Left Dilatation Research Articles

Pulmonary hypertension is an adverse risk factor for peri-procedural complications in patients undergoing cardioversion for atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Atrial Fibrillation (AF) poses a significant burden on the American Healthcare system. Heart failure and AF commonly coexist in patients. Elevated left ventricular and atrial pressures result in progressive left atrial dilation and remodeling which in turn predisposes to the generation of AF. Many of these patients develop pulmonary hypertension (PHT) due to the remodeling and elevated left-sided pressures. Cardioversion (CV) for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonplace for patients during their initial presentation. Since many who undergo CV for AF could have PHT, we aimed to assess the periprocedural outcomes in this population. Methods We utilized the National Inpatient Sample from 2016-2019 to identify roughly 330,820 hospitalized adults who had CV for AF. These hospitalizations were further stratified based on the presence of PHT. A multivariate regression model was used to adjust for confounders and analyze the variables. Results Of those who underwent CV for AF, 45,345 (13.7%) had PHT. In-hospital mortality was interestingly lower in those with PHT (9.6% vs 10.37%; p<0.001). Figure 1 shows the Forrest plot for multivariate analysis of in-hospital outcomes when adjusted for patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. When adjusted similarly, patients who underwent CV for AF and PHT had longer length of stay (LOS) by 2.11 days (p<0.001) and had additional hospital costs (HC) of $29,470 (p<0.001). Conclusion In this study, patients who underwent CV for AF with co-existing PHT had significantly worse outcomes in terms of LOS, HC, pulmonary embolism, atrial flutter, VT, SVT, AKI, and intubation. Of note, they interestingly had better outcomes in terms of in-hospital mortality, respiratory failure, and strokes. Returning the patient to sinus rhythm likely improved the left heart hemodynamics reducing post capillary pulmonary hypertension explaining the reduced mortality rate in this population. One major limitation of our study is the lack of outpatient follow up and the inability to differentiate between the different groups of PHT. Since several outcomes are worse in the setting of PHT, potential strategies for aggressive rate and volume control for those in AF should be pursued to avoid negative cardiac remodeling that would predispose to the development of PHT. AF patients with co-existing PHT should be aggressively monitored during hospitalizations as they have the potential to have worse outcomes.

Moderate functional mitral regurgitation: difference between atrial and ventricular mechanism of the regurgitation

Abstract Background/Introduction In severe functional mitral regurgitation (MR), further distinction of the mechanism of MR in atrial functional MR (aFMR) and ventricular functional MR (vFMR) has shown prognostic importance. However, no data are available on moderate functional MR, whose characteristics and prognosis are largely unknown. Purpose To assess clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with moderate aFMR and vFMR and their potential difference in outcome. Methods Patients with moderate functional MR were retrospectively included. aFMR was defined as isolated mitral annulus dilatation in combination with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF≥50%) without ischemic heart disease or LV dilatation. Patients were classified as vFMR when LVEF was reduced, LV was dilated and/or wall motion abnormalities were present. Mitral valve intervention and all-cause mortality were used as combined endpoint. Results In total 474 patients with moderate functional MR (mean age 67 ±12, 57% male) were evaluated, of which 136 (29%) had aFMR and 338 (71%) had vFMR as underlying mechanism. Among the clinical variables, patients with aFMR had more atrial fibrillation (77% vs. 35%; p<0.001), were less symptomatic (NYHA class ≥ III: 6% vs. 18%; p<0.001) and had better renal function (eGFR 73 ±23 ml/min/1,73m2 vs. 65 ±23 ml/min/1,73m2; p=0.005) as compared to vFMR. In the vFMR group, 49% of patients had ischemic heart disease. Among the echocardiographic variables, as expected in aFMR, LVEF was higher (42 ±14% vs. 55 ±13%; p<0.001), while LV volumes (LV end-diastolic volume index 55 ±13 mL/m2 vs. 82 ±38 mL/m2; p<0.001) and E/E’ ratio were smaller (10 ±4 vs. 15 ±4; p<0.001) as compared to vFMR. However left atrial (LA) volume index was similar between both groups (43 ±14 mL/m2 vs. 41 ±18 mL/m2; p=0.271). For the echocardiographic measures of the right heart, significant difference was observed only for TAPSE which was higher for the aFMR group (22 ±4mm vs. 20 ±5mm; p<0.001). During a median follow-up of 74 months [IQR: 46.8-107.0], 132 (30%) patients died and 30 (6%) underwent mitral valve intervention. Event-free survival analysis for the combined endpoint was significantly better for aFMR patients (Figure 1). Based on significant variables from the univariable Cox regression analysis, multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the mechanism of functional MR (with aFMR being protective as compared to vFMR), age, male gender, impaired renal function, NYHA class, severe LA dilatation and TAPSE were independently associated with the combined endpoint (Table 1). Conclusion In patients with moderate functional MR, aFMR is independently associated with better event-free survival as compared to vFMR. Therefore, clear identification of the mechanism of MR implies a better risk stratification and may be helpful for the management of patients with moderate MR.

