Inter-software and inter-scan variability in measurement of epicardial adipose tissue: a three-way comparison of a research-specific, a freeware and a coronary application software platform.

OBJECTIVES: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a proposed marker of cardiovascular risk; however, clinical application may be limited by variability in post-processing software platforms. We assessed inter-vendor agreement of EAT volume (EATv) and attenuation on both contrast-enhanced (CE) and non-contrast CT (NCT) using a standard coronary CT reporting software (Vitrea), an EAT research-specific software (QFAT) and a freeware imaging software (OsiriX). METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive patients undergoing simultaneous CE and NCT had complete volumetric EAT measurement. Between-software, within-software NCT vs. CE, and inter- and intra-observer agreement were evaluated with analysis by ANOVA (with post hoc adjustment), Bland-Altman with 95% levels of agreement (LoA) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Mean EATv (freeware 53 ± 31 mL vs. research 93 ± 43 mL vs. coronary 157 ± 64 mL) and attenuation (freeware - 72 ± 25 HU vs. research - 75 ± 3 HU vs. coronary - 61 ± 10 HU) were significantly different between all vendors (ANOVA p < 0.001). EATv was consistently higher in NCT vs. CE for all software packages, with most reproducibility found in research software (bias 26 mL, 95% LoA: 2 to 56 mL), compared to freeware (bias 11 mL 95% LoA: - 46 mL to 69 mL) and coronary software (bias 10 mL 95% LoA: - 127 to 147 mL). Research software had more comparable NCT vs. CE attenuation (- 75 vs. - 72 HU) compared to freeware (- 72 vs. - 57 HU) and coronary (- 61 vs. - 39 HU). Excellent inter-observer agreement was seen with research (ICC 0.98) compared to freeware (ICC 0.73) and coronary software (ICC 0.75) with narrow LoA on Bland-Altman analysis. CONCLUSION: There are significant inter-vendor differences in EAT assessment. Our study suggests that research-specific software has better agreement and reproducibility compared to freeware or coronary software platforms. KEY POINTS: • There are significant differences between EAT volume and attenuation values between software platforms, regardless of scan type. • Non-contrast scans routinely have higher mean EAT volume and attenuation; however, this finding is only consistently seen with research-specific software. • Of the three analyzed packages, research-specific software demonstrates the highest reproducibility, agreement, and reliability for both inter-scan and inter-observer agreement.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events in Cancer Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective therapies for numerous cancers, but have been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This study aimed to identify predictors for ASCVD events among cancer patients treated with ICIs and the cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) control of those who developed ASCVD. METHOD: A single-centre retrospective study of 366 cancer patients who received ICIs from 2018 to 2020 was performed. Demographic, baseline CVRF, cancer history, and ICI regimen data were obtained from medical records. The primary end point of ASCVD events was defined as myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation, ischaemic stroke, or acute limb ischaemia. Cox proportional multivariable modelling and competing risks analysis were performed to assess ASCVD predictors. Descriptive analysis was performed to describe CVRF management among those who developed ASCVD events. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 3.4 years (2.8-4.3), 26 patients (7.1%) experienced 27 ASCVD events (seven myocardial infarction, one coronary revascularisation, 13 ischaemic stroke, and six acute limb ischaemia events). There were 226 (61.8%) cancer-related deaths and no cardiac deaths. History of ASCVD before ICI initiation was independently associated with ASCVD events on traditional Cox modelling (hazard ratio [HR] 4.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79-8.91; p<0.01) and competing risks analysis (HR 4.23; 95% CI 1.87-9.60; p<0.01). A total of 17 patients developed ASCVD events after ICI cessation (median 1.4 years). Among those with ASCVD events, 12 had prior ASCVD, 16 had hypertension, nine had hypercholesterolaemia, and four had diabetes, and nine were actively smoking. Variable prescription of cardiovascular preventative therapies was noted. CONCLUSIONS: History of ASCVD was associated with subsequent ASCVD events among patients treated with ICIs, which could occur even after active treatment was stopped. Identification and aggressive management of modifiable CVRFs should be considered throughout cancer survivorship in patients who received ICI treatment.

