Coronary computed tomography plaque-based scores predict long-term cardiovascular events.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) scores based on luminal obstruction, plaque burden, and characteristics are used for prognostication in coronary artery disease (CAD), such as segmental stenosis and plaque extent involvement and Gensini and Leaman scores. The use of coronary CTA scores for the long-term prognosis remains not completely defined. We sought to evaluate the long-term prognosis of CTA scores for cardiovascular events in symptomatic patients with suspected CAD. METHODS: The presence and extent of CAD were evaluated by coronary CTA in patients from two multicenter prospective studies, which were classified according to several coronary CTA scores. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Two hundred and twenty-two patients were followed up for a median of 6.8 (6.3-9.1) years, and 73 patients met the composite endpoints of MACE. RESULTS: Compared to the clinical prediction model, the highest model improvement was observed when added obstructive CAD. After adjustment for the presence of obstructive CAD, the segment involvement score for non-calcified plaque (SISNoncalc) was independently associated with MACE, presenting incremental prognostic value over clinical data and CAD severity (χ2 39.5 vs 21.2, p < 0.001 for comparison with a clinical model; and χ2 39.5 vs 35.6, p = 0.04 for comparison with clinical + CAD severity). Patients with obstructive CAD and SISNoncalc > 3 were likely to experience events (HR 4.27, 95% CI 2.17-4.40, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary CTA plaque-based scores provide incremental long-term prognostic value for up to 7 years. Among patients with obstructive CAD, the presence of extensive non-calcified disease (> 3 coronary segments) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk for late events independently of the presence of obstructive CAD. KEY POINTS: • Coronary CTA plaque-based scores are long-term prognostic markers in patients with stable CAD. • Besides obstructive CAD, the segment involvement score of non-calcified disease of 3 or more independently increased the risk of cardiovascular events.

Challenges and opportunities for early career medical professionals in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging: a white paper from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

The early career professionals in the field of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) face unique challenges and hurdles while establishing their careers in the field. The Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) has expanded the role of the early career section within the society to foster the careers of future CMR leaders. This paper aims to describe the obstacles and available opportunities for the early career CMR professionals worldwide. Societal opportunities and actions targeted at the professional advancement of the early career CMR imagers are needed to ensure continuous growth of CMR as an imaging modality globally.

Impaired Pulmonary Function is an Additional Potential Mechanism for the Reduction of Functional Capacity in Clinically Stable Fontan Patients.

Central factors negatively affect the functional capacity of Fontan patients (FP), but "non-cardiac" factors, such as pulmonary function, may contribute to their exercise intolerance. We studied the pulmonary function in asymptomatic FP and its correlations with their functional capacity. Pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed in a prospective study of 27 FP and 27 healthy controls (HC). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was used to evaluate the Fontan circulation. The mean age at tests, the mean age at surgery, and the median follow-up time of FP were 20(±6), 8(±3), and 11(8-17) years, respectively. Dominant ventricle ejection fraction was within normal range. The mean of peak VO2 expressed in absolute values (L/min), the relative values to body weight (mL/kg/min), and their predicted values were lower in FP compared with HC: 1.69 (±0.56) vs 2.81 (±0.77) L/min; 29.9 (±6.1) vs 41.5 (±9.3) mL/kg/min p < 0.001 and predicted VO2 Peak [71% (±14) vs 100% (±20) p < 0.001]. The absolute and predicted values of the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), inspiratory capacity (IC), total lung capacity (TLC), diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide of the lung (DLCO), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) were also significantly lower in the Fontan population compared to HC. An increased risk of restrictive ventilatory pattern was found in patients with postural deviations (OD:10.0, IC:1.02-97.5, p = 0.042). There was a strong correlation between pulmonary function and absolute peak VO2 [FVC (r = 0.86, p < 0.001); FEV1 (r = 0.83, p < 0.001); IC (r = 0.84, p < 0.001); TLC (r = 0.79, p < 0.001); and DLCO (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). The strength of the inspiratory muscles in absolute and predicted values was also reduced in FP [-79(±28) vs -109(±44) cmH2O (p = 0.004) and 67(±26) vs 89(±36) % (p = 0.016)]. Thus, we concluded that the pulmonary function was impaired in clinically stable Fontan patients and the static and dynamic lung volumes were significantly reduced compared with HC. We also demonstrated a strong correlation between absolute Peak VO2 with the FVC, FEV1, TLC, and DLCO measured by complete pulmonary test.

