Assessment of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction in breast cancer women using a new speckle tracking echocardiography index: The GAVS.

BACKGROUND: Recently, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) has emerged as a possible predictor of Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) in cancer patients (CP), in addition to left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS). Thus, considering the link between left atrium and left ventricle, the aim of this study was to assess the global atrio-ventricular strain (GAVS) in CP, to detect early cardiotoxicity. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out enrolling 131 breast cancer women (mean age 51.4 ± 10.4 years) receiving anti-cancer treatment. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluation was performed at baseline (T0), 3 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 months (T3) after starting treatment. CTRCD was defined according to the 2022 ESC Cardio-Oncology guidelines. RESULTS: Forty-four patients developed CTRCD (3 moderate and 41 mild CTRCD group A) and 87 patients did not (group B). In group A, significant changes in GLS, PALS, GAVS, LASi (left atrial stiffness index) and LVEF/GLS occurred earlier than LVEF, that reduced significantly only at T3 (p-value < .05). Significant changes in LASi, PALS and GAVS occurred even in group B but reduction in GAVS (-21% vs. -5%) and PALS (-24% vs. -12%) was significantly greater in group A compared to group B (p-value = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms high sensitivity of speckle tracking echocardiography in detecting subclinical myocardial damage in CP and the usefulness of a multiparametric echocardiographic evaluation including PALS and GLS (GAVS) for having a global evaluation of the phenomenon cardiotoxicity.

The added value of the HFA/ICOS score in the prediction of chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology recommend baseline cardiovascular risk stratification before starting anticancer drugs, using the new risk assessment tools proposed by the Heart Failure Association (HFA) and the International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS).Our study aimed to assess the clinical application of HFA/ICOS risk score in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and its usefulness in predicting the development of chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). METHODS: A prospective multicentric study enrolled 109 breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab. A cardiological evaluation, including ECG and echocardiogram at baseline (T0), 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 months (T3) after starting treatment was performed. HFA/ICOS score was assessed in all patients. The population was divided into low, medium, high, and very-high risk.During follow-up, CTRCD and other cardiovascular events have been evaluated. RESULTS: 61 patients were low risk, 37 medium, 9 high, 2 very-high risk criteria. We found a significantly higher incidence of overall cardiotoxicity (CTRCD and other cardiovascular events) in the very-high risk group (100%) compared with the medium (29%) and low risk groups (13%). CTRCD incidence was also significantly higher in the high risk group (55%). CTRCD resulted as being associated with baseline arterial hypertension and baseline HFA/ICOS risk score of high ( p  = 0.006) or very-high ( p  < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the HFA/ICOS score's ability to predict cardiovascular toxicity in breast cancer women and the need for close monitoring especially in high and very-high risk patients.

Right ventricle involvement in patients with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Anthracyclines can cause left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. There is little data about right ventricular (RV) damage during chemotherapy. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of chemotherapy, analyzing its impact on right ventricular function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted, enrolling 83 female patients (55 ± 11 years old) affected by breast cancer treated with anthracyclines. Cardiological evaluation, HFA risk score assessment and comprehensive echocardiogram, including speckle tracking analysis and 3D analysis, were performed before starting chemotherapy (T0) and at 3 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 months (T3) after beginning treatment. RV function was assessed with tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE), S' wave of the tricuspid annulus, fractional area change (FAC), RV global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS), free wall strain (RV-FWLS) and RV 3D ejection fraction (RV-3DEF). Subclinical LV CTRCD was defined as a reduction of GLS > 15% compared to baseline. Subclinical RV cardiotoxicity was defined as the co-presence of a relative decrease of 10% from baseline in RV-3DEF and a relative reduction of 15% from baseline RV-FWLS. RESULTS: After chemotherapy, we found a significant reduction in 2D-LVEF (p = < 0.001) and 3D-LVEF (p = < 0.001), in LV-GLS and RVLS (p = < 0.001), in FAC and TAPSE, also RV-3DEF reduced significantly (p = 0.002). 39% of patients developed LV subclinical CTRCD; 28% of patients developed RV subclinical cardiotoxicity. LV and RV changes occurred concomitantly, and no RV echocardiographic parameters were found to predict the development of LV CTRCD and vice-versa. CONCLUSION: After anthracyclines-based chemotherapy, LV and RV subclinical damage occurs, and it can be detected early by speckle-tracking and 3D echocardiography.