Diabetes mellitus is independently associated with early stent thrombosis in patients undergoing drug eluting stent implantation: Analysis from the Victorian cardiac outcomes registry.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a predictor of restenosis and late stent thrombosis (ST) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting-stents (DES). Real-world data on rates of early ST is lacking. We compared clinical outcomes of patients with and without DM from the Victorian cardiac outcomes registry. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing PCI with DES were analyzed with primary outcome being ST at 30-days. Secondary outcomes including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 43,209 patients included, 9730 (22.5%) had DM. At 30 days, DM was independently associated with higher rates of early ST (0.7% vs. 0.5%) OR 1.41 (95% confidence interval; 1.05-1.87, p = 0.02), MACE (4.1% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.004) and mortality (1.9% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.01). Increased risk was not simply due to treatment. Patients with DM requiring insulin were equally affected in regard to MACE (4.7% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.069) and mortality (1.9%, vs. 1.8%, p = 0.746). On National Death Index linkage, patients with DM had increased all-cause mortality over five-year follow-up (OR 1.69 CI 1.55-1.83, p = < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this large real-world-registry, DM was an independent predictor of early ST, MACE and mortality at 30 days. These data suggest additional therapeutic strategies are required to reduce the risk of early complications in patients with DM undergoing PCI with DES.

Assessing the Impact of Colchicine on Coronary Plaque Phenotype After Myocardial Infarction with Optical Coherence Tomography: Rationale and Design of the COCOMO-ACS Study.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent event rates after myocardial infarction (MI) remain unacceptably high, in part because of the continued growth and destabilization of residual coronary atherosclerotic plaques, which may occur despite lipid-lowering therapy. Inflammation is an important contributor to this ongoing risk. Recent studies have shown that the broad-acting anti-inflammatory agent, colchicine, may reduce adverse cardiovascular events in patients post-MI, although the mechanistic basis for this remains unclear. Advances in endovascular arterial wall imaging have allowed detailed characterization of the burden and compositional phenotype of coronary plaque, along with its natural history and responsiveness to treatment. One such example has been the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to demonstrate the plaque-stabilizing effects of statins on both fibrous cap thickness and the size of lipid pools within plaque. METHODS: The Phase 2, multi-centre, double-blind colchicine for coronary plaque modification in acute coronary syndrome (COCOMO-ACS) study will evaluate the effect of colchicine 0.5 mg daily on coronary plaque features using serial OCT imaging in patients following MI. Recruitment for the trial has been completed with 64 participants with non-ST elevation MI randomized 1:1 to colchicine or placebo in addition to guideline recommended therapies, including high-intensity statins. The primary endpoint is the effect of colchicine on the minimal fibrous cap thickness of non-culprit plaque over an 18-month period. The COCOMO-ACS study will determine whether addition of colchicine 0.5 mg daily to standard post-MI treatment has incremental benefits on high-risk features of coronary artery plaques. If confirmed, this will provide new mechanistic insights into how colchicine may confer clinical benefits in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ANZCTR trial registration number: ACTRN12618000809235. Date of trial registration: 11th of May 2018.

Effect of exercise on epicardial adipose tissue in adults: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

According to previous epidemiological studies, we can reduce the thickness of epicardial fat and improve cardiovascular risk factors through exercise, and the changes may depend on the form of exercise. We systemically reviewed published studies that evaluated exercise intervention on epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) levels. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing one exercise with another exercise or diet for the treatment to reduce EAT. We used fixed effects models for meta-analyses; effects of exercise on outcomes were described as mean differences (MD) or standardized difference of means (SMD) was used, their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Five RCTs were included (n = 299), 156 in exercise group and 143 in the control. In comparison to the control group, exercise significantly reduced EAT (SMD - 0.57, 95%CI - 0.97 to - 0.18) and waist circumference (MD - 2.95 cm, 95%CI - 4.93 to - 0.97). Exercise did not have an effect on BMI (MD - 0.23 kg/m2, 95%CI - 0.73 to 0.27), weight (MD - 0.06 kg, 95%CI - 1.46 to 1.34), or HDL (SMD 0.26, 95%CI - 0.06 to 0.57).VO2 was significantly increased by exercise (SMD 1.58, 95%CI 1.17 to 1.99). Risk of bias was high for 3 studies, and GRADE quality of evidence was very low to moderate. Exercise reduced epicardial adipose tissue and waist circumference, and did not have effect on weight, BMI, or HDL. Newer trials with better design and methods are necessary to improve the quality of the evidence. PROSPERO registration number (CRD42018096581).

Metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, and artificial intelligence-based epicardial adipose tissue measures predict long-term risk of cardiac events: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and computed tomography (CT)-derived cardiometabolic biomarkers (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] and epicardial adipose tissue [EAT] measures) with long-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of the prospective EISNER (Early-Identification of Subclinical Atherosclerosis by Noninvasive Imaging Research) study of participants who underwent baseline coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring CT and 14-year follow-up for MACE (myocardial infarction, late revascularization, or cardiac death). EAT volume (cm3) and attenuation (Hounsfield units [HU]) were quantified from CT using fully automated deep learning software (< 30 s per case). NAFLD was defined as liver-to-spleen attenuation ratio < 1.0 and/or average liver attenuation < 40 HU. RESULTS: In the final population of 2068 participants (59% males, 56 ± 9 years), those with MetS (n = 280;13.5%) had a greater prevalence of NAFLD (26.0% vs. 9.9%), higher EAT volume (114.1 cm3 vs. 73.7 cm3), and lower EAT attenuation (-76.9 HU vs. -73.4 HU; all p < 0.001) compared to those without MetS. At 14 ± 3 years, MACE occurred in 223 (10.8%) participants. In multivariable Cox regression, MetS was associated with increased risk of MACE (HR 1.58 [95% CI 1.10-2.27], p = 0.01) independently of CAC score; however, not after adjustment for EAT measures (p = 0.27). In a separate Cox analysis, NAFLD predicted MACE (HR 1.78 [95% CI 1.21-2.61], p = 0.003) independently of MetS, CAC score, and EAT measures. Addition of EAT volume to current risk assessment tools resulted in significant net reclassification improvement for MACE (22% over ASCVD risk score; 17% over ASCVD risk score plus CAC score). CONCLUSIONS: MetS, NAFLD, and artificial intelligence-based EAT measures predict long-term MACE risk in asymptomatic individuals. Imaging biomarkers of cardiometabolic disease have the potential for integration into routine reporting of CAC scoring CT to enhance cardiovascular risk stratification. Trial registration NCT00927693.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of gender differences in long-term mortality and cardiovascular events in peripheral artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Individual studies of peripheral artery disease (PAD) have indicated that gender discrepancies exist in the symptoms, functional status, and treatment usage. It remains uncertain whether these discrepancies result in different long-term outcomes. We examined the potential gender differences in mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with symptomatic PAD. METHODS: The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for studies from 2000 to January 2019. After a review of 13,582 citations, 14 articles were analyzed. The reported age-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for gender differences in mortality and MACE were included in the meta-analysis. The mortality outcomes were stratified according to the clinical presentation and study context. RESULTS: Male gender was associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.16; P < .001) and MACE (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.06-1.14; P < .001). In a stratified analysis, male gender was associated with a higher mortality risk for patients presenting with either critical limb ischemia (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05-1.10; P < .001) or mixed clinical presentations (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11-1.21; P < .001) but not for those with intermittent claudication (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.98-1.30; P = .09). Elevated mortality risk was evident after revascularization (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.19; P = .003), hospitalization (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.08-1.22; P < .001), and amputation (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.08-1.10; P < .001), although not in outpatient clinics (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.97-1.32; P = .13), in men compared with women. CONCLUSIONS: Greater mortality and MACE rates in men with PAD occurred despite other accepted gender disparities. The mechanisms underlying these gender differences in the outcomes for PAD patients require further investigation.

Size matching in heart transplantation: Is predicted heart mass the optimal method in a United Kingdom cohort?

Predicted heart mass (PHM) equations have been proposed as an alternative method for size matching in heart transplantation. We assessed association between donor-recipient size mismatch, defined using PHM equations, and survival post-heart transplant in the United Kingdom. Data from all adult patients who received a heart transplant between 1995 and 2017 were obtained from the United Kingdom Transplant Registry. PHM was calculated using published equations. Primary outcome was 1-year survival post-heart transplantation. Recipients of undersized organs had reduced 1-year survival (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.03-1.67, p = .03). Oversizing had no impact on survival (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.78-1.26, p = .96). Gender mismatching had no impact on survival in the cohort matched by PHM (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.86-1.47, p = .4). In recipients without pulmonary hypertension, undersizing by PHM had no impact on 1-year survival (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.61-1.49, p = .83). In recipients with pulmonary hypertension, oversizing donor RV by using PHM RV equation (PHMRV ) results in improved survival at 1 year (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.5-0.83, p = .001). In conclusion, receiving an organ undersized by PHM was associated with decreased 1-year survival. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that undersizing only impacted survival in recipients with pulmonary hypertension and that these recipients had improved outcomes if they received an organ with an RV oversized by >10% by PHMRV .

