Severe Left Atrial Enlargement Research Articles

Pulmonary Hypertension in Rural Minnesota

<h3>Purpose</h3> Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) classification and prevalence at major urban centers is well described while natural history of rural patients (population < 20,000) with pulmonary hypertension evolves. <h3>Methods</h3> All consecutive patients at a rural outreach cardiology practice with mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥ 20 mmHg on right heart catheterization (RHC) were included. All patients had echocardiogram and RHC. Patients were grouped into PAH (group 1), combined pre- and post-capillary PH (group 1*), and non-group 1 PH (groups 2-5) using standard definitions. <h3>Results</h3> Of 229 patients, 56 patients had PAH, 41 patients had group 1* PH, and 132 patients had non-group 1 PH. Patients with PAH were younger compared to non-group 1 PH (69±14 vs. 73±11 years; p=0.02). Patients ≥80 at diagnosis had increased mortality at 2 years compared to patients < 80 (<b>Figure 1,</b> p=0.003). PAH patients had similar 2-year mortality to other PH groups (p=0.276). Moderate or severe left atrial enlargement on echo (OR 0.377; 95% CI: 0.195, 0.727), coronary artery disease (OR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.275, 0.982), and atrial fibrillation/flutter (OR 0.29; 95% CI: 0.149, 0.562) were predictive of non-group 1 PH. Male sex (OR 2.186, 95% CI: 1.158, 4.125) was predictive of PAH. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Group 1 and group 1* patients appear different at baseline. Age at diagnosis remains a critical factor in patient prognosis. PAH patients may have similar mortality to other PH groups. Contrary to prior literature, males were more likely to be diagnosed with PAH in this rural subset. Rural patients face different barriers to diagnosis than urban patients, and continued vigilant screening may impact patient morbidity and mortality.

Abstract P387: Stroke Despite Anticoagulation Therapy Predicts Early Recurrence After Cardioembolic Stroke: The IAC-Study

Background and purpose: A proportion of patients with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF) have an ischemic stroke despite being prescribed anticoagulation therapy. In this study of patients with ischemic stroke in the setting of AF, we aim to determine the association between prior anticoagulant therapy and 90-day recurrent ischemic events and delayed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Methods: We included consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke and AF from the Initiation of Anticoagulation after Cardioembolic stroke (IAC) study from 8 comprehensive stroke centers in the United States. We compared recurrent ischemic events and delayed sICH risk using unadjusted and adjusted cox-regression analyses between patients who were prescribed anticoagulation (AC p ) vs. were naïve to anticoagulation therapy prior to the ischemic stroke (AC n ). For ischemic events, we adjusted for CHA 2 DS 2 -Vasc, anticoagulation initiation, and switching anticoagulant (DOAC to Warfarin or Warfarin to DOAC). For delayed sICH, we adjusted for age, sex, NIHSS score, and early hemorrhagic transformation. Results: 2070 patients had home anticoagulation treatment status recorded. When compared to the AC n group, the AC p group were more likely to have higher median (IQR) CHA 2 DS 2 -Vasc score [5 (4-6) vs. 5 (3-6), p = 0.001], lower NIHSS score [8 (3 - 18) vs. 10 (4 - 18), p = 0.015], severe left atrial enlargement (43.5% vs. 34.5%, p &lt; 0.001), and less likely to receive alteplase (14.4% vs. 36.2%, p &lt; 0.001). In the adjusted cox hazard model, AC p was associated with increased risk of 90-day recurrent ischemic events (adjusted HR 1.52 95% CI 1.01 - 2.29, p = 0.047) but not increased risk of 90-day sICH (adjusted HR 1.10 95% CI 0.46 - 2.61, p = 0.838). In a sensitivity analysis, with severe left atrial enlargement added to the model, the association between AC p and recurrent ischemic event risk did not meaningfully change (adjusted HR 1.41 95% CI 0.87 - 2.28, p = 0.162). Conclusion: Patients with AF and ischemic stroke despite being prescribed anticoagulation therapy are at higher risk of recurrent events. Studies are needed to understand mechanisms of ischemic stroke in these patients to improve stroke prevention strategies.