Left atrial mechanics evaluated by two-dimensional strain analysis: alterations in essential hypertension.

Hypertension is a cardiovascular risk factor that predisposes to cardiac structural alterations namely increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, reduced LV compliance and diastolic dysfunction, with consequent left atrial (LA) dilation and functional impairment. In this article, we evaluated differences in left atrial structure and function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with hypertension compared with controls. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 208 hypertensive patients and 157 controls who underwent a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiogram. Patients with hypertension were stratified by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Non-LVH hypertension patients had lower left atrial reservoir strain (LAS RES ) (34.78 ± 29.78 vs. 29.78 ± 6.08; P = 0.022) and conduit strain (LAS CD ) (19.66 ± 7.29 vs. 14.23 ± 4.59; P = 0.014) vs. controls despite similar left atrial volumes (LAV) . Left atrial contractile strain (LAS CT ) was not significantly different between non-LVH hypertension patients and controls (15.12 ± 3.77 vs. 15.56 ± 3.79; P = 0.601). Left atrial mechanical dispersion was significantly higher in the LVH group compared with the non-LVH hypertension group (42.26 ± 13.01 vs. 50.06 ± 14.95; P = 0.009). In multivariate regression analysis, LVH correlated with left atrial mechanical dispersion ( P = 0.016). An age-hypertension interaction independently correlated with LAS CT ( P < 0.001). Hypertension results in functional left atrial changes even before development of LV hypertrophy and structural left atrial changes with increased left atrial volume. We demonstrate both a likely hypertension-associated left atrial myopathy that prevents age-related compensatory increase in left atrial contractile function, and impact of LVH in hypertension on left atrial dyssynchrony.

Abstract 13665: Clinical Outcomes and Predictors of Residual Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background: Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to aortic stenosis (AS), PH can remain after TAVR. We sought to investigate the outcomes and predictors of residual PH after TAVR. Methods: A total of 491 consecutive patients underwent TAVR between 2014 and 2023 at our institution. After excluding patients without baseline or postoperative transthoracic echocardiography, we stratified 483 patients according to baseline and postprocedural PH estimated by systolic pulmonary artery pressure &gt;36 mmHg as follows: no PH group (n=285), improved PH group (n=87), residual PH group (n=111). Outcome measures were the composite of cardiac death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of residual PH. Variables included in the model were age, atrial fibrillation (AF), left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial dilatation, moderate/severe mitral regurgitation, moderate/severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Results: The mean age was 83.6±5.4 years, and 314 (65%) were female. Patients in residual PH group were more likely to have AF, higher left atrial volume index, moderate/severe MR, and moderate/severe TR, compared with patients in no PH group. Compared with no PH group, the cumulative incidence of the composite of cardiac death and HF hospitalization were comparable in improved PH group (6.1% vs. 10.5 at 2 years, P=0.3), but significantly higher in residual PH group (6.1% vs. 20.6% at 2 years, P=0.002) (Figure). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that AF (Odds ratio [OR] 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-3.32), moderate/severe TR (OR 4.09, 95% CI 2.30-7.28) were independently associated with residual PH. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing TAVR, residual PH were associated with increased risk of adverse cardiac events. AF, moderate or severe TR were independent predictors of residual PH after TAVR.

Abstract 15296: Incidence and Predictive Factors for Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Transcatheter Device Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

Background: Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is a known complication after ligation or device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Recently, an increasing number of premature and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants undergo transcatheter device closure of PDAs. Afterload sensitivity of the immature myocardium may be expected to result in important changes in LV ejection fraction (EF) post-procedure. Aim: To evaluate incidence and magnitude of LV dysfunction after device closure of PDA in ELBW infants. Methods: Subjects undergoing PDA device closure from 2020-2022 who were ELBW (&lt;1 kg) and extremely premature (gestational age &lt;29 weeks) at birth were included. A single cardiologist reviewed each pre- and post-intervention echocardiogram and calculated LVEF. Mildly depressed function was defined as an LVEF &lt;53%, moderately depressed as LVEF &lt;40% and severely depressed as LVEF &lt;30%. Results: There were 62 subjects who met inclusion criteria. Mean gestational age and birth weight were 24.8 weeks and 646 g, respectively. Mean age and weight at intervention were 7.9 weeks and 1718 g, respectively. All patients had normal LVEF pre-procedure (mean LVEF 68%) with a significant decline post-procedure to 60% (p&lt;0.001) (Figure). Post-procedure, 80.6% of subjects maintained normal LVEF. Of 12 subjects who developed depressed function, 83% (n=10) had mildly depressed function and 17% (n=2) had moderately depressed function. There was no significant difference in post-procedure LV dysfunction in relation to pre-procedural PDA size, left atrial dilation, or LV dilation on univariate analysis. All subjects recovered function without additional inotropic support with a median time to observed normal LVEF of 5 days. Conclusions: LV dysfunction develops in 19% of ELBW infants undergoing PDA device occlusion, is usually mild in severity, and normalizes in all subjects. The size of PDA or degree of left heart dilation does not predict LV dysfunction in this population.