Off- vs. On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Long-Term Survival is Driven by Incompleteness of Revascularisation.

BACKGROUND: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) negates the requirement for extracorporeal circulation used with the traditional on-pump approach. However, off-pump CABG is technically more challenging and may theoretically lead to less complete revascularisation. Recent data suggests a prognostic benefit for traditional on-pump CABG, but the mechanism for this remains unclear. We hypothesised that the inferior outcomes with off-pump CABG could be driven by the need for repeat revascularisation, with this benefit only becoming clear at long-term follow-up. We therefore evaluated short, medium and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing revascularisation with on vs. off-pump CABG. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify suitable randomised controlled trials enrolling ≥100 patients in each arm. Clinical outcomes were extracted at 30-days, 12-months or >4years. The primary outcome was long-term all-cause death, while secondary outcomes included 30-day, 12-month and >4-year cardiac death, stroke, myocardial infarction or revascularisation. RESULTS: Thirteen (13) studies comprising 13,234 patients were included. Off-pump CABG was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.32, p=0.01) and repeat bypass surgery (OR 2.57, 95%CI 1.23-5.39, p=0.01) at long-term follow-up. A significant, increased requirement for revascularisation in off-pump was seen at 12-month follow-up (OR 1.59, 95%CI 1.09-2.33, p=0.02). No differences were noted between groups at 30-days, 12-months and >4years for myocardial infarction or stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump CABG is associated with significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality rate at long-term follow-up. These outcomes demonstrate a temporal relationship that may be driven by a greater requirement for repeat revascularisation at 1- and 5-year follow-up. STUDY REGISTRATION: CRD42018102019 (PROSPERO).

Quantitative and Qualitative Coronary Plaque Assessment Using Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography: A Comparison With Intravascular Ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: To compare computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in quantitative and qualitative plaque assessment. METHODS: Patients who underwent IVUS and CTCA within 3 months for suspected coronary artery disease were retrospectively studied. Plaque volumes on CTCA were quantified manually and with automated-software and were compared to IVUS. High-risk plaque features were compared between CTCA and IVUS. RESULTS: There were 769 slices in 32 vessels (27 patients). Manual plaque quantification on CTCA was comparable to IVUS per slice (mean difference of 0.06±0.07, p=0.44; Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement -2.19-2.08 mm3, bias of -0.06mm3) and per vessel (3.1mm3 ± -2.85mm3, p=0.92). In contrast, there was significant difference between automated-software and IVUS per slice (2.3±0.09mm3, p<0.001; 95% LoA -6.78 to 2.25mm3, bias of -2.2mm3) and per vessel (33.04±10.3 mm3, p<0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of CTCA to detect plaques that had features of echo-attenuation on IVUS was 93.3%, 99.6%, 93.3% and 99.6% respectively. The association of ≥2 high-risk plaque features on CTCA with echo attenuation (EA) plaque features on IVUS was excellent (86.7%, 99.6%, 92.9% and 99.2%). In comparison, the association of high-risk plaque features on CTCA and plaques with echo-lucency on IVUS was only modest. CONCLUSION: Plaque volume quantification by manual CTCA method is accurate when compared to IVUS. The presence of at least two high-risk plaque features on CTCA is associated with plaque features of echo attenuation on IVUS.

Prognostic Value and Risk Continuum of Noninvasive Fractional Flow Reserve Derived from Coronary CT Angiography.

