Ablation For Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy Research Articles

A novel risk model to predict all-cause mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Background and purpose: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a global genetic myocardial disease. In clinical practice, an indicator that could be used to identify suitable patients for percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) and assess their long-term prognosis is important for cardiologists. HOCM patients undergoing PTSMA, poor long-term prognosis has been associated with higher left ventricular outflow tract gradient (LVOTG) and interventricular septal thickness (IVST). In this retrospective, multicenter study, we aimed to investigate the association between TG (TG = IVS thickness × LVOT gradient) index and acute- or long-term outcomes of HOCM patients after PTSMA and further investigate the interaction effects of LVOTG and IVST. Methods: The study design is based on four tertiary centers from Mid-China, and a total of 284 HOCM patients (132 males, average age 54.80 ± 11.98 years) were treated with PTSMA. A new clinic index (TG = IVS thickness × LVOT gradient) was designed. Both 30-day major cardiovascular adverse events and all-cause mortality of the HOCM patients were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusting for potential risk factors was applied to explore the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality. Results: Total alcohol injection volume was 2.201 ± 1.025 mL. LVOTG and IVST were reduced to 40.11 ± 24.44 mmHg and 17.68 ± 4.07 mm at the last clinical check-up, respectively. Patients with low IVST (≤20 mm) or low TG index (≤1,683) had a higher rate of PTSMA-contributable complications and a higher need for a permanent pacemaker. Within the 903 patient-years follow-up, a total of 21 (9.8%) deaths occurred. The number of deaths per 100 patient-years was 0.65 and 4.06 in the high versus low TG index groups. The 8-year OS rate was 48.95% (95% CI = 39.07%–57.75%) versus 82.63% (95% CI = 74.99%–86.66%) in the high versus low TG groups, respectively (log-rank P < 0.001). The patients with both high LVOTG (>82 mmHg) and high IVST had the highest risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 18.63 vs low LVOTG, 95% CI = 1.09–319.15). Conclusions: The 8-year OS rate was markedly higher in patients with a low TG index (≤1,683) (48.95%) versus in patients with a high TG index (>1,683 group) (82.63%). The TG index could be a useful tool in the evaluation of HOCM patients for suitability for PTSMA.

Prediction of Sudden Cardiac Arrest After Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: ASA-SCARRE Risk Score

This study aimed to derive a new score, the Alcohol Septal Ablation-Sudden Cardiac ARREst (ASA-SCARRE) risk score, that can be easily used to evaluate the risk of sudden cardiac arrest events (sudden cardiac death, resuscitation, or appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge) after alcohol septal ablation (ASA) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. We analyzed 1,834 patients from the Euro-ASA registry (49% men, mean age 57 ± 14years) who were followed up for 5.0 ± 4.3years (9,202 patient-years) after ASA. A total of 65 patients (3.5%) experienced sudden cardiac arrest events, translating to 0.72 events per 100 patient-years. The independent predictors of sudden cardiac arrest events were septum thickness before ASA (hazard ratio 1.09 per 1mm, 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.14, p <0.001) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient at the last clinical checkup (hazard ratio 1.01 per 1mm Hg, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.02, p=0.002). The following ASA-SCARRE risk scores were derived and independently predicted long-term risk of sudden cardiac arrest events: "0" for both LVOT gradient <30mmHg and baseline septum thickness <20mm; "1" for LVOT gradient ≥30mm Hg or baseline septum thickness ≥20mm; and "2" for both LVOT gradient ≥30mm Hg and baseline septum thickness ≥20mm. The C statistic of the ASA-SCARRE risk score was 0.684 (SE 0.030). In conclusion, the ASA-SCARRE risk score may be a useful and easily available clinical tool to predict risk of sudden cardiac arrest events after ASA in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Alcohol Septal Ablation in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy- Is Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography Mandatory?

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is an effective treatment for symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Although routine use of myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in guiding ASA has been recommended by guidelines, it has not come into common clinical practice. Here, we present three cases of HOCM where MCE helped in decision-making.