Left Atrial Size and Ischemic Events after Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Background: The present study aimed to clarify the association between left atrial (LA) size and ischemic events after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: Acute ischemic stroke or TIA patients with NVAF were enrolled. LA size was classified into normal LA size, mild LA enlargement (LAE), moderate LAE, and severe LAE. The ischemic event was defined as ischemic stroke, TIA, carotid endarterectomy, carotid artery stenting, acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention, systemic embolism, aortic aneurysm rupture or dissection, peripheral artery disease requiring hospitalization, or venous thromboembolism. Results: A total of 1,043 patients (mean age, 78 years; 450 women) including 1,002 ischemic stroke and 41 TIA were analyzed. Of these, 351 patients (34%) had normal LA size, 298 (29%) had mild LAE, 198 (19%) had moderate LAE, and the remaining 196 (19%) had severe LAE. The median follow-up duration was 2.0 years (interquartile range, 0.9–2.1). During follow-up, 117 patients (11%) developed at least one ischemic event. The incidence rate of total ischemic events increased with increasing LA size. Severe LAE was independently associated with increased risk of ischemic events compared with normal LA size (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–3.00). Conclusion: Severe LAE was associated with increased risk of ischemic events after ischemic stroke or TIA in patients with NVAF.

Prognostic impact of right ventricular overload in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) overload is associated with adverse outcome in patients with chronic heart failure. However, its prognostic value in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients remains unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of right ventricular overload in ACS patients. Methods We studied 2797 ACS patients from Mie ACS registry, a prospective and multicenter registry in Japan. They were divided into 4 subgroups according to the severity of RV overload and the extent of Left Ventricle Ejection Fraction (LVEF) assessed by echocardiography before hospital discharge. High RV overload was defined as trans-tricuspid pressure gradient (TRPG) ≥40mmHg and preserved LVEF was defined as ≥50%. The primary outcome was defined as 2-year all-cause mortality. Median follow up duration was 730 days (1–2215 days). Results High RV overload was detected in 76 patients (2.7%). In basic patients characteristics, high RV overload patients were significantly older and higher killip classification than low RV overload patients (P&amp;lt;0.01, respectively). Laboratory data in high RV overload patients showed lower hemoglobin level and higher serum creatinine level than those in low RV overload patients (P&amp;lt;0.01, respectively). Echocardiographic findings in high RV overload represented lower LVEF, higher rate of moderate or severe mitral regurgitation and left atrial enlargement than those in low RV overload patients (P&amp;lt;0.01, respectively). During the follow-up periods (median 730 days), 260 (9.3%) patients experienced all-cause death. Multivariate cox hazard regression analysis for all-cause mortality demonstrated that high RV overload was an independent poor prognostic factor in the entire study population. Among patients with preserved LVEF, high RV overload resulted in an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to low RV overload (P&amp;lt;0.0001). Conclusion In ACS patients, high RV overload strongly contributes to worsening of prognosis regardless of the extent of LVEF. Kaplan-Meier survival curve Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The role of left atrial enlargement and age in the prediction of recurrence in embolic strokes of undetermined source.

Left atrial disease is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and can be used to predict atrial fibrillation (AF). We examine whether left atrial enlargement (LAE) could predict stroke recurrence in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Sixty-four patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ESUS were followed for a median of 22 months. Clinical data and echocardiogram findings were recorded. The echocardiogram interpretation was performed centrally and blindly. The Brown ESUS - AF score was used to categorize patients into high (human resource planning [HRP]: score > 2) and low-risk patients (non-HRP score 0-1). Stroke recurrence was the primary outcome. The median age was 62 years (range: 22-85 years); and 33 (51.6%) were men. The median initial NIHSS score was three points (range: 0-27). Twelve (18.8%) patients were categorized as HRP. We found a significant tendency toward recurrence among HRP versus non-HRP patients. Three (25%) HRP versus 2 (3.8%) non-HRP experienced recurrence (OR: 8.3 95% CI 1.2-57; p=0.042); this association was related to severe atrial dilatation (OR: 14.5 95% CI 0.78-277, p = 0.02) and age > 75 years (OR: 12.7 95% CI 1.7-92.2, p = 0.03). We found no differences in recurrence in a univariate analysis. Patients with severe LAE who are 75 years old or older have a significant tendency to experience stroke recurrence.

