Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Research Articles

Echocardiographic image monitoring during Impella use: our experience

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction Impella CP is a type of percutaneous left ventricular (LV) mechanical circulatory support located inside LV and placed through the aortic valve. There is little information about the incidence of valvular complications related to its use or other complications assessable by echocardiography. Purpose To determine the existence of complications assessable by echocardiography in patients treated with Impella CP in our centre. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients treated with Impella CP in 2020 and 2021 in our centre. Baseline clinical characteristics were studied and pre- and post-procedure echocardiograms of these patients were reviewed. Results A total of 32 echocardiograms were analysed in 16 patients with a mean age of 70 years. Clinical and echocardiographic features are described in table 1. After device removal, the presence or degree of aortic regurgitation did not change in the patients, including 2 patients who had moderate aortic regurgitation pre-implantation. However, on echocardiograms after device removal, intraventricular thrombus was detected in 2 patients, who also had severe LV systolic dysfunction and who had the longest duration in days of implantation (6 and 7 days). The mean number of days of implantation was 1.68 days. Conclusion Echocardiography is a useful tool for the management and detection of complications during the time of support with Impella CP, such as valve dysfunction and the presence of intraventricular thrombus. In our centre, the use of Impella is not related to the onset or worsening of aortic valve pathology.

Transcatheter transfemoral aortic valve replacement in a patient with acromegaly and severe left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy. Case report

Main causes of secondary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include acromegalic cardiomyopathy. Heart damage in patients with the acromegaly is mediated both by the direct action of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1, and increased deposition of collagen and lymphomononuclear cells in the myocardium, which leads to architectural changes, disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance, severe left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, diastolic and systolic left ventricular dysfunction and chronic heart failure. This article presents the world's first described observation demonstrating the possibility of successful transfemoral aortic valve repair to a comorbid patient with severe aortic stenosis according to the potential risks caused by the active form of the acromegaly.

Predictors of Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation in Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are life-threatening complications of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Data regarding risk factors for PVT/VF based on the TTS variant are lacking. This study aims to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with PVT and VF in patients with TTS. Patients meeting the InterTak criteria for TTS between 2010-2022 were retrospectively identified. The occurrence of PVT/VF with each risk factor was analyzed using logistic regression. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the interaction between risk factors. PVT/VF occurred in 27 of the 296 patients with TTS (9.1%). Patients with PVT/VF were younger (52 vs. 62 years, P=0.019) and more frequently used stimulants in the 4 weeks before admission (22.2% vs. 8.2%, OR 3.20, p =0.023). All PVT/VF occurred within 24 hours of hospitalization. An initial QTc threshold of 490 ms had the highest sensitivity and specificity for the occurrence of PVT/VF (AUC=0.687). Patients with PVT/VF were more likely to have a QTc >490 ms on admission (55.6% vs. 18.7%, OR=5.45, P< 0.01), apical variant TTS (78% vs. 56%, OR=2.69, p=0.038), and an admission EF < 30% (63% vs. 41.5%, OR=2.39, p=0.032); each factor was independently associated with PVT/VF irrespective of QTc duration on sensitivity analysis. In conclusion, nearly 1 in 10 of patients with TTS had PVT/VF. A QTc > 490 ms, recent stimulant use, apical variant TTS, and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction on admission are associated with higher PVT/VF risk, with the first 24 hours being a high-risk period.

Broken Heart! Surprised to Know Why!

A 70-year-old female attended the emergency department with cardiac sounding chest pain, cough, new concerning ECG changes and recent history of long flight. Her cardiac enzymes were elevated raising the suspicion of Acute Coronary syndrome. She was taken for urgent percutaneous coronary intervention which did not reveal any significant obstructive coronary artery disease however, ventriculogram revealed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) with typical apical akinesis resembling takatsubo. A transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. In addition, she was also treated for pneumonia which was the possible trigger of the event.