Background Coronary CT angiography with noninvasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) predicts lesion-specific ischemia when compared with invasive FFR. The longer term prognostic value of CT-derived FFR (FFRCT) is unknown. Purpose To determine the prognostic value of FFRCT when compared with coronary CT angiography and describe the relationship of the numeric value of FFRCT with outcomes. Materials and Methods This prospective subanalysis of the NXT study (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01757678) evaluated participants suspected of having stable coronary artery disease who were referred for invasive angiography and who underwent FFR, coronary CT angiography, and FFRCT. The incidence of the composite primary end point of death, myocardial infarction, and any revascularization and the composite secondary end point of major adverse cardiac events (MACE: cardiac death, myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularization) were compared for an FFRCT of 0.8 or less versus stenosis of 50% or greater on coronary CT angiograms, with treating physicians blinded to the FFRCT result. Results Long-term outcomes were obtained in 206 individuals (age, 64 years ± 9.5), including 64% men. At median follow-up of 4.7 years, there were no cardiac deaths or myocardial infarctions in participants with normal FFRCT. The incidence of the primary end point was more frequent in participants with positive FFRCT compared with clinically significant stenosis at coronary CT angiography (73.4% [80 of 109] vs 48.7% [91 of 187], respectively; P < .001), with the majority of outcomes being planned revascularization. Corresponding hazard ratios (HRs) were 9.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.1, 17; P < .001) for FFRCT and 5.9 (95% CI: 1.5, 24; P = .01) for coronary CT angiography. FFRCT was a superior predictor compared with coronary CT angiography for primary end point (C-index FFRCT, 0.76 vs coronary CT angiography, 0.54; P < .001) and MACE (FFRCT, 0.71 vs coronary CT angiography, 0.52; P = .001). Frequency of MACE was higher in participants with positive FFRCT compared with coronary CT angiography (15.6% [17 of 109] vs 10.2% [19 of 187], respectively; P = .02), driven by unplanned revascularization. MACE HR was 5.5 (95% CI: 1.6, 19; P = .006) for FFRCT and 2.0 (95% CI: 0.3, 14; P = .46) for coronary CT angiography. Each 0.05-unit FFRCT reduction was independently associated with greater incidence of primary end point (HR, 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4, 1.9; P < .001) and MACE (HR, 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.8; P < .001). Conclusion In stable patients referred for invasive angiography, a CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) value of 0.8 or less was a predictor of long-term outcomes driven by planned and unplanned revascularization and was superior to clinically significant stenosis on coronary CT angiograms. Additionally, the numeric value of FFRCT was an independent predictor of outcomes. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Dennie and Rubens in this issue.

Perivascular Adipose Tissue and Coronary Atherosclerosis: from Biology to Imaging Phenotyping.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has a complex, bidirectional relationship with the vascular wall. In disease states, PVAT secretes pro-inflammatory adipocytokines which may contribute to atherosclerosis. Recent evidence demonstrates that pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) may also function as a sensor of coronary inflammation. This review details PVAT biology and its clinical translation to current imaging phenotyping. RECENT FINDINGS: PCAT attenuation derived from routine coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography is a novel noninvasive imaging biomarker of coronary inflammation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines released from the arterial wall diffuse directly into the surrounding PCAT and inhibit adipocyte lipid accumulation in a paracrine manner. This can be detected as an increased PCAT CT attenuation, a metric which associates with high-risk plaque features and independently predicts cardiac mortality. There is also evidence that PCAT attenuation relates to coronary plaque progression and is modified by systemic anti-inflammatory therapies. Due to its proximity to the coronary arteries, PCAT has emerged as an important fat depot in cardiovascular research. PCAT CT attenuation has the potential to improve cardiovascular risk stratification, and future clinical studies should examine its role in guiding targeted medical therapy.

Application of the DILEMMA score to improve lesion selection for invasive physiological assessment.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the validity of the DILEMMA score against instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) and evaluate its utility in rationalizing the number of patients referred for invasive physiological assessment. BACKGROUND: The DILEMMA score is a validated angiographic scoring tool incorporating minimal lumen diameter, lesion length and subtended myocardial area that has been shown to predict the functional significance of lesions as assessed by fractional flow reserve (FFR). METHODS: Patients in the DEFINE-FLAIR study who had coronary stenosis of intermediate severity were randomized to either FFR or iFR. DILEMMA score was calculated retrospectively on a subset of this cohort by operators blinded to FFR or iFR values. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-six lesions (181 assessed by FFR; 165 by iFR) from 259 patients (mean age 66.0 years, 79% male) were included. A DILEMMA score ≤ 2 had a negative predictive value of 96.3% and 95.7% for identifying lesions with FFR >0.80 and iFR >0.89, respectively. A DILEMMA score ≥ 9 had a positive predictive value of 88.9% and 100% for identifying lesions with FFR ≤0.80 and iFR ≤0.89, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve values for DILEMMA score to predict FFR ≤0.80 and iFR ≤0.89 were 0.83 (95% CI 0.77-0.90) and 0.82 (0.75-0.89) respectively. A DILEMMA score ≤ 2 or ≥9 occurred in 172 of the 346 lesions (49.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Using DILEMMA score in patients with coronary stenosis of intermediate severity may reduce the need for pressure wire use, offering potential cost-savings and minimizing the risks associated with invasive physiological lesion assessment.