Left Atrial Size; a Missing Component in Scoring Systems for Predicting Atrial Fibrillation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

Several risk factors have been associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). However, some important factors that may play substantial roles have been neglected in the final suggested risk models. In this study, we aimed to derive a new clinical risk index to predict AF in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. In this retrospective cohort study we enrolled 3047 isolated CABG patients. A random sample of 2032 patients was used to derive a risk index for the prediction of post-CABG AF. A multivariate logistic regression model identified the independent preoperative predictors of post-CABG AF, and a simple risk index to predict AF was constructed. This risk index was cross-validated in a validation set of 1015 patients with isolated CABG. Post-CABG AF occurred in 15.9% and 15.7% of the patients in the prediction and validation sets, respectively. Using multivariate stepwise analysis, four preoperative variables including advanced age, left atrial (LA) enlargement, hypertension and cerebrovascular accident contributed to the prediction model (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve curve = 0.66). The effect of advanced age appeared to be dominant [age ≥ 75 years; odds ratio: 4.134, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.791-6.121, p < 0.001]. Moderate to severe LA enlargement had an odds ratio of 2.176 (95% CI: 1.240-3.820, p = 0.013) for developing AF in our risk index. LA size was an important factor in risk stratification of post-CABG AF, which remained significant in the final model. Future scoring system studies might benefit from the use of this variable to obtain a more robust predictive value.

Acquired left-to-right shunting through a valve-incompetent foramen ovale in a cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure

Case summaryAn 8-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented for a recheck evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and chronic kidney disease. Three years prior to presentation, the patient was diagnosed with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and started on atenolol. The left ventricular outflow tract obstruction subsequently resolved. Biochemical analysis a week prior to presentation demonstrated severe azotemia. Transthoracic echocardiograph revealed pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, severe left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, severe left atrial enlargement and continuous left-to-right flow through the interatrial septum near the fossa ovalis. The patient was euthanized owing to poor prognosis, and gross examination at necropsy revealed a valve-incompetent patent foramen ovale secondary to severe left atrial dilation.Relevance and novel informationTo our knowledge, this is the first report of an acquired left-to-right shunt through a valve-incompetent foramen ovale in a cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Severe left atrial dilation was suspected to cause interatrial shunting through the valve-incompetent foramen ovale, and this finding may be relevant to echocardiographic evaluations in other cats.

Anxiety is associated with increased risk for atrial cardiopathy.

Anxiety is common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The mutual causal effect between anxiety and AF is expected with limited evidence. Atrial cardiopathy is a term to describe structural or electrophysiological atrium abnormality that precedes the onset of AF. This study aimed to investigate the association of anxiety with atrial cardiopathy, giving a clue to the causal relationship of this mind-heart link. This cross-sectional study analyzed 532 patients who were free of AF, atrial flutter, stroke, acute coronary syndrome and valvular heart disease. Atrial cardiopathy was defined as P-wave terminal force in lead V1 > 5000μV·ms on electrocardiogram or severe left atrial enlargement on echocardiogram. Generalized anxiety disorder was ascertained by a score of > 17/56 on Hamilton anxiety rating scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association of anxiety with atrial cardiopathy. A total of 65(12.2%) patients had atrial cardiopathy and 53(10.0%) had generalized anxiety disorder, respectively. Those with atrial cardiopathy were older (74.0 vs 67.0, P < 0.001), had a bigger left ventricular posterior wall thickness (10.1 vs 9.7mm, P = 0.030), and had a higher prevalence of hypertension (83.1% vs 65.5%, P = 0.005), premature complexes (20.0% vs 6.2%, P < 0.001), and generalized anxiety disorder (20.0% vs 8.6%, P = 0.004), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed the significant association of anxiety with atrial cardiopathy (OR 2.788; 95% CI 1.304-5.960, P = 0.008), independent of confounding factors. Anxiety is independently associated with atrial cardiopathy. This association indicates the triggering effect of anxiety on atrial remodeling.