Non-contrast transcatheter aortic valve implantation for patients with aortic stenosis and chronic kidney disease: a pilot study.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequently observed after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Of note, it is associated with a threefold increase in all-cause and cardiac death. We propose a new non-contrast strategy for evaluating and performing the TAVI procedure that can be especially valuable for patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) to prevent AKI. Methods: Patients with severe symptomatic AS and CKD stage ≥3a were evaluated for TAVI using four non-contrast imaging modalities for procedural planning: transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), cardiac magnetic resonance, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), and aortoiliac CO2 angiography. Patients underwent transfemoral (TF) TAVI using the self-expandable Evolut R/Pro, and the procedures were guided by fluoroscopy and TEE. Contrast MDCT and contrast injection at certain checkpoints during the procedure were used in a blinded fashion to guarantee patient safety. Results: A total of 25 patients underwent TF-TAVI with the zero-contrast technique. The mean age was 79.9 ± 6.1 years, 72% in NYHA class III/IV, with a mean STS-PROM of 3.0% ± 1.5%, and creatinine clearance of 49 ± 7 ml/min. The self-expandable Evolut R and Pro were implanted in 80% and 20% of patients, respectively. In 36% of the cases, the transcatheter heart valve (THV) chosen was one size larger than the one by contrast MDCT, but none of these cases presented adverse events. Device success and the combined safety endpoint (at 30 days) both achieved 92%. Pacemaker implantation was needed in 17%. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that the zero-contrast technique for procedural planning and THV implantation was feasible and safe and might become the preferable strategy for a significant population of CKD patients undergoing TAVR. Future studies with a larger number of patients are still needed to confirm such interesting findings.

Accuracy of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnosing Pediatric Cardiac Masses: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: After diagnosis of a cardiac mass, clinicians must weigh the benefits and risks of ascertaining a tissue diagnosis. Limited data are available on the accuracy of previously developed noninvasive pediatric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-based diagnostic criteria. OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were to: 1) evaluate the CMR characteristics of pediatric cardiac masses from a large international cohort; 2) test the accuracy of previously developed CMR-based diagnostic criteria; and 3) expand diagnostic criteria using new information. METHODS: CMR studies (children 0-18 years of age) with confirmatory histological and/or genetic diagnosis were analyzed by 2 reviewers, without knowledge of prior diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy was graded as: 1) single correct diagnosis; 2) correct diagnosis among a differential; or 3) incorrect diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 213 cases, 174 (82%) had diagnoses that were represented in the previously published diagnostic criteria. In 70% of 174 cases, both reviewers achieved a single correct diagnosis (94% of fibromas, 71% of rhabdomyomas, and 50% of myxomas). When ≤2 differential diagnoses were included, both reviewers reached a correct diagnosis in 86% of cases. Of 29 malignant tumors, both reviewers indicated malignancy as a single diagnosis in 52% of cases. Including ≤2 differential diagnoses, both reviewers indicated malignancy in 83% of cases. Of 6 CMR sequences examined, acquisition of first-pass perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement were independently associated with a higher likelihood of a single correct diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: CMR of cardiac masses in children leads to an accurate diagnosis in most cases. A comprehensive imaging protocol is associated with higher diagnostic accuracy.

Aerobic exercise and inspiratory muscle training increase functional capacity in patients with univentricular physiology after Fontan operation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The effect of exercise training and its mechanisms on the functional capacity improvement in Fontan patients (FP) are virtually unknown. This trial evaluated four-month aerobic exercise training and inspiratory muscle training on functional capacity, pulmonary function, and autonomic control in patients after Fontan operation. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial with 42 FP aged 12 to 30 years and, at least, five years of Fontan completion. Twenty-seven were referred to a four-months supervised and personalized aerobic exercise training (AET) or an inspiratory muscle training (IMT). A group of non-exercise (NET) was used as control. The effects of the exercise training in peak VO2; pulmonary volumes and capacities, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP); muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA); forearm blood flow (FBF); handgrip strength and cross-sectional area of the thigh were analyzed. RESULTS: The AET decreased MSNA (p = 0.042), increased FBF (p = 0.012) and handgrip strength (p = 0.017). No significant changes in autonomic control were found in IMT and NET groups. Both AET and IMT increased peak VO2, but the increase was higher in the AET group compared to IMT (23% vs. 9%). No difference was found in the NET group. IMT group showed a 58% increase in MIP (p = 0.008) in forced vital capacity (p = 0.011) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (p = 0.011). No difference in pulmonary function was found in the AET group. CONCLUSIONS: Both aerobic exercise and inspiratory muscle training improved functional capacity. The AET group developed autonomic control, and handgrip strength, and the IMT increased inspiratory muscle strength and spirometry. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02283255.

Association between perivascular inflammation and downstream myocardial perfusion in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