An Unusual Presentation of Primary Anti-phospholipid Antibody Syndrome as Acute Coronary Syndrome in Young – A Case Report

A case report of a 32-year-old female patient without any traditional risk factors presented with angina to our hospital within 6 h. Her electrocardiogram (ECG) showed extensive anterior wall -ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI). She was treated with thrombolytic therapy in the form of tenecteplase and was given standard treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Her history revealed three recurrent pregnancy losses and a history of preeclampsia. Echocardiography showed regional wall motion abnormalities of the mid, distal, apex, and anterior wall with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Routine blood investigations showed elevated total leukocyte count with neutrophilic predominance. With a history of recurrent pregnancy loss, she was investigated for anti-phospholipid anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) and was found to have positive lupus anticoagulant 1. She underwent coronary angiography (CAG) which showed a left main shaft 40% stenosis with an ulcerative lesion containing thrombus in the ostioproximal to mid-left anterior descending artery (LAD), other coronary arteries were normal. She was managed conservatively with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (Tirofiban) and switched to oral anticoagulation with Vitamin K antagonist (VKA-Acenocoumarin) along with dual-antiplatelet therapy.

Conduction system disease management in patients candidate and/or treated for the aortic valve disease: an Italian Survey promoted by Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC).

Conduction system disorders represent a frequent complication in patients undergoing surgical (surgical aortic valve replacement, SAVR) or percutaneous (transcatheter aortic valve implantation, TAVI) aortic valve replacement. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate experienced operators approach in this clinical condition. This survey was independently conducted by the Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC) and it consisted of 24 questions regarding the respondents' profile, the characteristics of participating centres, and conduction disease management in different scenarios. Fifty-five physicians from 55 Italian arrhythmia centres took part in the survey. Prophylactic pacemaker implantation is rare. In case of persistent complete atrioventricular block (AVB), 49% and 73% respondents wait less than one week before implanting a definitive pacemaker after SAVR and TAVI, respectively. In case of second degree AVB, the respondents wait some days more for definitive implantation. Respondents consider bundle branch blocks, in particular pre-existing left bundle branch block (LBBB), the worst prognostic factors for pacemaker implantation after TAVI. The implanted valve type is considered a relevant element to evaluate. In patients with new-onset LBBB and severe/moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction, respondents would implant a biventricular pacemaker in 100/55% of cases, respectively. Waiting time before a definitive pacemaker implantation after aortic valve replacement has reduced compared to the past, and it is anticipated in TAVI vs. SAVR. Bundle branch blocks are considered the worse prognostic factor for pacemaker implantation after TAVI. The type of pacemaker implanted in new-onset LBBB patients without severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction is heterogeneous.

Knockdown of ANGPTL2 promotes left ventricular systolic dysfunction by upregulation of NOX4 in mice.

Background: Angiopoietin-like 2 (ANGPTL2) is a pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant circulating protein that predicts and promotes chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis in humans. Transgenic murine models demonstrated the deleterious role of ANGPTL2 in vascular diseases, while deletion of ANGPTL2 was protective. The nature of its role in cardiac tissues is, however, less clear. Indeed, in adult mice knocked down (KD) for ANGPTL2, we recently reported a mild left ventricular (LV) dysfunction originating from a congenital aortic valve stenosis, demonstrating that ANGPTL2 is essential to cardiac development and function. Hypothesis: Because we originally demonstrated that the KD of ANGPTL2 protected vascular endothelial function via an upregulation of arterial NOX4, promoting the beneficial production of dilatory H2O2, we tested the hypothesis that increased cardiac NOX4 could negatively affect cardiac redox and remodeling and contribute to LV dysfunction observed in adult Angptl2-KD mice. Methods and results: Cardiac expression and activity of NOX4 were higher in KD mice, promoting higher levels of cardiac H2O2 when compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Immunofluorescence showed that ANGPTL2 and NOX4 were co-expressed in cardiac cells from WT mice and both proteins co-immunoprecipitated in HEK293 cells, suggesting that ANGPTL2 and NOX4 physically interact. Pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction surgery (TAC) promoted LV systolic dysfunction in WT mice but did not further exacerbate the dysfunction in KD mice. Importantly, the severity of LV systolic dysfunction in KD mice (TAC and control SHAM) correlated with cardiac Nox4 expression. Injection of an adeno-associated virus (AAV9) delivering shRNA targeting cardiac Nox4 expression fully reversed LV systolic dysfunction in KD-SHAM mice, demonstrating the causal role of NOX4 in cardiac dysfunction in KD mice. Targeting cardiac Nox4 expression in KD mice also induced an antioxidant response characterized by increased expression of NRF2/KEAP1 and catalase. Conclusion: Together, these data reveal that the absence of ANGPTL2 induces an upregulation of cardiac NOX4 that contributes to oxidative stress and LV dysfunction. By interacting and repressing cardiac NOX4, ANGPTL2 could play a new beneficial role in the maintenance of cardiac redox homeostasis and function.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure in National Hospital of Sri Lanka from year 2005 to 2020 – a retrospective observational study

BackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been a well-established treatment modality for moderate to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with left ventricular desynchrony. This is the pioneering study that analyses the cohort who underwent CRT implantation at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) in Colombo from 2005 to 2020.ObjectivesThis study was carried out to describe socio-demographic factors, improvements in clinical outcome (symptoms, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic features), and post-CRT complications in the study population, as well as to determine the efficacy of CRT in heart failure.MethodA retrospective observational study was conducted on all the living patients who had undergone CRT implantation from 2005 to 2020. The data was gathered from all the consented patients who visited the device programming clinic using a physician-administered questionnaire and clinical records. Data was analyzed using SPSS 25, and significant statistics were assessed with the McNemer test, the Student T test, and the Chi-Squared test.ResultsThe study included 50 patients with a mean age of 52.82+/− 11.66 years and female predominance (56%, n = 28). Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (50%, n = 25) was the leading etiological factor, followed by ischemic cardiomyopathy (28%, n = 14). Clinical symptoms have improved significantly with CRT implantation (p < 0.001). A significant improvement was found in NYHA functional class (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.072 to 0.284), QRS width (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.229 to 0.534), ejection fraction (p < 0.001, 95% CI = − 16.437 to − 8.504), and LV EDD (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 2.89 to 9.24). Post-CRT complications included lead malfunction (6%, n = 3) and chronic (14%, n = 7), bleeding or hematoma (2%, n = 1), pocket erosion or infection (6%, n = 3), and infective endocarditis (2%, n = 1).ConclusionAccording to the study, CRT significantly improves both clinical and functional outcomes in patients with moderate to severe heart failure.

Sarcoidosis Associated Pulmonary Hypertension.

In patients with sarcoidosis, the development of pulmonary hypertension is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The global prevalence of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) reportedly ranges between 2.9% and 20% of sarcoidosis patients. Multiple factors may contribute to the development of SAPH, including advanced parenchymal lung disease, severe systolic and/or diastolic left ventricular dysfunction, veno-occlusive or thromboembolic disease, as well as extrinsic factors such as pulmonary vascular compression from enlarged lymph nodes, anemia, and liver disease. Early diagnosis of SAPH is important but rarely achieved primarily due to insufficiently accurate screening strategies, which rely entirely on non-invasive tests and clinical assessment. The definitive diagnosis of SAPH requires right heart catheterization (RHC), with transthoracic echocardiography as the recommended gatekeeper to RHC according to current guidelines. A 6-min walk test (6MWT) had the greatest prognostic value in SAPH patients based on recent registry outcomes, while advanced lung disease determined using a reduced DLCO (<35% predicted) was associated with reduced transplant-free survival in pre-capillary SAPH. Clinical management involves the identification and treatment of the underlying mechanism. Pulmonary vasodilators are useful in several scenarios, especially when a pulmonary vascular phenotype predominates. End-stage SAPH may warrant consideration for lung transplantation, which remains a high-risk option. Multi-centered randomized controlled trials are required to develop existing therapies further and improve the prognosis of SAPH patients.

