patients with functional mitral regurgitation. Options for transcatheter management of right-sided valvular disease also continue to evolve, including promising results from early feasibility studies. SUMMARY: The development of novel transcatheter therapies for valvular heart disease has expanded the armamentarium of physicians treating patients with valvular heart disease. The present review will focus on the recent (within 2 years) trials in this field of interest.

Thirty-day readmissions after transcatheter versus surgical mitral valve repair in high-risk patients with mitral regurgitation: Analysis of the 2014-2015 Nationwide readmissions databases.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the rates, reasons, predictors, and costs of 30-day readmissions following transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) versus surgical mitral valve repair (SMVR) in the United States. BACKGROUND: Data on 30-day readmissions after TMVR are limited. METHODS: High-risk patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing TMVR or SMVR were identified from the 2014-2015 Nationwide Readmissions Databases. Multivariable stepwise regression models were used to identify independent predictors of 30-day readmission. Risk of 30-day readmission was compared between the two groups using univariate and propensity score adjusted regression models. RESULTS: Among 8,912 patients undergoing mitral valve repair during 2014-2015 (national estimate 17,809), we identified 7,510 (84.7%) that underwent SMVR and 1,402 (15.3%) that underwent TMVR. Thirty-day readmission rates after SMVR and TMVR were 10.7% and 11.7%, respectively (unadjusted OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.89-1.39, p = .35). After propensity score adjustment, TMVR was associated with a lower risk of 30-day readmissions compared with SMVR (adjusted OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.95, p = .02). Heart failure and arrhythmias were the leading cardiac reasons for readmission. Anemia and fluid and electrolyte disorder were independent predictors of 30-day readmission after TMVR. Demographics, comorbidities, and length of stay were independent predictors of 30-day readmission after SMVR. CONCLUSIONS: One in 10 patients are readmitted within 30 days following TMVR or SMVR. Approximately half of the readmissions are for cardiac reasons. The predictors of 30-day readmission are different among patients undergoing TMVR and SMVR, but can be easily screened for to identify patients at highest risk for readmission.

Intracardiac vs transesophageal echocardiography for percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is typically performed utilizing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can be a suitable alternative to guide implantation. Given the limited data, we performed a meta-analysis of all studies that compared ICE vs TEE for percutaneous LAAC. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and major scientific conference sessions for published abstracts and manuscripts until 1 August 2018. Studies reporting clinical outcomes comparing TEE vs ICE for endocardial LAAC in human subjects aged greater than or equal to 18 years were included. Two investigators independently extracted the data and individual quality assessment was performed. The analysis was performed using Cochrane Collaboration software, RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Five eligible studies consisting of 1157 patients (ICE-391 patients and TEE-766 patients) were included. Four studies were retrospective and one was prospective, nonrandomized. Two studies included Watchman, two included the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug/Amulet device, and one included both devices. There was no significant difference in CHA2DS2VASC or HAS-BLED scores between both groups. There was no significant difference in acute procedural success between ICE vs TEE (risk ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99-1.04; P = 0.24). There was no significant difference in fluoroscopy time (mean difference [MD], 1.84 minutes; 95% CI, 0.59-4.27; P = 0.14) and total procedure time (MD, -5.06 minutes; 95% CI, -24.6-14.4; P = 0.61) between both groups. There was also no significant difference in complications including pericardial tamponade, device embolization, and stroke between both groups. CONCLUSION: In our meta-analysis, ICE was as effective as TEE during percutaneous LAAC.

Risk Calculator to Predict 30-Day Readmission After Coronary Artery Bypass: A Strategic Decision Support Tool.