Abstract 12214: Large Left Atrial Infected Myxoma in a Healthy Patient With Intermittent Fever

Introduction: Infected myxomas represent a rare subset of cardiac myxomas. The diagnosis is classified as definite, probable, or possible based on microbiological and pathological findings. Prognosis is often favorable with early diagnosis and intervention. Case description: A 39-year-old female with a history of iron-deficiency anemia presented with three months of fever, poor exercise tolerance, 15-lb unintentional weight loss, and episodes of amaurosis fugax associated with upper extremity paresthesias. Her physical exam revealed tachycardia and a grade 3/6 apical holosystolic murmur. Her laboratory workup was notable for microcytic anemia, elevated inflammatory markers, and Streptococcus sanguinis bacteremia . Echocardiography showed left ventricular and left atrial dilation with normal systolic function and a 6.4x4.3 cm heterogenous left atrial mass adherent to the interatrial septum with prolapse across the mitral valve plane (Figure 1, panel A-B) associated with eccentric mitral regurgitation. She was managed with surgical resection and antibiotics. Pathology revealed myxomatous tissue and prominent plasma cell infiltrates, confirmatory of definite infected cardiac myxoma. Follow-up echocardiography showed residual mitral regurgitation due to mitral annular stretch from myxoma for which surgical intervention was deferred in the acute setting. Discussion: A definite diagnosis of infected myxoma is established with biopsy-proven myxoma, along with microorganism visualization or positive blood cultures with inflammatory cells on histopathology. Rare in occurrence, infected myxomas have been associated with a higher incidence of embolic events, sepsis, and shock compared to uninfected myxomas. Prognosis is favorable with prompt intervention. Increased awareness leading to earlier diagnosis and management is a priority for this subset of patients.

Abstract 15132: Proteomic Signatures of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Subclinical Left Atrial Dilation

Introduction: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) are at higher risk of heart failure (HF) and preceding cardiac abnormalities, including left atrial (LA) dilation, compared to persons without HIV (PWOH). Mechanisms of this excess risk are unclear. We assessed whether plasma proteomic signatures of immune activation are cross-sectionally associated with LA volume index (LAVi) and augmented among PLWH. Methods: We performed Olink proteomics on plasma obtained concurrently with cardiac magnetic resonance among PLWH and PWOH. Proteins were analyzed individually and as clusters agnostically defined using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Associations with HIV serostatus and LAVi were estimated using multivariable linear regression with robust variance. We explored protein relationships using annotated enrichment analysis. Results: Among 352 participants (age 55±6 years; 25% female; 70% Black), mean LAVi was 29±9 mL/m 2 and 60% were PLWH (88% on cART; 73% with undetectable plasma HIV RNA). Of 2594 proteins, 104 were independently associated with LAVi (false discovery rate, FDR&lt;0.05). We identified 49 of these as candidate contributors to the association between HIV seropositivity and higher LAVi (36 when excluding PLWH with detectable HIV RNA), enriched in T-cell activation and leukocyte cell adhesion regulators. We identified one protein cluster positively associated with LAVi and HIV seropositivity regardless of HIV suppression status, enriched in TNF signaling, ephrin signaling and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. Conclusion: Proteomic signatures that may in part account for HIV-associated elevation in LAVi are enriched in pathways of immune activation, cytokine signaling and ECM organization, even among virally suppressed PLWH on cART. These findings support a link between persistent immune activation and subclinical LA dilation which may portend future risk for HF among PLWH.

Abstract 14776: Myopericarditis Mimicking Myocardial Infarction With Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries

This is a case of a 76-year-old female with a past medical history of recurrent paroxysmal symptomatic supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atherosclerotic heart disease, mild aortic and mitral valve regurgitation, mild-moderate tricuspid regurgitation, right bundle branch block, hypothyroidism and bronchiectasis who presented to her dermatology appointment with palpitations and dizziness. She visited the cardiologist's office and was found to have SVT on electrocardiogram which did not terminate with Valsalva maneuvers. She arrived at the emergency department with chest pain and converted to sinus rhythm after 6 mg of intravenous adenosine was administered. Her troponin peaked to 0.21 and she was admitted with concerns for non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed left ventricular ejection fractions of 61 percent with no wall motion abnormalities and left atrial and inferior vena cava dilation. She underwent left heart catheterization which only showed mild calcification and minimal luminal irregularities of the left anterior descending artery. Cardiac MRI showed myopericarditis and she was discharged with 0.6 mg of colchicine twice daily with plans for outpatient follow up. Discussion Patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) are discovered to have myocarditis on cardiac MRI 25-30% of time. However, this case uniquely demonstrates myopericarditis as the cause for MINOCA which may not have been previously specified. In addition, it is important to emphasize the utility of Cardiac MRI as a non-invasive modality to diagnose MINOCA “mimics”, especially in the female population.