Sex-related differences in left ventricular remodeling and outcome after alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: insights from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

BackgroundAlcohol septal ablation (ASA) has been proven to reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, there are no studies on the effect of sex on LV remodeling after ASA. We aimed to investigate whether sex differences affect the process of LV remodeling and outcome after ASA.MethodsA total of 107 patients with obstructive HCM (54 men and 53 women, mean age 51 ± 8 years) were recruited. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed at baseline and 16 months after ASA. The extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was measured.ResultsWomen had a higher indexed LV mass and smaller indexed LV end-systolic volumes than men at the time of ASA. After ASA, both men and women exhibited a regression of LV mass, and the percentage of mass regression was greater in men than women (15.3% ± 4.3% vs. 10.7% ± 1.8%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, male sex, higher reduction of LV outflow tract (LVOT) gradient and lower baseline LV mass index were independently associated with greater LV mass regression after ASA. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly higher cardiovascular events in women than in men (p = 0.015). Female sex [hazard ratio (HR) 3.913, p = 0.038] and LV mass preablation (HR, 1.019, p = 0.010) were independent predictors of cardiovascular outcomes.ConclusionsMales with HCM had favorable reverse remodeling with greater LV mass regression post-ASA than female patients. This favorable LV reverse remodeling might provide a mechanistic explanation for the survival advantage in men.

Gender disparities in alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

ObjectiveAlcohol septal ablation (ASA) improves symptoms in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). We conducted a large retrospective analysis investigating gender effects on outcome after ASA.Methods and results1367 ASAs between 2002 and...

Prediction of Sudden Cardiac Arrest after Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (ASA-SCARRE Risk Score)

Prediction of Sudden Cardiac Arrest after Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (ASA-SCARRE Risk Score)

Age-related survival after alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

AimsSince its introduction, alcohol septal ablation (PTSMA) was discussed as treatment option only in elderly symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). We report on long‐term follow‐up after PTSMA with respect to patient's age.Methods and resultsBetween May 2000 and June 2017, we treated 952 consecutive HOCM patients with PTSMA; 133 (14.0%) patients were <40 years of age (Group A; mean age 30.3 ± 7.6; 26.3% female), 422 (44.3%) patients were between ≥40 and <60 years of age (Group B; mean age 50.6 ± 5.8; 27.0% female), and 397 (41.7%) patients were ≥60 years of age (Group C; 69.7 ± 6.1; 60.2% female). After PTSMA, need of pacemaker implantation was lowest in Group A (3.8%, P < 0.01 each) compared with Group B (9.2%) and Group C (14.1%) during hospital stay. One patient in Groups A and C died during hospital stay, each. Follow‐up was longer in Group A (7.4 ± 5.5 years) compared with Group C (5.6 ± 4.8 years; P < 0.001) and comparable with Group B (6.5 ± 5.1 years). Mortality was highest in Group C (13.1%; P < 0.0001 each) compared with Group A (1.5%) and Group B (4.3%). In Group A, no patient died from cardiac reason, whereas five patients died from cardiac reasons in Group B and seven patients in Group C. Sudden cardiac death was not observed in Group A, whereas three patients in Group B and one patient in Group C suffered sudden cardiac death.ConclusionsMortality after PTSMA is predominantly due to non‐cardiac reasons and mainly observed in elderly patients. Survival in young patients is not affected by cardiac mortality. In experienced centres with careful patient selection, PTSMA is safe in young patients.

Does age influence follow-up after alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy?