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) enabled the percutaneous closure of a severely calcified paravalvular leak regurgitation following implantation of a self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve: a case report.

Background: Closure of paravalvular leak (PVL) regurgitation after self-expandable (SE) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may be more challenging than after balloon-expandable (BE) valve implantation. Case summary: An 85-year-old woman suffering from long-standing atrial fibrillation and severe symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent SE TAVI (26 mm Evolut™ R®, Medtronic Inc., MN, USA). A total of eighteen months after TAVI she was admitted for congestive heart failure and two-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) color Doppler showed moderate-severe PVL regurgitation due to a long and heavily calcified leak located below the left coronary sinus. The patient was deemed to be at prohibitive surgical risk and a catheter-based PVL closure procedure was planned. A first attempt to cross the PVL from the femoral artery was unsuccessful due to an inappropriate angle between the catheter and the entry site of this hard-to-approach calcified leak. A Terumo hydrophilic guidewire 0.35 inch-260 cm from the right radial artery was then successfully advanced across the leak to the left ventricle (LV); however, of most of the catheters used, only a Glidecath 4-Fr could cross the leak over the hydrophilic wire. The hydrophilic guidewire was replaced with a stiffer guidewire that, after creating a loop in the LV, was advanced across the self-expandable valve into the descending aorta where it was snared and externalized through the left femoral artery, thus creating an arterio-arterial (AA) loop. A 6-Fr Multipurpose guiding catheter was advanced over the exchange wire and the leak was crossed with an additional 0.0014 coronary guidewire (PILOT, Abbott Vascular), predilated with two non-compliant balloon dilatation catheters, and finally, the PVL was engaged with a 3.0 mm × 12 mm Shockwave balloon (Shockwave Medical Inc, Santa Clara, California, USA). Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) application to this highly calcified leak and the increased support provided by the stiff guidewire finally allowed the progression of the 6-Fr dedicated delivery sheath (ODS III) into the LV. A 5 mm square twist (ST) device (PLD, Occlutech, Helsingborg, Sweden) was successfully deployed within the leak and the final echocardiographic and angiographic control confirmed the effective PVL closure. Discussion: In patients at high surgical risk with moderate to severe regurgitation after SE TAVI due to a hard-to-approach calcified long tract, an extra AA support loop is mandatory during percutaneous PVL closure. Furthermore, IVL application greatly facilitates the progression of the delivery sheath and occluder which is key to a successful procedure.

[Dyslipidemia management with medical nutrition therapy: current status and perspectives]. / L'importanza del trattamento delle dislipidemie tramite la terapia medica nutrizionale: stato attuale e prospettive.

In Italy, patients with dyslipidemia account for 15-20% of the adult population with major healthcare and socio-economic impact. According to the ESC/EAS guidelines for the management of dyslipidemias, desirable cholesterol and triglyceride levels can be achieved with a synergy between drug treatment and adequate diet therapy. However, what diets should be adopted? In this review article, different types of dietary treatments are compared, with a special focus on diet education. The new scientific frontier of nutrigenetics is also discussed.

Higher Incidence of Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction in the COVID-19 Era: A Single Cardio-Oncology Center Experience.

AIM: COVID-19 pandemic had a big impact on our life, it has revolutionized the practice of cardiology and the organization of hospital and outpatient activities. Thus the aim of our study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). METHODS AND RESULTS: A single center retrospective study was carried out evaluating 96 cancer patients treated with anthracyclines and admitted to our Cardio-Oncology unit from June to August 2019 and 60 patients from June to August 2021. The incidence of CTRCD was assessed performing an echocardiogram at the time of the enrollment. We found a significantly higher incidence of CTRCD in the second period compared to first period (13% vs. 2%, p value 0.0058). In addition we found that fewer yearly visits were performed in our Cardio-oncology unit in 2021 compared to 2019 (300 patients/year in 2019 vs. 144 patients/year in the COVID era). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic seems to influence the onset of CTRCD in cancer patients by indirectly reducing hospital access of cancer patients and cardiological checks. In addition our data reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the late diagnosis of cancer, in the reduction of hospital admissions and regular medical checks, in the increase of comorbidities and cardiovascular complications.

Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life after Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure in Patients with Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack of Undetermined Cause and Other PFO-Associated Clinical Conditions: A Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes and quality of life after PFO closure in patients with previous stroke/TIA of undetermined cause and in patients with other complex PFO-associated clinical conditions. METHODS: Between July 2009 and December 2019 at our University Cardiology Department, 118 consecutive patients underwent a thorough diagnostic work-up including standardized history taking, clinical evaluation, full neurological examination, screening for thrombophilia, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound-Doppler sonography of supra-aortic vessels and 24 h ECG Holter monitoring. Anatomo-morphological evaluation using 2D transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography (TTE/TEE) color Doppler and functional assessment using contrast TTE (cTTE) in the apical four-chamber view and contrast transcranial Doppler (cTCD) using power M-mode modality were performed to verify the presence, location and amount of right-to-left shunting via PFO or other extracardiac source. Completed questionnaires based on the Quality-of-Life Short Form-36 (QoL SF-36) and Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) were obtained from the patients before PFO closure and after 12 months. Contrast TTE/TEE and cTCD were performed at dismission, 1, 6 and 12 months and yearly thereafter. Brain MRI was performed at 1-year follow-up in 54 patients. RESULTS: Transcatheter PFO closure was performed in 106 selected symptomatic patients (mean age 41.7 ± 10.7 years, range 16-63, 65% women) with the following conditions: ischemic stroke (n = 23), transient ischemic attack (n = 22), peripheral and coronary embolism (n = 2), MRI lesions without cerebrovascular clinical events (n = 53), platypnea-orthodeoxia (n = 1), decompression sickness (n = 1) and refractory migraine without ischemic cerebral lesions (n = 4). The implanted devices were Occlutech Figulla Flex I/II PFO (n = 99), Occlutech UNI (n = 3), Amplatzer PFO (n = 3) and CeraFlex PFO occluders (n = 1). Procedures were performed under local anesthesia and rotational intracardiac monitoring (Ultra ICE) alone. The devices were correctly implanted in all patients. The mean fluoroscopy time was 15 ± 5 min (range = 10-45 min) and the mean procedural time was 55 ± 20 min (range = 35-90 min). The total occlusion rate at follow-up (mean 50 months, range 3-100) was 98.1%. No recurrent neurological events were observed in the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The data collected in this study demonstrate that percutaneous PFO closure is a safe and effective procedure, showing long-term prevention of recurrent cerebrovascular events, significant reduction in migraine symptoms and substantial improvement in quality of life.

Catheter-based closure of a large atrial septal defect with inferior rim deficiency using pulmonary vein slide-out assisted implantation technique: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter approach for large and complex atrial septal defects may represent a therapeutic challenge, particularly when the postero-inferior rim is deficient and floppy. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we describe a successful catheter-based closure of a large (>30 mm) secundum atrial septal defect associated with postero-inferior rim deficiency in a 35-year-old female with congestive heart failure using pulmonary vein slide-out assisted implantation technique. DISCUSSION: Inferior-posterior rim deficiency is a well-known risk factor for device instability or embolization. Transcatheter closure may represent a safe and effective alternative to the traditional surgical approach provided that modified implantation techniques are employed.

Early structural degeneration of Mitroflow aortic valve: another issue in addition to the mismatch?

We reported two cases of early structural valve degeneration (SVD) with Mitroflow prosthesis in aortic position in patients above the age of 65 years. Microscopic aspects have been analysed to investigate the intrinsic mechanism of SVD. New techniques to improve the structure and the preservation of this prosthesis are needed in order to reduce potential dangerous early complications.