A Comprehensive Echocardiographic Portrait of Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patients in the Modern Era

Background Cardiovascular complications, especially pulmonary hypertension, are a known cause of mortality in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). With advances in medicine and the introduction of various disease-modifying medications, the incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular complications are poorly documented. Aim To determine rates of cardiovascular complications in patients with SCD in the modern era of disease-modifying medications in a single center. Method We performed a retrospective observational single-center study of patients with SCD: all genotyped and ≥16 years old who had a recent echocardiogram performed during the study period of 2019-2023. Demographics, echocardiogram results, and laboratory findings were collected and analyzed. Descriptive statistics are presented in percentages, medians, and interquartile ranges. An unpaired Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine, where appropriate, the level of significant differences among continuous and categorical variables, respectively, with p value &amp;lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. Data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 9.0.2. Results As of June 2023, 80 patients (38 male and 42 female, median age 30 years) had undergone a routine transthoracic echocardiogram. Sixty-five patients had the HbSS genotype, 8 HbSC, and 7 HbSB null. Sixty-one patients had received at least one treatment, and 19 (24%) were on concurrent therapy. Hydroxyurea was the common SCD-modifying therapy that the patients received (51 patients), followed by L-glutamine and voxelotor (11 each) and crizanlizumab (9 patients). In total, 56 (70%) patients had at least one cardiac abnormality. The most common cardiac abnormality was left atrial dilatation (41%), followed by left ventricular hypertrophy (33%), right atrial dilation (24%), and left ventricular dilatation (23%). Pulmonary hypertension was present in 30 (38%) patients with tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) ≥2.5 msec (Table 1). The cohort of patients with pulmonary hypertension tended to be older (median age 31 years, p=0.0357), have a higher creatinine level (median 0.8, p=0.0414), and have coexisting echocardiographic abnormalities such as left atrial dilatation (70% vs. 24%, p&amp;lt;0.0001) or right atrial dilatation (40% vs. 14%, p=0.0136) than SCD patients without pulmonary hypertension (Table 2). Conclusion We present a comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of patients with SCD. Despite advances in the treatment of SCD, there remains a high prevalence of cardiac involvement in SCD patients. We found out that 70% of the patients we reviewed had at least one cardiac abnormality on echocardiography. Left atrial dilatation and left ventricular hypertrophy were the most common cardiac abnormalities noted. Pulmonary hypertension was observed in 37.5% of patients with co-existing right and left atrial enlargement. Larger studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

Atrial Fibrillation Prevalence and Its Management in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemias: The Fathal Study