BACKGROUND: Re-admission is an important source of patient dissatisfaction and increased hospital costs. A simple calculator to determine the probability of re-admission may help guide patient dismissal planning. METHODS: Using the national readmissions database (NRD), we identified admissions for isolated primary coronary artery bypass (CABG) and stratified them according to 30-day readmission. Including pre, intra and postoperative variables, we prepared a logistic regression model to determine the probability for re-admission. The model was tested for reliability with boot-strapping and 10-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: From 135,699 procedures, 19,355 were readmitted at least once within 30days of dismissal. Patients who were readmitted were older (67±10 vs 65 ± 10 years, p<0.01), females (32% vs 24%; p<0.01) and had a higher Elixhauser comorbidity score (1.5±1.4 vs 1.1±1.2; p<0.01). Our final model (c- statistic=0.65) consisted of 16 pre and three postoperative factors. End-stage renal disease (OR 1.79 [1.57-2.04]) and length of stay>9days (OR 1.60 [1.52-1.68]) were most prominent indicators for readmission. Compared to Medicaid beneficiaries, those with private insurance (OR 0.62 [0.57-0.68]) and Medicare (OR 0.85 [0.79-0.92]) coverage were less likely to be readmitted. CONCLUSIONS: Our simple 30-days CABG readmission calculator can be used as a strategic tool to help reduce readmissions after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Thirty-Day Readmissions After Endovascular or Surgical Therapy for Critical Limb Ischemia: Analysis of the 2013 to 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Databases.

BACKGROUND: Thirty-day readmission rates have gained increasing importance as a key quality metric. A significant number of patients are hospitalized for the management of critical limb ischemia (CLI), but limited data are available on the incidence, predictors, and causes of 30-day readmission after hospitalization for CLI. METHODS: Hospitalizations for a primary diagnosis of CLI during which patients underwent endovascular or surgical therapy (revascularization and/or amputation) and were discharged alive were identified in the 2013 to 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Databases. Incidence, reasons, and costs of 30-day unplanned readmissions were determined. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of 30-day readmissions. RESULTS: We included 60 998 (national estimate, 135 110) index CLI hospitalizations (mean age, 68.9±11.9 years; 40.8% women; 24.6% for rest pain, 37.2% for ulcer, and 38.2% for gangrene). The 30-day readmission rate was 20.4%. Presentation with ulcer or gangrene, age ≥65 years, female sex, large hospital size, teaching hospital status, known coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, anemia, coagulopathy, obesity, major bleeding, acute myocardial infarction, vascular complications, and sepsis were identified as independent predictors of 30-day readmission. Mode of revascularization was not independently associated with readmissions. Infections (23.5%), persistent or recurrent manifestations of peripheral artery disease (22.2%), cardiac conditions (11.4%), procedural complications (11.0%), and endocrine issues (5.7%) were the most common reasons for readmission. The inflation-adjusted aggregate costs of 30-day readmissions for CLI during the study period were $624 million. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 5 patients hospitalized for CLI and undergoing revascularization is readmitted within 30 days. Risk of readmission is influenced by CLI presentation, patient demographics, comorbidities, and in-hospital complications, but not by the mode of revascularization.

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in nonischemic cardiomyopathy: A propensity score-matched analysis of in-hospital outcomes in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Use and outcome data of catheter ablation for VT in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) are limited. METHODS AND RESULTS: We obtained data from the 2003-2014 National Inpatient Sample databases. We used propensity score matching to compare patients undergoing catheter ablation versus medical therapy of VT related to NICM, and described the temporal trends in utilization and in-hospital outcomes of catheter ablation of VT in patients with NICM in the United States. From 2003 to 2014, of 133,529 patients hospitalized with the principal diagnosis of VT in NICM, 14,651 (11.0%) underwent catheter ablation. In this period, there was an increasing trend in utilization of catheter ablation (9.3% in 2003-2004 to 12.1% in 2003-2014, adjusted OR [per year], 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08-1.16; Ptrend  < 0.001). After propensity score matching, in-hospital mortality occurred in 172 of 14,318 (1.2%) patients in the catheter ablation group, compared with 297 of 14,156 (2.1%) of patients undergoing medical therapy (47% lower; 43% relative difference [adjusted OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.43-0.66]). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with NICM, catheter ablation of VT is associated with lower in-hospital mortality compared with those managed medically. The utilization rates of CA for VT related to NICM have increased in the past decade. Adequately powered randomized trials will be necessary to confirm these findings.

Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the most common cause of poisoning and poisoning-related death in the United States. It manifests as broad spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild headache, nausea, and fatigue to dizziness, syncope, coma, seizures resulting in cardiovascular collapse, respiratory failure, and death. Cardiovascular complications of CO poisoning has been well reported and include myocardial stunning, left ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary edema, and arrhythmias. Acute myocardial ischemia has also been reported from increased thrombogenicity due to CO poisoning. Myocardial toxicity from CO exposure is associated with increased short-term and long-term mortality. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels do not correlate well with the clinical severity of CO poisoning. Supplemental oxygen remains the cornerstone of therapy for CO poisoning. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases CO elimination and has been used with wide variability in patients with evidence of neurological and myocardial injury from CO poisoning, but its benefit in limiting or reversing cardiac injury is unknown. We present a comprehensive review of literature on cardiovascular manifestations of CO poisoning and propose a diagnostic algorithm for managing patients with CO poisoning.

New-Generation Coronary Stents: Current Data and Future Directions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Drug-eluting stents are the mainstay in the treatment of coronary artery disease using percutaneous coronary intervention. Innovations developed to overcome the limitations of prior generations of stents include biodegradable polymer stents, drug-eluting stents without a polymer, and bioabsorbable scaffolds. Our review briefly discusses the clinical profiles of first- and second-generation coronary stents, and provides an up-to-date overview of design, technology, and clinical safety and efficacy profiles of newer generation coronary stents discussing the relevant clinical trials in this rapidly evolving area of interventional cardiology. RECENT FINDINGS: Drug-eluting stents have previously been shown to be superior to bare metal stents. Second-generation everolimus-eluting stents have proven to have superior outcomes compared with first-generation paclitaxel- and sirolimus-eluting stents, and the second-generation zotarolimus-eluting stents appear to be similar to the everolimus-eluting stents, though with a lesser degree of evidence. Stents with biodegradable polymers have not been shown to be superior to everolimus-eluting stents. Bioabsorbable scaffolds have not demonstrated better outcomes than current standard treatment with second-generation drug-eluting stents but have showed a concerning signal of late and very late stent thrombosis. Everolimus-eluting stents have the most favorable outcomes in terms of safety as well as efficacy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Newer innovations such as biodegradable polymers and bioabsorbable scaffolds lack clinical data to replace second-generation drug-eluting stents as standard of care.

Prosthetic Aortic Valve Endocarditis Without Evidence of Vegetation.

Despite significant technological advances, the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) remains a major challenge, and the condition continues to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Valvular vegetations have long been the diagnostic and pathologic hallmarks of IE. However, IE can be diagnosed even in the absence of vegetations using the modified Duke criteria. Vegetation-negative endocarditis is rare, and to the present authors' knowledge no cases of septic emboli in the absence of valvular vegetations have been reported. Herein is reported a case of prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis associated with both clinical and radiologic evidence of septic emboli, but in the absence of vegetations on both repeated transesophageal echocardiography and pathologic evaluation. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high clinical suspicion and a low threshold for the surgical replacement of a possibly infected valve, in patients that meet other clinical criteria for IE, even in the absence of detectable valvular vegetations.

Surgical Revascularization in Older Adults with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

With the totality of data supporting coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for mortality benefit, symptomatic angina, and quality of life improvement, CABG should be a class I indication for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular dysfunction. As the population ages and more patients are referred for CABG, a careful risk-benefit assessment should be an important part of the consideration regarding revascularization strategies. A heart team approach is critical to arrive at the best decision for each patient. Age, alone, should not be a contraindication because there are data to support a reduction in cardiovascular mortality with CABG in older patients.