Abstract WMP118: Anticoagulation Therapy Reduces Recurrent Stroke in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) Patients With Elevated Coagulation Markers or Severe Left Atrial Enlargement

Introduction: Left atrial enlargement (LAE) and markers of coagulation and hemostatic activation (MOCHA) have previously been shown to identify ESUS patients who are more likely to have subsequent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF), malignancy or recurrent strokes. The objective of this study was to evaluate if anticoagulation therapy reduces recurrent stroke in ESUS patients with LAE or abnormal MOCHA. Methods: Consecutive ESUS patients seen in the Emory Clinic from January 1, 2017, to June 30, 2019, underwent outpatient cardiac monitoring and the MOCHA profile (serum d-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1.2, thrombin-antithrombin complex and fibrin monomer) obtained ≥ 2 weeks after the index stroke. All patients were on antiplatelet therapy at the time of testing. Anticoagulation was offered to patients with an abnormal MOCHA (≥ 2 elevated markers) or severe LAE (LA volume index &gt;40 ml/m 2 ). Patients were evaluated for AF, malignancy, recurrent stroke or hemorrhage at routine clinical follow-up. We compared this patient cohort (cohort 2) to a historical cohort (cohort 1) who underwent the same protocol but remained on antiplatelet therapy during follow-up. Results: Baseline characteristics and endpoints are shown in the Table. Overall 46 (23%) patients in Cohort 2 initiated anticoagulation based on abnormal MOCHA or severe LAE. Cohort 2 had significantly lower rates of recurrent stroke than cohort 1 (14% vs. 3%, p=0.008) with no major hemorrhages. Conclusion: Anticoagulation therapy in a subgroup of ESUS patients with abnormal MOCHA or severe LAE may be associated with a reduced rate of recurrent stroke. A prospective, multicenter study is warranted to validate these results.

Abstract WP201: Left Atrial Enlargement Predicts 3-Month Outcome in Acute Embolic Stroke

Introduction: Although previous studies have shown that the role of left atrial enlargement (LAE) on ischemic stroke, the association with long-term clinical outcome is less clear. We hypothesized that LAE might be associated with long-term outcome in acute ischemic stroke most likely related to embolism (cryptogenic and cardioembolism). Methods: This was a prospective study for patients with acute ischemic stroke as documented by MRI. Echocardiographic LAE was categorized as normal, mild, moderate and severe. Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale at 3-month of 2-6. The association between LAE and clinical outcome was explored using multivariate analysis adjusting for demographics and other clinical variables. Results: Of 178 patients enrolled, 87 (48.9%) had no LAE, whereas 50 (28.1%) had mild, 30 (16.9%) had moderate and 11 (6.1%) had severe LAE. Infarct volume on MRI was larger in severe LAE (36.53±30.11 cm 3 ) followed by moderate (32.81±28.84 cm 3 ), mild (13.4±16.53 cm 3 ), and normal (11.9±13.16 cm 3 ; p&lt;0.001). At the 3-month follow-up, the poor outcomes were more common in moderate to severe (67%), followed by mild (51%), and normal LAE (46%; p&lt;0.001). In multivariable models adjusted for confounders including heart failure, moderate-to severe LAE compared to normal LAE was associated with poor clinical outcome (odds ratio 1.54, confidence interval 1.04-4.55). Mild LAE was not associated with poor outcome. Conclusions: Our present study shows that LAE is an independent predictor of 3-month clinical outcomes in acute embolic stroke.