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents an emerging issue in the thalassemia population related to increased life expectancy. However, data on AF in these patients are limited, and the current management is based on the guidelines for the general population. Nevertheless, AF in these patients has distinctive features that could require specific management. We conducted a multicentric retrospective study supported by the Italian Society of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies (SITE) to elucidate the prevalence of AF in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) adults in Italy and to study its management, particularly the use of transcatheter ablation and anticoagulation management. Patients followed between June 1, 2003 and May 31, 2023 with a diagnosis of alpha- or beta-transfusion-dependent thalassemia with at least one episode of AF were included in the study. Clinical data of patients have been retrospectively collected with dedicated digital case report form (CRF). So far, 3 centers (Cagliari, Ferrara, Milano) have participated in the study. Eight-hundred-sixty-one adult TDT patients are regularly followed in the participating centers. Data from 130 adult TDT with AF were included. At enrollment, 119 patients were alive (71 males, 60%), the mean age at enrollment was 51.9 years, and 71% were splenectomized. Almost all (98%) had beta-thalassemia, of which 20% had thalassemia intermedia and became transfusion dependent during their life. The mean age at the first AF episode was 39.7 yr. Overall, AF prevalence in TDT was 13.8%, with a significant rise above the age of 50 (age 51-65: prevalence 26.4%, age&amp;gt;65 33.3%), differently from the general population in which the prevalence is 2-4%, and patients are older. As in the general population, prevalence was higher in males (18.2% vs 10.2%). Among the known risk factors for AF, the most frequent were diabetes (16%, n=111) and previous heart failure (22%, n=111). Regarding disease-specific factors contributing to the pathophysiology of AF, cardiac iron overload, defined as at least one between T2*&amp;lt;20 ms and serum ferritin&amp;gt;2500 ng/ml, was present in half of the patients (48.7%, n=76) at any time before AF and in approximately one-third (29%, n=93) at the time of the first event. Thirty-eight patients did not show cardiac iron overload before or at the time of the first AF episode. Most subjects had left atrial dilatation (58.1%), which can result from chronically increased cardiac output due to anemia. In most patients (87%), a rhythm control strategy was chosen at any time. Amiodarone was the most widely used drug. Transcatheter ablation was performed in 29 patients (22%), with a total of 39 procedures, and 20 (77%) patients reported improvement in symptoms after the last ablation. CHA 2DS 2-VASc score at the first AF episode detected a low risk of thromboembolism in 66 (50.8%) patients and a high risk in 19 (14.6%). However, 72 patients, including 40 low-risk subjects, initiated anticoagulation after the first episode. Four patients had a hemorrhagic event (3.1%), but only one had major bleeding during anticoagulant therapy without significant sequelae. Interestingly, management was heterogenous between different centers for both transcatheter ablation use and anticoagulation strategy. The prevalence of stroke in TDT AF patients was 5%, rising to 7.6% when also considering transient ischemic attacks. Compared to the literature, this prevalence is at least 10-fold higher than the general TDT population. Of note, splenectomy, a well-known risk factor for thrombosis, was present in all patients with stroke at the time of the event. In conclusion, AF represents significant morbidity in adult TDT, and its management is heterogeneous. It generally occurs at a younger age than the general population, and iron overload and atrial dilatation play a central role in its genesis. For symptomatic patients, we propose a rhythm control strategy to improve their quality of life, among which ablation could be the best option. Moreover, because stroke represents a major and frequent complication in TDT patients with AF, early detection of AF and prompt initiation of anticoagulant therapy, irrespective of CHA 2DS 2-VASc, which does not capture potential disease-specific risk factors, including splenectomy, should be considered. Further studies to support our approach are needed.

Anesthetic Management for Urgent Caesarean Section in Patient with Uncontrolled Hyperthyroidism and Severe Mitral Regurgitation

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background :&lt;/strong&gt;The prevalence of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy approximately 0.05% to 3% and mostly caused by Graves’ Disease (GD). The prevalence of Hyperthyroid Heart Disease (HHD) in pregnancy is 3.87%. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can increase maternal and fetal mortality. We report a case of a pregnant woman with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism and severe mitral regurgitation that underwent cesarean section with spinal anesthesia for delivery.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Case Illustration :&lt;/strong&gt;A 33 years-old patient G4P1A2 visited the Obstetric-Gynecology outpatient clinic at our hospital at 23 weeks of gestation (WoG) due to uncontrolled hyperthyroidism caused by GD that diagnosed 3 years ago and shortness of breath. The echocardiography test obtained severe mitral regurgitation and left atrial dilatation with 58% LVEF. It was decided to maintain the pregnancy till the fetus is viable while still monitoring the patient’s condition. At 32 WoG, the patient came to the ED due to shortness of breath, chest pain, and nausea. Fetal movement and fetal heart rate (FHR) were within normal limits. The patient was given a nasal cannula at 3 liters/minute, extra furosemide 20 mg, and fetal lung maturation with dexamethasone injection. The patient was prepared for termination by cesarean section. Spinal anesthesia was performed in a sitting position using a 27 G spinal needle. Inserted at L 3-4, using a low dose of heavy bupivacaine 0.5% 7.5 mg combined with 25 g fentanyl and 0.1 mg morphine intrathecally. C-section was successfully performed and hemodynamics during surgery was stable, resulting the delivery of a preterm baby who weighed 1.9 kg at birth and the baby was transferred to the NICU for further treatment.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion : &lt;/strong&gt;Spinal anesthesia with low dose bupivacaine combined with opioids for cesarean section was revealed maternal and neonate safe.&lt;/p&gt;

Identifying Origin of Nonpulmonary VeinTriggers Using 2 Stationary LinearDecapolar Catheters: A Novel Algorithm.