Association between socioeconomic status and incident atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Low socioeconomic status is associated with cardiovascular diseases, and an association with atrial fibrillation (AF) could guide screening. AIM: To investigate if indices of advantage/disadvantage (IAD), index of education/occupation (IEO) and index of economic resources were associated with incident AF, independent of risk factors and cardiac function. METHODS: We studied community-based participants aged ≥65 years with AF risk factors (n = 379, age 70 ± 4 years, 45% men). The CHARGE-AF score (a well validated AF risk score) was used to assess 5-year risk of developing AF. Participants also had baseline echocardiograms. IAD, IEO and index of economic resources were obtained from the 2011 Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas score, in which higher decile ranks indicate more advantaged areas. Patients were followed up for incident AF (median 21 (range 5-31) months), with AF diagnosed by clinical review, including 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), as well as single-lead portable ECG monitoring used to record 60 s ECG tracings five times/day for 1 week. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between socioeconomic status and incident AF. RESULTS: Subjects with AF (n = 50, 13%) were more likely to be male (64 vs 42%, P = 0.003) and had higher CHARGE-AF score (median 7.1% (5.2-12.8%) vs 5.3% (3.3-8.6%), P < 0.001). Areas with lower socioeconomic status (IAD and IEO) had a higher risk of incident AF independent of LV function and CHARGE-AF score (hazard ratio for IAD 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.29, P = 0.005 and hazard ratio for IEO 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.30, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Regional socioeconomic status is associated with risk of incident AF, independent of LV function and clinical risk. This association might permit better regional targeting of prevention.

MRI in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

Indications for MRI have grown considerably in recent years. However, many patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices are denied imaging due to physician misinterpretation of the risks associated with MRI. This review discusses the theoretical basis for the perceived risk by exploring preclinical literature. It then presents a detailed examination of the true rates of adverse events in clinical studies across both MR nonconditional (legacy) and MR conditional devices. Indeed, many of these adverse events are rare, nonexistent, and/or clinically insignificant in the wealth of published data. The authors then address image quality and the constituents of a safety checklist that institutions should consider when performing MRI in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device. Lastly, the authors conclude with an overview of future directions for advancement in the field.

Effect of aorto-ventricular angulation on procedural success in transcatheter aortic valve replacements with the Lotus Valve system.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of aorto-ventricular angulation (AA) on procedural success with the Lotus Valve system. BACKGROUND: AA, the angulation of the aortic valve basal plane, may affect the deployment of transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVRs). The Lotus Valve system is fully repositionable and delivered on a pre-shaped catheter which may alter the impact of AA on its deployment. The effect of AA on procedural and clinical outcomes with the Lotus valve is unreported. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR with the Lotus Valve system were analyzed. AA was determined on pre-procedural multi-detector computed tomography imaging. Device success, procedural characteristics, and clinical events were assessed according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC2) definitions. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-five patients were analyzed (48% male, mean age 84 years). The mean AA was 47.8 degrees. Patients were, therefore, divided into low AA (AA < 48°) or high AA (AA ≥ 48°). Baseline characteristics were similar in both cohorts. Device success and procedural outcomes were also similar including procedure time, contrast dose, and need to reposition. There was no difference in degree of moderate or greater para-valvular regurgitation (PVR) (0% vs. 3%, P = 0.09). Clinical outcomes of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and other major VARC2 endpoints were similar. CONCLUSION: AA did not affect device success or clinical outcome with the Lotus Valve system. The Lotus' unique design features may have mitigated the impact of AA by improving the accuracy, ease of valve positioning, and reducing PVR.