THE 5-YEAR DYNAMICS OF CARDIAC STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AFTER MYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION

The aim: To estimate the dynamics of echocardiographic parameters in patients with CAD within 5 years after revascularization. Material and methods: 50 persons (males/females 39/11; mean age 59.9±9.3 years; STEMI 76%, non-STEMI 24%) were divided into two groups: n=38 after PCI with stenting (PCIwS); n=12 after CABG. Observation included regular echocardiography with LV myocardial mass (LVMM) and geometry estimation. Results: Groups were comparable by age, co-morbidity, BP, heart rate and BMI. Significantly severe baseline LV hypertrophy (LVH) and left atrial enlargement (LAE) in group 2 explained by spread coronary atherosclerosis. Later progressive LAE (4.37±0.22 cm, P0-60<0.05) in group 1, and aortic/LV dilatation (+0.4/+1.0 cm, respectively, both P0-60<0.05) in group 2 developed. In two years LVMM index increased by 13.4/17.5% in groups 1/2, respectively. Normal geometry and concentric remodeling completely disappeared in 3/1.5 years after PCIwS/CABG, respectively. Conclusions: Within the 1st year after revascularization, patients with CABG had more severe LVH. In 5 years after PCIwS the ratio between concentric/eccentric LVH was 2:1, whereas after CABG - 1:2.

Potential Utility of Neurosonology in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Detection in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke.

Background: Occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a common and potential treatable cause of cryptogenic stroke (CS). We sought to prospectively identify independent predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) detection in patients with CS and sinus rhythm on baseline electrocardiogram (ECG), without prior AF history. We had hypothesized that cardiac arrhythmia detection during neurosonology examinations (Carotid Duplex (CDU) and Transcranial Doppler (TCD)) may be associated with higher likelihood of AF detection. Methods: Consecutive CS patients were prospectively evaluated over a six-year period. Demographics, clinical and imaging characteristics of cerebral ischemia were documented. The presence of arrhythmia during spectral waveform analysis of CDU/TCD was recorded. Left atrial enlargement was documented during echocardiography using standard definitions. The outcome event of interest included PAF detection on outpatient 24-h Holter ECG recordings. Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: A total of 373 patients with CS were evaluated (mean age 60 ± 11 years, 67% men, median NIHSS-score 4 points). The rate of PAF detection of any duration on Holter ECG recordings was 11% (95% CI 8%–14%). The following three variables were independently associated with the likelihood of AF detection on 24-h Holter-ECG recordings in both multivariate analyses adjusting for potential confounders: age (OR per 10-year increase: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.19–2.37; p = 0.003), moderate or severe left atrial enlargement (OR: 4.81; 95% CI: 1.77–13.03; p = 0.002) and arrhythmia detection during neurosonology evaluations (OR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.47–6.48; p = 0.003). Conclusion: Our findings underline the potential utility of neurosonology in improving the detection rate of PAF in patients with CS.

Fetal Cardiac Intervention in Critical Aortic Stenosis with Severe Mitral Regurgitation, Severe Left Atrial Enlargement, and Restrictive Foramen Ovale

Objective: To assess the intrauterine course and outcome of fetal cardiac intervention (FCI) in fetuses with critical aortic stenosis (CAS), severe mitral regurgitation (MR), severe left atrial dilatation (LAD), and restrictive foramen ovale (RFO) or intact atrial septum. Methods: All fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of CAS, severe MR, severe LAD, and RFO were retrospectively collected in one tertiary center for fetal medicine over a period of 10 years. Video recordings, pre- and postnatal charts were reviewed for cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, intrauterine course, and postnatal outcome. Results: Nineteen fetuses with CAS, severe MR, severe LAD, and RFO were diagnosed in the study period. In 5 cases, FCI was not considered as the parents either opted for expectative management or for termination. In the remaining 14 fetuses, 21 FCI were performed: 14 balloon valvuloplasties, 2 atrioseptostomies, and 5 fetal atrial stent insertions. Seven of 14 fetuses (50%) had fetal hydrops, 5 of 14 fetuses (36%) presented with intact atrial septum. Procedure-related death occurred in 5 fetuses after aortic valvuloplasty or concomitant atrioseptostomy but in none after fetal atrial stenting. Due to progressive hydrops, two terminations of pregnancy were performed. Among the 7 live births, 3 died in the neonatal period. The remaining 4 received single ventricle palliation, 2 following fetal aortic valvuloplasty and 2 after fetal atrial stent insertion. Conclusions: CAS with severe MR, severe LAD, and RFO has a high overall mortality even in cases undergoing intrauterine intervention. Parameters that accurately predict the intrauterine and postnatal outcome have yet to be defined.