Targeting nonpulmonary vein triggers (NPVTs) of atrial fibrillation (AF) after pulmonary vein isolation can be challenging. NPVTs are often single ectopic beats with a surface P-wave obscured by a QRS or T-wave. The goal of this study was to construct an algorithm to regionalize the site of origin of NPVTs using only intracardiac bipolar electrograms from 2 linear decapolar catheters positioned in the posterolateral right atrium (along the crista terminalis with the distal bipole pair in the superior vena cava) and in the proximal coronary sinus (CS). After pulmonary vein isolation in 42 patients with AF, pacing from 15 typical anatomic NPVT sites was conducted. For each pacing site, the electrogram activation sequence was analyzed from the CS catheter (simultaneous/chevron/inverse chevron/distal-proximal/proximal-distal) and activation time (ie, CSCTAT) between the earliest electrograms from the 2 decapolar catheters was measured referencing the earliest CS electrogram; a negative CSCTAT value indicates the crista terminalis catheter electrogram was earlier, and a positive CSCTAT value indicates the CS catheter electrogram was earlier. A regionalization algorithm with high predictive value was defined and tested in a validation cohort with AF NPVTs localized with electroanatomic mapping. In the study patient cohort (71% male; 43% with persistent AF, 52% with left atrial dilation), the algorithm grouped with high precision (positive predictive value 81%-99%, specificity 94%-100%, and sensitivity 30%-94%) the 15 distinct pacing sites into 9 clinically useful regions. Algorithm testing in a 98 patient validation cohort showed predictive accuracy of 91%. An algorithm defined by the activation sequence and timing of electrograms from 2 linear multipolar catheters provided accurate regionalization of AF NPVTs to guide focused detailed mapping.

Βeta-adrenergic receptor reactivity of erythrocyte membranes in patients with left or right atrial dilatation against the background of atrial fibrillation

Hyperactivation of the sympathoadrenal system (SAS) leads to desensitization of β1-adrenergic receptors (β1-AR). This contributes to aggravation of myocardial contractile dysfunction and development of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF). An indirect indicator of the viability of β1-AR is β-adrenergic receptor reactivity of erythrocyte membranes (β-ARM).Aim. To evaluate β-ARM in patients with different forms of AF, including left (LAD) or right (RAD) atrial dilation.Materials and methods. The sample included 38 patients, 65.8% of whom had paroxysmal AF, 21% had persistent AF, and 13.2% had long-standing persistent AF. All patients received surgical treatment for AF by radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation. LAD was detected in 39.4% of patients, RAD – in 34.2% of patients. Βeta-ARM was determined before treatment, as well as at 3 days and at 12 months after ablation.Results. The groups of patients with different forms of AF, as well as patients with LAD / RAD and without it showed comparable values of β-ARM at different measurement periods. In the group of patients without LAD / RAD, β-ARM increased 3 days after ablation compared to β-ARM before the treatment (p = 0.002 / p = 0.004) and returned to the pre-treatment level after 3 months. At the same time, in the group of patients with LAD / RAD, β-ARM did not significantly change before the ablation and in different periods after it.Conclusion. In patients with AF without LAD / RAD, we detected an increase in β-ARM 3 days after the ablation compared to the level before the treatment and a decrease in the intensity of SAS 3 months after the surgery. In the presence of LAD / RAD, no changes in the β-ARM were revealed.

Ишемический инсульт с наличием и отсутствием диссекций брахиоцефальных артерий: результаты комплексного обследования пациентов

Currently, there are no clearly defined optimal diagnostic strategies of detection of dissections. This study aimed to analyze and compare the results of comprehensive examinations of people who suffered an ischemic stroke (IS) with and without brachiocephalic artery (BCA) dissections. Dissections group, formed based on the results of multispiral computed tomography angiography that confirmed dissections, included 53 patients, and control group — patients without BCA dissections — comprised 1451 people; examination of all patients involved duplex scanning (DS) of BCA and transcranial part, transthoracic echocadiography (TTE), multispiral computed tomography angiography (msCTA) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients with dissection were younger (p &lt; 0.0005) and had a lower body mass index (p &lt; 0.0005) than participants from the control group; according to echocadiography, they were less likely to have left (p = 0.014) and right (p = 0.018) atrial dilation and aortic stenosis (p = 0.017). Also, dissections were significantly less often associated with atherosclerotic plaques in the common carotid artery (CCA) (p &lt; 0.002), and BCA deformations (p &lt; 0.05). Duplex scanning of BCA revealed that in patients with dissections, differentiation of the intima-media complex in CCA was compromised significantly less often, and signs of thrombosis of the internal carotid artery were registered significantly more often (p = 0.021 and p = 0.004); according to MRI, such patients had less pronounced changes in the periventricular and deep white matter of the brain (p &lt; 0.0005 and p = 0.001) and never suffered strategic infarcts affecting the thalamus area (p &lt; 0.0005). Comparison of the results of examinations of IS patients with and without BCA dissections revealed differences that are probably conditioned by the younger age of those who had said dissections.