Abstract Introduction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiac disease. Since its introduction in 1995 alcohol septal ablation (PTSMA) was discussed as treatment option only in elderly patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM (HOCM). We report on long-term follow-up after PTSMA with respect to patient's age. Methods and results Between 5/2000 and 6/2017 we treated 952 consecutive symptomatic HOCM patients (pts) with first PTSMA in our center. 132 (13.9%) pts were &amp;lt;40 years of age (Group A; mean age 30.3±7.7), 421 (44.2%) pts between ≥40 to &amp;lt;60 years of age (Group B; mean age 50.5±5.9) and 399 (41.9%) pts ≥60 years of age (Group C; 69.6±6.3). Family history (FH) of HCM was more often seen in Group A (50% vs. 25.7% (B) and 13.3% (C); p&amp;lt;0.ehab724.17611) as FH of sudden cardiac death (SCD) (17.4% vs. 11.2% (B) and 7.0% (C); p&amp;lt;0.01). Pts in Group C were more often in NYHA class III/IV (80.7%; p&amp;lt;0.001 each) compared to Group A (68.2%) and B (67.9%). At the time of PTSMA an ICD for primary SCD prevention had been more often implanted in Group A (19.8%; p&amp;lt;0.0001) compared to Group B (10.1%) and C (5.9%). Echocardiographic measurements showed higher maximal septal thickness in Group A (23.9±5.7 mm; p&amp;lt;0.ehab724.17611 each) compared to Group B (20.9±4.0 mm) and C (20.1±3.5 mm). Pts of Group B had lower resting gradients (60.0±35.3 mmHg; p&amp;lt;0.01 each) compared to Group A (69.5±34.8 mmHg) and C (66.4±41.6 mmHg). Total heart block at PTSMA was less often seen in Group A (28.8%; p&amp;lt;0.05 each) compared to Group B (39.4%) and C (43.4%). Due to persistent total heart block need of permanent pacemaker implantation was lowest in Group A (3.8%, p&amp;lt;0.01 each) compared to Group B (9.3%) and C (14.0%) during hospital stay. One patient in Group A and C died during hospital stay, each. Follow-up was longer in Group A (6.7±5.2 years) compared to Group C (5.5±4.8 years; p&amp;lt;0.05) and was comparable to Group B (6.2±5.1 years). Re-PTSMA was more often performed in Group A (22.7%; p&amp;lt;0.01 each) compared to Group B (12.8%) and Group C (10.5%). Reported clinical improvement at latest follow-up was comparable (93.3% Group A, 93.8% Group B, and 95.5% Group C). Mortality was highest in Group C (12.5%; p&amp;lt;0.0001 each) compared to Group A (1.5%) and B (4.0%). In Group A no pt died from cardiac reason, whereas 5 pts died from cardiac reasons in Group B and C, each. SCD was not observed in Group A, whereas 2 pts in Group B and 1 pt in Group C suffered SCD. Conclusion PTSMA is feasible even in young pts with symptomatic HOCM. Mortality after PTSMA is mainly due to non-cardiac reasons and more often seen in elderly pts. Especially, SCD could be observed in younger pts &amp;lt;40 years of age. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Long-Term Survival After Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A 16-Year Experience.

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is an accepted treatment for medically refractory hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). The procedural and medium-term outcomes have been reassuring. The iatrogenic targeted septal infarction has raised theoretical concerns about risk of arrhythmia and long-term survival. In this study, we describe the long-term survival in a large cohort of patients from a single referral center and the iterative improvement in procedural technique since its inception. This cohort includes 580 consecutive patients who underwent 664 ASA procedures between the years 1999 and 2015. Procedural details and outcomes are described. Long-term survival is compared with expected survival of demographically similar controls. Fifty-four percent were women and 85% were Caucasian. At the time of ablation, mean age was 57 ± 15 years, septal thickness was 2.1 ± 0.5 cm, and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient was 72 ± 40 mm Hg at rest and 102 ± 58 mm Hg with Valsalva provocation. Mean follow-up was 8.0 ± 4.3 years. LVOT gradient reduction >50% was achieved in 94% of patients with reduction in New York Heart Association functional class scores and increase in exercise treadmill duration. Procedural mortality was 0.9%. Over the 16-year period, survival estimates at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years were 98%, 92%, 84%, and 81%, respectively, which are comparable to demographically similar controls. The standardized mortality ratio was 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.06); P=.09. ASA appears to be a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic HOCM refractory to medical therapy with long-term survival comparable to a demographically similar United States population.

Relationship Between Procedural Right Bundle Branch Block and 1-Year Outcome After Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy - A Retrospective Study.

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is a treatment option in patients with drug-refractory symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). In many patients, right bundle branch block (RBBB) develops during ASA because septal branches supply the right bundle branch. However, the clinical significance of procedural RBBB is uncertain. We retrospectively reviewed 184 consecutive patients with HOCM who underwent ASA. We excluded 40 patients with pre-existing RBBB (n=10), prior pacemaker implantation (n=15), mid-ventricular obstruction type (n=10), and those lost to follow-up (n=5), leaving 144 patients for analysis. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the development (n=95) or not (n=49) of procedural RBBB. ASA conferred significant decreases in the left ventricular pressure gradient (LVPG) in both the RBBB and no-RBBB group (from 74±48 to 27±27 mmHg [P<0.001] and from 75±45 to 31±33 mmHg [P<0.001], respectively). None of the RBBB patients developed further conduction system disturbances. The percentage reduction in LVPG at 1 year after the procedure was significantly greater in the RBBB than no-RBBB group (66±24% vs. 49±45%; P=0.035). Procedural RBBB was not associated with pacemaker implantation after ASA, but was associated with reduction in repeat ASA (odds ratio 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.92; P=0.045). Although RBBB frequently occurs during the ASA procedure, it does not adversely affect clinical outcomes.