Feline arterial thromboembolism

Arterial thromboembolism is a common complication of feline cardiomyopathy. In many cats, underlying cardiac disease can be clinically silent. Risk factors for development of arterial thromboembolism include a previous episode of arterial thromboembolism; spontaneous echocardiographic contrast; severe left atrial enlargement; reduced left atrial and left ventricular function; and low left auricular appendage blood flow velocities. Diagnosis can be based on clinical signs, but echocardiography is necessary to confirm the presence of cardiomyopathy. Antithrombotic treatment is often empirical, as prospective studies are lacking. Clopidogrel has been shown to be superior to aspirin in prevention of subsequent arterial thromboembolism events, and future studies might show efficacy of other antithrombotic drugs. Cats that survive the initial thromboembolic event might have a fairly favourable prognosis, with a survival of over 12 months.

Early Versus Late New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Differences in Clinical Characteristics and Predictors.

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has significant consequences but is often misdiagnosed. The aim of the study was to evaluate predictors of NOAF throughout different phases of AMI. Patients with AMI admitted to a tertiary medical center were analyzed. Exclusion criteria were preexisting AF, AMI onset ≥24 hours prior to admission, in-hospital death, significant valvular disease, and in-hospital coronary artery bypass graft. Study population were AMI without-NOAF, early-AF (AF terminated within 24 hours of admission), and late-AF (beyond the first 24 hours). Overall 5946 patients were included, age: 64.8 ±14.8 years; 30% women. The incidence of NOAF was 4.6%: 1.6% early-AF, and 3% late-AF. Patients with NOAF comprised greater rate of women, cardiovascular risk-factors burden, severe left ventricular-dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, valvular disorders, and left atrial enlargement compared with patients without-NOAF. Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and inferior-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were significantly more prevalent among early-AF group, while anterior-STEMI, in late-AF. The final multivariate models showed c-statistics of 0.73 and 0.76 for the prediction of new-onset early-AF and late-AF, respectively. In conclusion, there are different clinical predictors of early- versus late-NOAF. The study points out "high risk" AMI population for more meticulous heart rate monitoring for NOAF.

Atrial fibrillation, not atrial cardiopathy, is associated with stroke: A single center retrospective study

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of thromboembolism. Atrial cardiopathy, defined as structural left atrial enlargement (LAE), has been proposed to be a unifying risk factor for stroke, with or without atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to understand the relative importance of LAE and AF as risk factors for stroke. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent echocardiography within the Henry Ford Health System between March and September 2016. Patients were categorized based on the degree of LAE (none, mild, moderate and severe). The diagnosis of prior stroke or AF was ascertained by the presence of these conditions in the electronic medical record (www.EPIC.com). ResultsTotal of 8679 cases, 54% were female, 41% were African-American, and mean age was 65 ± 17 years. Fifteen percent had mild, 12% had moderate and 18% had severe LAE; the frequency of AF was 22%; and prior stroke was 18%. In multivariate analysis, the odds of AF increased progressively with severity of LAE (adjusted OR for mild 1.81, moderate 2.13 and severe 4.38, all P < .001) and AF was confirmed as a risk factor for prior stroke (aOR 1.34, CI 1.15–1.56, p < .001). By contrast, there was no association between LAE and stroke (aOR 0.98 CI 0.86–1.12, p = .74), regardless of the severity of LAE, and regardless of whether AF was present or not. ConclusionStructural LAE, found in almost half of this population, has a significant association with AF. While AF was confirmed to have a significant association with prior stroke, we found no association between stroke and LAE. AF, not LAE, appears to be the true atrial factor associated with stroke.