New-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia as a manifestation of acute myocardial injury

BACKGROUND: Over the past 3 years, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased significantly worldwide, which was associated with the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. It is accompanied by an increase in the cases of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and development of heart failure due to acute myocardial injury. Given the high lethality of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), studying the characteristics of new-onset AF is essential.&#x0D; AIM: The study aims at determining the predictors of new-onset AF in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and at analyzing the clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of acute myocardial injury.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 36 patients aged 4482 years (average 68.0) with COVID-19 pneumonia, AF paroxysms were recorded for the first time. All of them underwent computed tomography of the chest, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. The left ventricular ejection fraction was calculated using the Simpson method. Oxygen saturation was determined as blood oxygen saturation. Clinical blood tests were performed, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and troponin I levels were measured.&#x0D; RESULTS: Along with the well-known predictors of AF development (arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, and left atrial dilatation), with COVID-19 pneumonia, new-onset AF paroxysms were recorded in patients of the middle, elderly, and late-life age. In 44.4% of patients with AF, cardiomegaly occurred with dilatation of both atria and ventricles. With decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, the incidence of AF paroxysms reached 61.5%. With preserved ejection fraction, AF paroxysms occurred much less frequently (27%). In patients with AF, the extent of lung damage is on average 62.5% (2080%) with oxygen support saturation of 93% (7697%). Serum troponin I levels of 2000 ng/L indicated acute myocardial injury. CRP and blood ferritin values confirmed the presence of a pronounced inflammatory component in myocardial injury. High concentrations of blood fibrinogen and D-dimer, reaching 16,301 ng/mL, were associated with a tendency to hypercoagulation in patients with AF and COVID-19 pneumonia.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 has a direct damaging effect on the myocardium and probably persists for a long time, which may induce AF in patients with acute pneumonia.

Rest and Stress Left Atrial Dysfunction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Left atrial (LA) myopathy with paroxysmal and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequent in chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) but sometimes occult at rest and elicited by stress. This study sought to assess LA volume and function at rest and during stress across the spectrum of AF. In a prospective, multicenter, observational study design, we enrolled 3042 patients [age = 64 ± 12; 63.8% male] with known or suspected CCS: 2749 were in sinus rhythm (SR, Group 1); 191 in SR with a history of paroxysmal AF (Group 2); and 102 were in permanent AF (Group 3). All patients underwent stress echocardiography (SE). We measured left atrial volume index (LAVI) in all patients and LA Strain reservoir phase (LASr) in a subset of 486 patients. LAVI increased from Group 1 to 3, both at rest (Group 1 = 27.6 ± 12.2, Group 2 = 31.6 ± 12.9, Group 3 = 43.3 ± 19.7 mL/m2, p < 0.001) and at peak stress (Group 1 = 26.2 ± 12.0, Group 2 = 31.2 ± 12.2, Group 3 = 43.9 ± 19.4 mL/m2, p < 0.001). LASr progressively decreased from Group 1 to 3, both at rest (Group 1 = 26.0 ± 8.5%, Group 2 = 23.2 ± 11.2%, Group 3 = 8.5 ± 6.5%, p < 0.001) and at peak stress (Group 1 = 26.9 ± 10.1, Group 2 = 23.8 ± 11.0 Group 3 = 10.7 ± 8.1%, p < 0.001). Stress B-lines (≥2) were more frequent in AF (Group 1 = 29.7% vs. Group 2 = 35.5% vs. Group 3 = 57.4%, p < 0.001). Inducible ischemia was less frequent in SR (Group 1 = 16.1% vs. Group 2 = 24.7% vs. Group 3 = 24.5%, p = 0.001). In CCS, rest and stress LA dilation and reservoir dysfunction are often present in paroxysmal and, more so, in permanent AF and are associated with more frequent inducible ischemia and pulmonary congestion during stress.

Incidence and determinants of atrial fibrillation in patients with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

BackgroundData on the incidence and factors associated with de novo atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CA) is limited. We described the incidence and factors associated with de novo AF in patients diagnosed with ATTRwt-CA to drive tailored arrhythmia screening. MethodsMulticenter, retrospective, observational cohort study performed in six referral centers for CA. All consecutive patients diagnosed with ATTRwt-CA between 2004 and 2020 with >6-month follow up (FU) were enrolled and divided into three groups according to presence of AF: (1)patients with ‘known AF’; (2)patients in ‘sinus rhythm’ and (3)patients developing ‘de novo AF’ during FU. Incidence and factors associated with AF in patients with ATTRwt were the primary outcomes. ResultsOverall, 266 patients were followed for a median of 19 [11−33] months: 148 (56%) with known AF, 84 (31.6%) with sinus rhythm, and 34 (12.8%) with de novo AF. At Fine-Gray competing risk analysis to account for mortality, PR (sub-distribution hazard ratio [SHR] per Δms: 1.008, 95% C.I. 1.001–1.013, p = 0.008), QRS (SHR per Δms: 1.012, 95% C.I. 1.001–1.022, p = 0.046) and left atrial diameter ≥ 50 mm (SHR: 2.815,95% C.I. 1.483–5.342, p = 0.002) were associated with de novo AF. Patients with at least two risk factors (PR ≥ 200 ms, QRS ≥ 120 ms or LAD≥50 mm) had a higher risk of developing de novo AF compared to patients with no risk factors (HR 14.918 95% C.I. 3.242–31.646, p = 0.008). ConclusionsAt the end of the study almost 70% patients had AF. Longer PR and QRS duration and left atrial dilation are associated with arrhythmia onset.