AIMS: To investigate the association between pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) computed tomography (CT) attenuation derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) by positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: PCAT CT attenuation was measured in proximal segments of all major epicardial coronary vessels of 105 patients with suspected CAD. We evaluated the relationship between PCAT CT attenuation and other quantitative/qualitative CT-derived anatomic parameters with CFR by PET. Overall, the mean age was 60 ± 12 years and 93% had intermediate pre-test probability of obstructive CAD. Obstructive CAD (≥50% stenosis) was detected in 37 (35.2%) patients and impaired CFR (<2.0) in 32 (30.5%) patients. On a per-vessel analysis (315 vessels), obstructive CAD, non-calcified plaque volume, and PCAT CT attenuation were independently associated with CFR. In patients with coronary calcium score (CCS) <100, those with high-PCAT CT attenuation presented significantly lower CFR values than those with low-PCAT CT attenuation (2.47 ± 0.95 vs. 3.13 ± 0.89, P = 0.003). Among those without obstructive CAD, CFR was significantly lower in patients with high-PCAT CT attenuation (2.51 ± 0.95 vs. 3.02 ± 0.84, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Coronary perivascular inflammation by CTA was independently associated with downstream myocardial perfusion by PET. In patients with low CCS or without obstructive CAD, CFR was lower in the presence of higher perivascular inflammation. PCAT CT attenuation might help identifying myocardial ischaemia particularly among patients who are traditionally considered non-high risk for future cardiovascular events.

Comprehensive Assessment of Cardiac Involvement in Muscular Dystrophies by Cardiac MR Imaging.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetically inherited diseases with irreversible and progressive muscle loss and is associated with cardiac involvement. Particularly in Duchenne and Becker dystrophies, cardiac disorders are the leading causes of mortality. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can detect even incipient myocardial fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement), which has prognostic significance in patients with preserved left ventricular function by echocardiogram and before the onset of symptoms. Early detection of cardiac abnormalities by CMR enables early cardioprotective treatment, leading to a better prognosis.

Blunted peripheral blood supply and underdeveloped skeletal muscle in Fontan patients: The impact on functional capacity.

BACKGROUND: Changes in circulatory physiology are common in Fontan patients due to suboptimal cardiac output, which may reduce the peripheral blood flow and impair the skeletal muscle. The objective of this study was to investigate the forearm blood flow (FBF), cross-sectional area (CSA) of the thigh and functional capacity in asymptomatic clinically stable patients undergoing Fontan surgery. METHODS: Thirty Fontan patients and 27 healthy subjects underwent venous occlusion plethysmography, magnetic resonance imaging of the thigh musculature and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), norepinephrine measures, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, handgrip strength and 6-minute walk test were also performed. RESULTS: Fontan patients have blunted FBF (1.59 ±â€¯0.33 vs 2.17 ±â€¯0.52 mL/min/100 mL p < 0.001) and forearm vascular conductance (FVC) (1.69 ±â€¯0.04 vs 2.34 ±â€¯0.62 units p < 0.001), reduced CSA of the thigh (81.2 ±â€¯18.6 vs 116.3 ±â€¯26.4 cm2p < 0.001), lower peak VO2 (29.3 ±â€¯6 vs 41.5 ±â€¯9 mL/kg/min p < 0.001), walked distance (607 ±â€¯60 vs 701 ±â€¯58 m p < 0.001) and handgrip strength (21 ±â€¯9 vs 30 ±â€¯8 kgf p < 0.001). The MSNA (30 ±â€¯4 vs 22 ±â€¯3 bursts/min p < 0.001) and norepinephrine concentration [265 (236-344) vs 222 (147-262) pg/mL p = 0.006] were also higher in Fontan patients. Multivariate linear regression showed FVC (ß = 0.653; CI = 0.102-1.205; p = 0.022) and stroke volume (ß = 0.018; CI = 0.007-0.029; p = 0.002) to be independently associated with reduced CSA of the thigh adjusted for body mass index. The CSA of the thigh adjusted for body mass index (ß = 5.283; CI = 2.254-8.312; p = 0.001) was independently associated with reduced peak VO2. CONCLUSION: Patients with Fontan operation have underdeveloped skeletal muscle with reduced strength that is associated with suboptimal peripheral blood supply and diminished exercise capacity.

On the search of arterial geometry heritability.

BACKGROUND: Geometrical risk factors for CAD have been previously proposed before. To date, however, the effect of those factors is not conclusive, and remains as an open research field. Here, we hypothesize that some of these factors have a genetic component explaining inter-individual variability. OBJECTIVE: To detect heritability indicators of the coronary arterial geometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient sample of 48 individuals, consisting of 24 siblings, was used. Three dimensional geometry of the LAD, LCx and RCA were reconstructed from standard CCTA. Arterial models were characterized in terms of 20+ geometric descriptors (phenotypes). A comprehensive statistical analysis to detect potential heritability of such phenotypes was employed. Heritability was assessed by means of several statistical indexes. Finally, the association of phenotypes to stenotic lesion is also reported. RESULTS: The RCA scored positive indications for heritability in 15+ phenotypes, while the LAD in 10 and the LCx in only 3 phenotypes. Association between presence of lesion and phenotypes was higher in the LAD, 10+ phenotypes, while for the LCx only 2 phenotypes were significantly associated, and none association was found for the RCA. CONCLUSION: The RCA showed potential heritability for the largest number of phenotypes, followed by the LAD. The LCx presents the weaker association of morphology among siblings. Regarding lesion-geometry associations, the there are hints of an underlying relation in the LAD, the LCx featured a weaker association and the RCA showed none. This difference could be related to the different hemodynamic environments in these arteries.