Recurrent Stroke With Rivaroxaban Compared With Aspirin According to Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation

The NAVIGATE ESUS randomized clinical trial found that 15 mg of rivaroxaban per day does not reduce stroke compared with aspirin in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS); however, it substantially reduces stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). To analyze whether rivaroxaban is associated with a reduction of recurrent stroke among patients with ESUS who have an increased risk of AF. Participants were stratified by predictors of AF, including left atrial diameter, frequency of premature atrial contractions, and HAVOC score, a validated scheme using clinical features. Treatment interactions with these predictors were assessed. Participants were enrolled between December 2014 and September 2017, and analysis began March 2018. Rivaroxaban treatment vs aspirin. Risk of ischemic stroke. Among 7112 patients with a mean (SD) age of 67 (9.8) years, the mean (SD) HAVOC score was 2.6 (1.8), the mean (SD) left atrial diameter was 3.8 (1.4) cm (n = 4022), and the median (interquartile range) daily frequency of premature atrial contractions was 48 (13-222). Detection of AF during follow-up increased for each tertile of HAVOC score: 2.3% (score, 0-2), 3.0% (score, 3), and 5.8% (score, >3); however, neither tertiles of the HAVOC score nor premature atrial contractions frequency impacted the association of rivaroxaban with recurrent ischemic stroke (P for interaction = .67 and .96, respectively). Atrial fibrillation annual incidence increased for each tertile of left atrial diameter (2.0%, 3.6%, and 5.2%) and for each tertile of premature atrial contractions frequency (1.3%, 2.9%, and 7.0%). Among the predefined subgroup of patients with a left atrial diameter of more than 4.6 cm (9% of overall population), the risk of ischemic stroke was lower among the rivaroxaban group (1.7% per year) compared with the aspirin group (6.5% per year) (hazard ratio, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07-0.94; P for interaction = .02). The HAVOC score, left atrial diameter, and premature atrial contraction frequency predicted subsequent clinical AF. Rivaroxaban was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent stroke among patients with ESUS and moderate or severe left atrial enlargement; however, this needs to be independently confirmed before influencing clinical practice.

Association of left atrial volume index and all-cause mortality in patients referred for routine cardiovascular magnetic resonance: a multicenter study

BackgroundRoutine cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) allows for the measurement of left atrial (LA) volumes. Normal reference values for LA volumes have been published based on a group of European individuals without known cardiovascular disease (CVD) but not on one of similar United States (US) based volunteers. Furthermore, the association between grades of LA dilatation by CMR and outcomes has not been established. We aimed to assess the relationship between grades of LA dilatation measured on CMR based on US volunteers without known CVD and all-cause mortality in a large, multicenter cohort of patients referred for a clinically indicated CMR scan.MethodWe identified 85 healthy US subjects to determine normal reference LA volumes using the biplane area-length method and indexed for body surface area (LAVi). Clinical CMR reports of patients with LA volume measures (n = 11,613) were obtained. Data analysis was performed on a cloud-based system for consecutive CMR exams performed at three geographically distinct US medical centers from August 2008 through August 2017. We identified 10,890 eligible cases. We categorized patients into 4 groups based on LAVi partitions derived from US normal reference values: Normal (21–52 ml/m2), Mild (52–62 ml/m2), Moderate (63–73 ml/m2) and Severe (> 73 ml/m2). Mortality data were ascertained for the patient group using electronic health records and social security death index. Cox proportional hazard risk models were used to derive hazard ratios for measuring association of LA enlargement and all-cause mortality.ResultsThe distribution of LAVi from healthy subjects without known CVD was 36.3 ± 7.8 mL/m2. In clinical patients, enlarged LA was associated with older age, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, heart failure, inpatient status and biventricular dilatation. The median follow-up duration was 48.9 (IQR 32.1–71.2) months. On univariate analyses, mild [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.35 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.11 to 1.65], moderate [HR 1.51 (95% CI 1.22 to 1.88)] and severe LA enlargement [HR 2.14 (95% CI 1.81 to 2.53)] were significant predictors of death. After adjustment for significant covariates, moderate [HR 1.45 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.89)] and severe LA enlargement [HR 1.64 (95% CI 1.29 to 2.08)] remained independent predictors of death.ConclusionLAVi determined on routine cine-CMR is independently associated with all-cause mortality in patients undergoing a clinically indicated CMR.