Changes in Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure Following Alcohol Septal Ablation in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

Changes in Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure Following Alcohol Septal Ablation in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

Alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: the emerging role of the Cardiomyopathy Team

Alcohol septal ablation is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective procedure for the treatment of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) who remain symptomatic despite maximal medical therapy. Originally performed by Ulrich Sigwart in 1994, the procedure causes a iatrogenic infarction - through the injection of absolute alcohol - of the basal portion of the interventricular septum and aims at reducing LVOT obstruction in order to improve patient's hemodynamics and symptoms. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the procedure, making it a valid alternative to surgical myectomy. The success of alcohol septal ablation depends upon the selection of the patient and the experience of both the operators and the center where the procedure is performed. In this review, we summarize current evidence on alcohol septal ablation, describe its procedural aspects and propose a multidisciplinary approach that involves a team of clinical cardiologists, interventionists, and cardiac surgeons, the Cardiomyopathy Team, with high experience in the clinical management of these patients.

Alcohol dose in septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes related to dose of alcohol administered during alcohol septal ablation (ASA) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Current guidelines recommend using 1–3 mL of alcohol administered in the target septal perforator artery, but this recommendation is based more on practical experience of interventionalists rather than on systematic evidence. MethodsWe included 1448 patients and used propensity score to match patients who received a low-dose (1.0–1.9 mL) versus a high-dose (2.0–3.8 mL) of alcohol during ASA. ResultsThe matched cohort analysis comprised 770 patients (n = 385 in both groups). There was a similar occurrence of 30-day post-procedural adverse events (13% vs. 12%; p = 0.59), and similar all-cause mortality rates (0.8% vs. 0.5%; p = 1) in the low-dose group and the high-dose group, respectively. In the long-term follow-up (5.4 ± 4.5 years), a total of 110 (14%) patients died representing 2.58 deaths and 2.64 deaths per 100 patient-years in the low dose and the high dose group (logrank, p = 0.92), respectively. There were no significant differences in the long-term dyspnea and left ventricular outflow gradient between the two groups. Patients treated with a low-dose of alcohol underwent more subsequent septal reduction procedures (logrank, p = 0.04). ConclusionsMatched HOCM patients undergoing ASA with a low-dose (1.0–1.9 mL) or a high-dose (2.0–3.8 mL) of alcohol had similar short- and long-term outcomes. A higher rate of repeated septal reduction procedures was observed in the group treated with a low-dose of alcohol.

The role of echocardiography in percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The role of echocardiography in percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract 15351: Changes in Left Ventricular End-diastolic Pressure Following Alcohol Septal Ablation in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

Background: LVEDP is a representation of left ventricular diastolic function. An increased LVEDP correlates to decreased compliance and increased left ventricular workload, which can be seen in HOCM. In HOCM, the interventricular septum is hypertrophied creating a LVOT obstruction and elevated LVEDP. ASA induces a targeted septal infarction to reduce the size of the septum and relieve the LVOT obstruction. Non-targeted infarction in a MI can increase LVEDP. Our study aims to determine the immediate effect of ASA on LVEDP in HOCM patients. It is hypothesized that ASA immediately reduces LVEDP. Methods: Retrospective study of 113 patients where pre and post-ablation LVEDP were compared. LVEDP was measured at the end-expiratory R wave of the ECG tracing during the procedure. LVEDP measurements were recorded at the post-“a” wave points at the immediate start of the procedure (Group A), prior to the alcohol injection under mild sedation (Group B), and at the conclusion of the successful ablation (Group C). Results: Groups A, B, and C were compared using two-tailed t-tests. We found no statistical difference between groups A and B (mean A=31.34 vs. mean B=31.54; p=0.695). LVEDP was significantly lower in group C when compared to group A (mean A=31.34 vs. mean C=25.82; p=6.525E-9). LVEDP was also significantly lower in group C when compared to group B (mean B=31.54 vs. mean C=25.82; p=4.047E-9). A linear regression model showed no significant correlation between LVEDP and LVOT gradient reduction following ASA (R 2 =0.0258, Significance F=0.0891). Conclusion: This data supports our hypothesis that ASA immediately reduces LVEDP despite inducing an infarct of the septal myometrium. There is no effect of sedation on LVEDP during the procedure. Since LVEDP reduction does not seem to correlate with LVOT gradient reduction, the reduction in LVEDP is likely related to other hemodynamics improvements including reduction in mitral regurgitation and immediate improvement in diastolic function. Future studies can include evaluating a correlation between LVEDP reduction and immediate hemodynamic changes. They could also evaluate a correlation between the immediate drop in LVEDP and long-term outcomes to predict the prognosis of HOCM patients based on their ASA outcomes.