Polymer-free versus permanent polymer-coated drug eluting stents for the treatment of coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Polymer-free drug eluting stents (PF-DES) were developed, in part, to overcome risk of late ischemic events observed with permanent polymer-coated DES (PP-DES). However, trial results are inconsistent with longer-term safety and efficacy of PF-DES remaining unknown. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized trials assessing outcomes of patients receiving PF-DES versus PP-DES for treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Electronic searches were performed for randomized trials comparing outcomes between PF-DES and PP-DES. Trials reporting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), all-cause death, target lesion/vessel revascularization (TLR/TVR), and late lumen loss (LLL) were included. Analyses were performed at longest follow-up and landmarked beyond 1-year. RESULTS: Twelve trials (6,943 patients) were included. There was no significant difference in MACE between PF-DES and PP-DES at longest follow-up (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.96, 95%CI 0.85-1.10, P = 0.59) or landmark analysis beyond 1-year (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.76-1.20, P = 0.70). Although PF-DES were associated with a significant reduction in all-cause death (OR 0.85, 95%CI 0.72-1.00, P < 0.05), this effect was not present on landmark analysis beyond 1-year (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.73-1.10, P = 0.30). There were no differences observed for MI (OR 1.00, 95%CI 0.77-1.28, P = 0.99) or ST (OR 0.95, 95%CI 0.54-1.68, P = 0.86), with similar efficacy outcomes including TVR (OR 1.07, 95%CI 0.91-1.26, P = 0.42), TLR (OR 1.03, 95%CI 0.88-1.21, P = 0.68) and angiographic LLL (pooled mean difference 0.01 mm, 95%CI -0.08 to 0.11, P = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: PF-DES are as safe and efficacious as PP-DES for the treatment of patients with CAD, but do not significantly reduce late ischemic complications.

Utility of photoplethysmography for heart rate estimation among inpatients.

The accuracy of photoplethysmography (PPG) for heart rate (HR) estimation in cardiac arrhythmia is unknown. PPG-HR was evaluated in 112 hospitalised inpatients (cardiac arrhythmias (n = 60), sinus rhythm (n = 52)) using a continuous electrocardiogram monitoring as a reference standard. Strong agreement was observed in sinus rhythm HR < 100 and atrial flutter (bias 1 beat), modest agreement in sinus tachycardia (bias 24 beats) and complete heart block (bias -6 beats) and weak agreement with significant HR underestimation was seen in atrial fibrillation (bias 23 beats). Routine utilisation of PPG for HR estimation may delay early recognition of clinical deterioration in certain arrhythmias and sinus tachycardia.

Retrospective Cohort Study Examining Reduced Intensity and Duration of Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapy Following Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion with the WATCHMAN Device.

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy are recommended following WATCHMAN implantation (45 days and 6 months) to reduce the risk of embolic events. These patients are often also at high risk of recurrent bleeding complications. We aimed to assess the safety of reduced duration of treatment with anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in the early post implant period. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study assessing the duration of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in 47 consecutive patients following WATCHMAN implant. The primary outcome was rate of major bleeding, stroke and systemic embolic complications. The secondary endpoints were rate of device thrombus and peri-device leak >4mm as assessed by transoesophogeal echocardiography. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were followed up for a mean of 2.4+/-1.7 years (111.4 total patient-years). The rate of stroke was 1.8/100 patient-years (two events) and the rate of major bleeding complication was 8.9/100 patient-years. Three patients had peri-device leak >4mm and no patients had device thrombus visualised. 70.2% of patients had discontinued anticoagulation at 45 days, 89.4% had discontinued dual antiplatelet therapy at 90 days. Seven patients were not on any form of anticoagulant or antiplatelet at five months. Comparison of probability of survival free from stroke by time of cessation of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy demonstrated no significant differences (p-value for log rank test 0.238 and 0.820). CONCLUSION: Following WATCHMAN implant shortened periods of anticoagulants and antiplatelets may be considered, particularly in the context of high bleeding risk.

Optical Coherence Tomography Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an increasingly available intracoronary imaging modality that provides high-resolution imaging of coronary arteries. Its fundamental reliance on the emission and reflection of light enables rapid data acquisition without compromise of image resolution. As such, OCT can inform operators planning percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by accurately defining luminal geometry and detailing plaque composition. Following PCI, OCT imaging delivers a thorough assessment of the treated arterial segment and can identify specific features not always visible on alternate imaging modalities, including stent edge-related dissection, plaque tissue prolapse, incomplete stent apposition and the presence of intra-coronary thrombus. Clinical trials highlight that procedural strategy is frequently altered based on OCT findings, while concerns over final stent dimensions have been mitigated through use of a sizing protocol based on external elastic lamina dimensions in the reference arterial segment. Randomised trials are now warranted to definitively ascertain whether OCT-guidance improves clinical outcomes when utilised during PCI.