Factors associated with patent foramen ovale-related stroke: SAFAS study

BackgroundPersistent foramen ovale (PFO) contributes to cryptogenic stroke and is associated with stroke recurrence, although the exact mechanism of ischemic events is not fully understood. Several biomarkers have been developed for the prediction of atrial fibrillation after stroke, but there are currently only limited data on their potential value for the diagnosis of PFO-related stroke. MethodsThis study was a prospective single-center study that included all patients hospitalized between March 31, 2018, and January 18, 2020, in the stroke department of the Dijon University Hospital for ischemic stroke without obvious cause and without a history of atrial fibrillation. PFO was systematically screened by transthoracic echocardiography and images were reviewed by an independent cardiologist blinded from clinical data. PFO was defined according to the CLOSE trial criteria: PFO associated with interatrial septal aneurysm or significant interatrial shunt (> 30 microbubbles in the left atrium within three cardiac cycles after right atrial opacification). The potential association of PFO-related stroke with biomarkers of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation such as galectin-3, GDF-15, ST-2, osteoprotegerin and NT-proBNP was tested using multivariate backward stepwise logistic regression. ResultsOf the 240 patients included in the SAFAS study, 229 had complete echocardiographic data, and 23 (10%) had PFO-related stroke. Patients with PFO-related stroke were significantly younger (58±14 vs. 69±14, P<0.001), had less frequent previous arterial hypertension (30 vs. 60%, P=0.008), and more frequent cerebellar territory involvement (26 vs. 9%, P=0.014) compared to the other patients. In addition, they had less frequently left atrial dilatation (left atrial index volume>34mL/m2 [9 vs. 35%, P=0.009]). After ROC curve analysis for definition of thresholds, PFO-related stroke patients more often had galectin-3<9.5ng/mL (59 vs. 27%, P=0.002), ST2<13380pg/ml (23 vs. 50%, P=0.007), GDF-15<1200ng/mL (59 vs. 27%, P=0.002), osteoprotegerin<1133pg/mL (82 vs. 58%, P=0.033) and NT-proBNP<300pg/mL (88 vs. 55%, P=0.009). After multivariate analysis, only galectin-3<9.5ng/mL (OR [95% CI] 3.4 [1.18; 9.8], P=0.024) and osteoprotegerin<1133pg/L (OR [95% CI] 5.0 [1.1; 22.9], P=0.038) were independently associated with PFO-related stroke. ConclusionPatients in whom cryptogenic stroke is attributed to a significant PFO have a specific clinical and biological phenotype. Low levels of galectin-3 and osteoprotegerin may help identify patients with PFO-related strokes.

Morphological features of the left atrial appendage on multislices computed tomography in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrilation

Objective: To study morphological characteristics of left atrial appendage on computed tomography in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. [1]&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 66 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrilation who underwent multislices computed tomography at Hanoi Heart Hospital from August 2020 to October 2022. Data of medical history, clinical examination, ECG, echocardiography were collected. We assessed the length, lobe number, and morphological classification of their LAAs on multislices computed tomography. &#x0D; Result: From 8/2020 to 10/2022, 66 patients were included in the study, the mean age was 58,4 ± 10,8 with male/femail ratio of 3/1. The proportion of left atrium morphology including chicken wing, wind sock, cauliflower and cactus is 56,6%; 19,7%; 12,1% and 10,6%, respectively. Most of the left atrium in the study group had 2 lobé (51,5%), 3 lobes (21,2%), 1 lobe (18,2%) and 4 lobes (9,1%). There was no diference in left atrial appendage morphology according to CHA2DS2-VASc score, and risk factors for atrial fibrillation (gender, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, stroke). Patients with left atrial dilatation (LAVi &gt; 34ml/m2) had a larger mouth diameter and area than the group without left atrial dilatation (p&lt; 0,001 and 0,008). &#x0D; Conclusion: The left atrial appendage has 4 main morphologies: chicken wing, wind sock, cauliflower and cactus, in which the chicken wing shape is the most common. Most of the left atrial appendage have 2 lobes and 3 lobes. There was no difference in left atrial appendage morphology by age group, atrial fibrillation risk factors.

Osteopontin levels correlate with severity of diabetic cardiomyopathy in early stage of diabetes

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) is characterized by restrictive pattern and consistent risk of overt heart failure. We here focused osteopontin (OPN), which was tested independently associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). Overall, OPN increased with DbCM severity according with the presence of left atrial dilatation, LV hypertrophy and LVDD.