Targeted septal branch microcirculatory embolization with tris-acryl gelatin microspheres in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) has been shown to be an effective treatment in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) who are refractory to medical treatment. ASA may cause some life-threatening complications including conduction disturbances, hemodynamic compromise, ventricular arrhythmias, distant and massive myocardial necrosis. Tris-acryl gelatin microspheres provide consistent and predictable results for effective targeted microcirculatory embolization. Purpose We aimed to report our initial experience in tris-acryl gelatin microspheres for septal ablation in HOCM. Methods Microspheres are biocompatible, hydrophilic, non-resorbable microspheres which are available in a range of calibrated sphere sizes. In our method, after the cannulation of the left anterior descending by a 6F-7F guiding catheter, a 0.014-inch guidewire is introduced through the catheter and advanced into the septal branch. This septal artery is selectively cannulated with a 4F catheter over the guidewire. Selective angiography of the septal artery is performed to show the anatomy and collateral branches to other coronary arteries. Contrast echocardiography is performed to make sure that the pertinent septal artery is the target vessel supplying the hypertrophied septum. A microcatheter is then advanced deep enough into the septal artery through the 4F catheter. Microspheres/contrast solution infused slowly under fluoroscopic guidance into the targeted septal branches initially using coronary arteriolar sized small particles (diameter 100–300 μm); then the particle size was stepped up to larger particles (diameter 300–500 μm) until a complete block of the arteriolar flow is achieved. Results Septal ablation with tris-acryl gelatin microspheres was performed in 6 patients (mean age = 47.8±11.5; 5 males). Immediately after the procedure peak left ventricular outflow (LVOT) gradient reduced significantly both for direct catheter (69.0±13.8 vs. 8.2±3.7 mmHg, P&amp;lt;0.001) and Doppler echocardiographic measurements (78.8±19.9 vs. 12.0±5.1 mmHg, P&amp;lt;0.001). Post-procedure peak serum CK- MB fraction concentration was 82±22 ng/ml (reference range is 0 - 4.9 ng/mL) and peak serum troponin T concentration was 1.2 ng/ml [(interquartile range, 0.4–1.4), (reference range is 0 - 0.017 ng/mL)]. LVOT tract gradient reduction persisted after 6 months follow-up. There was no significant complication during the procedure and within a 6 months follow-up period. Conclusions The novel strategy by targeted septal branch microcirculatory embolization with tris-acryl gelatin microspheres seems to be an efficient and safe approach to HOCM. Further experience is needed in order to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of this technique. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

What happens &amp;gt;10 years after percutaneous septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy? Ultra long-term follow-up of 120 patients