Advantages of Minimal Access Versus Conventional Aortic Valve Replacement in Elderly or Severely Obese Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate potential clinical advantages of minimal access versus conventional surgical approach in older and severely obese patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR). METHODS: One hundred thirty-five patients undergoing isolated primary AVR were enrolled. Propensity score matching was used to compare 42 selected patients operated on ministernotomy (MS, group B) with 42 selected patients operated on full sternotomy (FS, group A). RESULTS: After propensity score matching, the two groups were comparable in terms of preoperative characteristics. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly longer in MS group compared with the FS group [median (95% confidence level or CL), 103 (98.7-106.4) vs 94 (83.6-99) minutes, respectively; P = 0.0019]. No significant difference was observed in aortic cross-clamp time [median (95% CL), 73 (71.1-78.2) vs 69.5 (62.7-83) minutes; P = 0.4]. Significantly shorter ventilation time [median (95% CL), 13 (12-16.4) vs 24 (22-25) hours; P = 0.00018], intensive care unit stay [median (95% CL), 1 vs 2 days; P = 0.00017], and hospital stay [median (95% CL), 8.5 (8-10.8) vs 13.5 (11.1-14) days; P = 0.00030] were shown in the MS group. The age subgroup analysis showed that statistical significance for mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit, and hospital stay was specific for patients older than 75 years. The analysis of body mass index quartile showed that statistical significance for mechanical ventilation was specific for patients in the fourth quartile. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal access AVR is a reproducible, safe, and effective surgical option in patients candidate for isolated AVR, and our study suggests a faster recovery when used in severely obese or older patients.

Associations of rs3918242 and rs2285053 MMP-9 and MMP-2 polymorphisms with the risk, severity, and short- and long-term complications of degenerative mitral valve diseases: a 4.8-year prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative forms of mitral valve diseases (MVDs) are very complex pathologies. Thus, it is difficult to make generalizations about the disease pathways or genetic risk factors contributing to these diseases. However, a key role of metalloproteinases (MMPs) in their pathophysiology is emerging. Thus, we performed for the first time a perspective study to assess eventual associations of some functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes with the MVD risk, symptom severity, and short- and long-term (4.8 years) complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, 90 patients and two control groups were genotyped for rs3918242, rs243865, and rs2285053 MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene SNPs, and systemic levels of pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (pro-ANP) and two enzymes were quantified and correlated to genotypes of MMP-2 and MMP-9 SNPs studied. In addition, associations between these SNPs and symptom severity and short- and long-term (4.8 years) complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Interestingly, rs3918242 MMP-9 and rs2285053 MMP-2 SNPs were significantly represented in cases than two control groups and were associated with a higher MVD risk, as demonstrated using dominant/recessive models. Cases stratified for NYHA symptoms and particularly those NYHA III+IV with rs3918242 CT+TT MMP-9 and rs2285053CT+TT genotypes also showed higher severity related to significant higher systemic levels of MMP enzymes and pro-ANP at enrolment and 4.8 follow-up times. In addition, cases with these genotypes and particularly those NYHA III+IV had a very significant percentage of complications, particularly at the 4.8 follow-up. Surprisingly, 20% of patient controls developed MVD at 4.8-year follow-up and were carriers of these genotypes. CONCLUSION: Thus, the associations observed seem to suggest that the two SNPs might represent useful biomarkers and targets for preventing and monitoring MVDs and developing personalized treatments, consenting a more appropriate management and outcome.