Robotic Mitral Valve Surgey Combined with Left Atrial Reduction and Ablation Procedures

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of robotically assisted, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery combined with left atrial reduction for mitral valve surgery and elimination of atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsEleven patients with severe mitral regurgitation, AF, and left atrial enlargement who underwent robotic, minimally invasive surgery between May 2013 and March 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. The da Vinci robotic system was used in all procedures. The patients’ demographic data, electrocardiography (ECG) findings, and pre- and postoperative transthoracic echocardiography findings were analyzed. During follow up ECG was performed at postoperative 3, 6, and 12 months additionally at the 3rd month trans thoracic echocardiography was performed and functional capacity was also evaluated for all patients.ResultsAll patients underwent robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery with radiofrequency ablation and left atrial reduction. Mean age was 45.76±16.61 years; 7 patients were male and 4 were female. Preoperatively, mean left atrial volume index (LAVI) was 69.55±4.87 mL/m2, ejection fraction (EF) was 54.62±8.27%, and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was 45.75±9.42 mmHg. Postoperatively, in hospital evaluation LAVI decreased to 48.01±4.91 mL/m2 (P=0.008), EF to 50.63±10.13% (P>0.05), and PAP to 39.02±3.11 mmHg (P=0.012). AF was eliminated in 8 (72%) of the 11 patients at the 1st postoperative month. There were significant improvements in functional capacity and no mortality during follow-up.ConclusionLeft atrial reduction and radiofrequency ablation concomitant with robotically assisted minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can be performed safely and effectively to eliminate AF and prevent recurrence.

Atrial cardiopathy in patients with embolic strokes of unknown source and other stroke etiologies

To investigate the prevalence and clinical determinants of atrial cardiopathy in patients with embolic stroke of unknown source (ESUS) and compare with other established stroke etiologies. In a cross-sectional study of 846 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke, we compared the prevalence of atrial cardiopathy (defined by p-wave terminal force in V1 >5,000 µV·ms or severe left atrial enlargement) between ESUS patients and patients with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) and small vessel disease (SVD) strokes. Baseline characteristics were also compared between ESUS and cardioembolic (CE) patients. Of all, 158 (19%) patients met ESUS diagnostic criteria, while others were classified into LAA (n = 224, 26%), SVD (n = 154, 18%), and CE (n = 310, 37%). The prevalence of atrial cardiopathy was higher in ESUS patients compared to noncardioembolic stroke patients (26.6% vs 12.1% in LAA vs 16.9% in SVD; p = 0.001). ESUS patients were younger, were less hypertensive, and had higher cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels, but also had less left ventricular or atrial abnormalities when compared to CE patients. The prevalence of atrial cardiopathy was high in ESUS patients compared with patients with nonembolic strokes. Interestingly, ESUS patients were also clinically different from CE patients. While the presence of atrial cardiopathy may reflect a unique mechanism of thromboembolism in ESUS patients, it is still unclear if they may benefit from anticoagulation, or if the presence of atrial cardiopathy in this population could serve as a risk-stratifying marker for stroke recurrence. Further efforts are necessary to provide better characterization of the ESUS population in order to develop better stroke preventive strategies.