Regional variation in the incidence and outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Regional variation in the incidence and outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is not well studied and may have important health and policy implications. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used the 2003 to 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases to identify patients≥18 years of age who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification procedure codes 99.60 and 99.63) for IHCA. Regional differences in IHCA incidence, survival to hospital discharge, and resource use (total hospital cost and discharge disposition among survivors) were analyzed. Of 838,465 patients with IHCA, 162,270 (19.4%) were in the Northeast, 159,581 (19.0%) were in the Midwest, 316,201 (37.7%) were in the South, and 200,413 (23.9%) were in the West. Overall IHCA incidence in the United States was 2.85 per 1000 hospital admissions. IHCA incidence was lowest in the Midwest and highest in the West (2.33 and 3.73 per 1000 hospital admissions, respectively). Compared with the Northeast, risk-adjusted survival to discharge was significantly higher in the Midwest (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-1.36), South (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-1.23), and West (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.27). IHCA survival increased significantly from 2003 to 2011 in the United States and in all regions (all Ptrend<0.001). Total hospital cost was highest in the West, whereas discharge to skilled nursing facility and use of home health care among survivors was highest in the Northeast. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant regional variation in IHCA incidence, survival, and resource use in the United States. This variation was explained only partially by differences in patient and hospital characteristics. Further studies are needed to identify other potential factors responsible for these regional differences to improve outcomes after IHCA.

Etiology of Syncope in Patients Hospitalized With Syncope and Predictors of Mortality and Readmission for Syncope at 17-Month Follow-Up: A Prospective Study.

We investigated the etiologies of syncope and risk factors for mortality and rehospitalization for syncope at 17-month follow-up in a prospective study of 242 consecutive patients, mean age 69 years, hospitalized for syncope. The etiologies of syncope included the following: vasovagal syncope in 49 patients (20%), volume depletion in 39 patients (16%), orthostatic hypotension in 13 patients (5%), primary cardiac arrhythmias in 25 patients (10.3%), structural cardiac disease in 6 patients (2%), and drug overdose in 5 patients (2%). The etiology of syncope could not be determined in 84 patients (35%). Of the 242 patients, 6 (2%) were rehospitalized for syncope and 12 (5%) died. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the significant independent prognostic factors for rehospitalization for syncope were drug overdose [odds ratio (OR): 11.506; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.083-22.261]. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that significant independent prognostic factors for time to mortality were undetermined etiology of syncope (OR: 4.665; 95% CI: 1.002, 21.727), San Francisco Syncope Score (OR: 3.537; 95% CI: 1.472-8.496), hypertension (OR: 0.099; 95% CI: 0.019-0.504), and glomerular filtration rate (OR: 0.964; 95% CI: 0.937-0.993).

Sudden Cardiac Arrest in a Patient With Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Case Report and a Brief Review of Literature.

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a phenotypic variant of nonobstructive HCM, in which hypertrophy of the myocardium predominantly involves the left ventricular apex. It is common in Japanese and other Asian populations but is rare in the United States. Apical HCM has a relatively benign prognosis in terms of cardiovascular mortality; however, morbid events such as ventricular aneurysms, apical thrombi, diastolic dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, and myocardial infarction are not uncommon. We report a case of an 18-year-old white man who presented to our hospital after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The patient had a witnessed collapse while playing basketball in the field. He was found to be pulseless and unresponsive by his coach, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately started. Upon arrival of emergency medical services, an automated external defibrillator advised shock and he was defibrillated thrice. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 15 minutes. He was intubated for airway protection and was brought to the hospital. Therapeutic hypothermia was initiated. He demonstrated good neurological status after active rewarming. Subsequent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of apical HCM with right ventricular involvement. The patient underwent an implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement for secondary prevention and was subsequently discharged. In conclusion, apical HCM can rarely be associated with adverse cardiovascular events. The diagnosis may be missed on transthoracic 2-dimensional cardiac echocardiogram, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging should be considered to exclude apical HCM in young patients who present after sudden cardiac arrest.