Abstract Introduction and methods Recent registry analyses including the European multicenter registry (Euro-ASA) documented a favourable long-term outcome of septal ablation (ASA/PTSMA) competitive to surgical myectomy. There is no information about the period beyond 10 years. We therefore analyzed the outcome in 120 HOCM patients (pts., mean age @ index intervention: 62±13 years) treated with ASA who survived &amp;gt;10 years. Results Mean CK rise during the index intervention was 537±258 U/l (reference: &amp;lt;80). A DDD-pacemaker (DDD-PM) had to be implanted in 26 pts. (22%) for procedure-related AV conduction problems. A re-intervention for residual or recurrent outflow obstruction (LVOTO) had to be performed in 12 pts. (10%; re-PTSMA: 10 pts.; myectomy: 2 pts). These cases included, at their last follow-up visit 107 pts. (89%) were in functional class I or II. During follow-up (159±33 [range: 122–264] months), 12 pts. (8%) died, of these 6 (4%) from non-cardiac, and 6 (4%) from cardiovascular causes including one sudden death. Furthermore, 4 (3%) ICDs were implanted (1 for secondary, 3 for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death). The most frequent clinical problem was atrial fibrillation which occurred in 27 pts. (23%), and which was refractory to rhythm control attempts in 21 pts. (18%). Conclusions The procedure-related DDD-PM rate in this septal ablation cohort including the early learning curve more than doubled the current one. Nevertheless, during ultra long-term follow up a durable clinical improvement was observed with mortality rates around 1%/year, nearly equivalent to that of 0.8% observed in normal populations. Atrial fibrillation is a frequent problem in this elderly, formerly obstructive HCM population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The role of electrophysiologic study in high-risk patients with new-onset conduction disturbances following alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

The role of electrophysiologic study in high-risk patients with new-onset conduction disturbances following alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Effectiveness of alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in patients with late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance

BackgroundAccording to European guidelines, alcohol septal ablation (ASA) for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) may be less effective in patients with extensive septal scarring on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). This study aimed to analyze the impact of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR on the effectiveness of ASA. MethodWe conducted an observational retrospective study involving adult patients with symptomatic drug-refractory HOCM who underwent CMR before ASA at two European centres from May 2010 through June 2019. Patients were compared in binary format based on LGE presence. Moreover, a subanalysis focused on patients with septal fibrosis was performed. The effectiveness of ASA was evaluated by echocardiographic, ECG and clinical findings. ResultsOf the 113 study patients, 54 (48%) had LGE on CMR. The LGE quantification performed in 29 patients revealed septal fibrosis in 17. The mean follow-up was 4.4 ± 2.6 years. Baseline parameters were similar between groups except for basal septal thickness that was greater in LGE+ group (21.1 ± 3.9 mm for LGE+ vs. 19.2 ± 3.2 mm for LGE-: p = .005). ASA improved symptoms in all groups and reduced left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) (delta gradient reduction: LGE+: 62 ± 37.3%; septal LGE+: 75.6 ± 20.8%; LGE-: 72.5 ± 21.0%). However, 13% of the LGE+ and 2% of the LGE- group had residual LVOTO above 30 mmHg (p = .027). ConclusionASA was effective in all patients with HOCM, whether they had LGE on CMR or not and whether they had septal fibrosis or not.

Gender Disparities in Clinical Outcome After Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy in the Chinese Han Population: A Cohort Study

Sex differences in the long-term prognosis of symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients undergoing alcohol septal ablation (ASA) remain unclear, especially in the Chinese Han population. This cohort study included 320 HOCM Chinese Han patients who underwent ASA because of symptomatic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Patients were grouped according to sex: females (mean±standard deviation age [SD] 50.7±6.8 years) and males (mean±SD age 52.6±7.3 years). Individuals were followed over the long term. Pre-procedure, women had more symptoms (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class III-IV 67.3% vs 56.3%, p=0.03), more atrial fibrillation (23.5% vs 14.6%, p=0.047) than men. Transient complete atrioventricular block after ASA was more common in woman than in men (34.0 vs 23.4%; p=0.048). Residual LVOT gradient, post-procedural residual left ventricular wall thickness, NYHA functional class, and adverse arrhythmic events were comparable between the two groups. The 10-year survival rate (77% vs 89%, p=0.037) and the annual adverse arrhythmic event rate (1.3% vs 0.4%, p<0.01) following ASA were significantly worse in women compared with men. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly lower survival in women compared with men (p=0.023). In multivariable modelling, female sex remained independently associated with higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.27; p=0.03) when adjusted for age, NYHA class III-IV symptoms, and other cardiovascular comorbidities. Female patients with HOCM undergoing ASA tended to have more severe symptoms and adverse arrhythmic events. The 10-year survival rate after ASA was significantly worse in women compared with men with HOCM. Sex may need to be considered as an important factor in the clinical management of patients with symptomatic HOCM.