Assessment of No-Reflow Phenomenon by Myocardial Blush Grade and Pulsed Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: No-reflow phenomenon is a complication of myocardial revascularization and it is associated with a worse prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out enrolling patients with acute myocardial infarction (64 patients, 49 male and 15 female, median age 64.9 ± 10.61 years), both STEMI and NSTEMI, who underwent myocardial revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). TIMI flow and Myocardial Blush Grade (MBG) were assessed at baseline (T0), in addition to tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and electrocardiogram. Cardiological evaluation was also performed at T1 (one month after PCI) and T2 (every year after revascularization for a mean follow-up of 24.9 months ± 6.93 months). Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of MBG. RESULTS: In the present study, we found at T1 a significant association between MBG and dyslipidemia (P = 0,038) and NYHA class and MBG (P = 0,040), among clinical variables and cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, a statistically significant relationship was observed between MBG and a new echocardiographic index of systolic and diastolic dysfunction, the EAS index measured with tissue Doppler imaging (P = 0,013). At T2, the EAS parameter was also significantly impaired in patients with reduced MBG, compared to patients with normal MBG (P = 0,003). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the combined evaluation of systolic and diastolic dysfunction by EAS index, according to the literature, could detect a subclinical ventricular dysfunction due to a perfusion defect. Therefore, EAS index could be a useful parameter to be measured in the follow-up of patients undergoing revascularization.

[Usefulness of coronary angiography with multidetector computed tomography in the evaluation of aorto-coronary bypass patency]. / Utilità dell'angiografia coronarica eseguita mediante tomografia computerizzata multidetettore nel controllo della pervietà del bypass aortocoronarico.

BACKGROUND: Coronary angiography is actually the gold standard to visualize coronary artery bypass graft patency and to detect bypass stenoses. However, it is an invasive examination that makes use of X-ray emission and it may lead to deleterious effects even at low dosage. Therefore, it is still needed a non-invasive examination with good diagnostic accuracy for the follow-up of patients with coronary artery bypass grafts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a 40-row multidetector computed tomography scanner for the assessment of bypass surgery versus coronary angiography. METHODS: Twenty-six consecutive patients (20 male, 6 female, mean age 65 years) and a total number of 68 coronary bypass grafts (25 arterial and 43 venous grafts, 111 anastomoses) were examined by 40-row multidetector computed tomography. RESULTS: It was possible to analyze coronary artery bypass graft patency for every patient. At coronary angiography 23 patients showed bypass stenoses or occlusion: 19 of them were correctly diagnosed by computed tomography (sensitivity 84%, specificity 100%). In particular, computed tomography showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 100% for coronary artery bypass grafts, whereas it showed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 94% for anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the results of our study, computed tomography is a valuable tool for assessing coronary artery bypass graft patency in patients with clinical suspect of coronary occlusion.

[Forty-slice multidetector computed tomography for non-invasive diagnostic approach to coronary artery disease]. / Approccio diagnostico non invasive con tomografia computerizzata multidetettore a 40 strati per lo studio della malattia aterosclerotica coronarica.

BACKGROUND: Multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (MDCT-CA) is a non-invasive technique that clearly shows coronary anatomy and correctly identifies plaque location and morphology. In this study we assessed diagnostic accuracy of MDCT-CA in detectiong significant stenosis in patients with clinically relevant coronary tree disease. METHODS: . Fifty patients (38 males, 12 females, mean age 60.9 +/- 9.2 years) with atypical chest pain, stable or unstable angina pectoris, or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction underwent MDCT-CA (Brilliance 40, Philips Medical Systems, Cleveland, OH, USA) within 3 days before diagnostic conventional coronary angiography. Inclusion criteria were sinus rhythm, heart rate <70 b/min, and ability to hold breath for more than 12 s. Exclusion criteria were known intolerance to contrast medium, serum creatinine >2 mg/dl, pregnancy, respiratory insufficiency, unstable clinical conditions, and severe heart failure. Beta-blockers were administered if heart rate was >70 b/min. To synchronize arrival of the contrast bolus (Iomeron 400, Bracco, Milan) in the coronary arteries with the start of the scan the bolus-tracking technique was used. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated per segment, per vessel, and per patient. RESULTS: Mean heart rate during examination was 61.9 +/- 6.2 b/min; 618 segments were evaluated. The assessment was impaired by respiratory artifacts only in 1 patient (2%). MDCT-CA showed good sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values in detecting significant coronary artery stenosis (94, 94, 91, and 96% per segment; 91, 97, 95, and 92% per vessel; 100, 100, 100, and 100% per-patient, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Forty-slice MDCT-CA showed a good diagnostic capability in detecting significant coronary artery stenosis in patients referred to our institution for suspected or known significant coronary artery disease.