Anesthetic management in a patient with acute aortic dissection and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Anesthetic management in a patient with acute aortic dissection and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Acute Myocardial Infarction or Broken Heart with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy? Realm of Mystification after Suicidal Hanging

Abstract Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare immune-endocrinologic cause of acute and rapidly reversible left ventricular dysfunction, usually resembling acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and triggered by emotional or physical stress. We described a case of such syndrome in a 27-year-old female after an attempted suicidal hanging, whose initial clinical symptoms and electrocardiography (ECG) findings were misleading to AMI. On admission, the patient was unconscious and hypoxic. Echocardiography demonstrated a severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with akinesis in the mid and anterior septum and apex (a typical ballooning pattern), which raised suspicion of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Our patient developed chest pain, a day after the suicidal attempt. Emergent coronary angiography revealed no evidence of occlusion, confirmed diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy was made. The patient was managed with medical therapy. On a week later follow-up, the patient was totally asymptomatic with a reversal of ECG changes, and the left ventricular contractility was improved within 30 days.

Kiosk 2R-FA-05 - Contemporary Heart Failure Therapy for HFBef Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Results in a 59% Reduction in Requirement for Complex Device Implantation at 6 Months

Kiosk 2R-FA-05 - Contemporary Heart Failure Therapy for HFBef Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Results in a 59% Reduction in Requirement for Complex Device Implantation at 6 Months

Kiosk 4R-FB-06 - Contemporary Heart Failure Medical Therapy Results in Significant Left Ventricular and Left Atrial Reverse Remodelling in Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Kiosk 4R-FB-06 - Contemporary Heart Failure Medical Therapy Results in Significant Left Ventricular and Left Atrial Reverse Remodelling in Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Red cell distribution width (RDW) to serum albumin ratio (RAR) in chronic heart failure

Abstract Background The RDW to albumin ratio (RAR) is a novel and simple biomarker of inflammation. The value of RAR in predicting acute HF prognosis has been suggested. However, its application in chronic HF was never investigated. Purpose To study the association of RAR with all-cause mortality in chronic HF. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients followed in a HF clinic of a tertiary care academic hospital between January 2012 and December 2020. Consecutive adult patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction &amp;lt;50%) referred to the clinic were included. Patients with no measurement of RDW and no measurement of serum albumin were excluded from the analysis. The RAR was calculated as RDW (in %) / albumin (in g/dL). Patients were followed up to December 2022 and the endpoint under analysis was all-cause mortality. The association of RAR with mortality was assessed using a Cox-regression analysis. RAR was analysed as a continuous variable and as a categorical variable (cut-off 1st tertile). Multivariable models were built with adjustments to age, sex, arterial hypertension (AHT) history, diabetes mellitus (DM), atrial fibrillation (AF), ischaemic HF, severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), New York Heart Association class, systolic blood pressure (SBP), estimated glomerular filtration rate, haemoglobin, BNP, beta blocker (BB) use, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibithors (ARB) use and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) use. Results We studied 754 patients, 63.3% male, mean age 71 (13) years, 64.1% had AHT history, 38.5% had DM, 33.3% had AF, HF was ischaemic in 44.4%, and 49.3% has severe LVSD. A total of 92.3% of the patients were on BB, 82.8% on ACEi or ARB or ARNi, and 29.7% on MRA. RAR presented a skewed right tailed distribution with a median value of 3.56, percentile 33.3 = 3.31 and percentile 66.7 = 3.85. During a median follow-up of 43 months 370 (49.1%) patients died. Mortality increased with increasing RAR: 33.2% in patients with ratio&amp;lt;3.31, 50.6% in patients with ratio 3.31 to &amp;lt;3.85 and 63.1% in patients with ratio≥3.85, p&amp;lt;0.001. The multivariate adjusted HR of all-cause death was 1.27 (95% CI: 1.12-1.43) per each unit increase in the RDW: albumin ratio. If RAR was analysed as a categorical variable, patients with RAR≥3.31 (1st tertile) presented an increased mortality risk of 1.48 (1.12-1.96); the increase in risk was independent of age, sex, comorbidities, LVSD, symptoms, SBP, haemoglobin, renal function, BNP and disease-modifying therapy. Conclusions The RAR is a strong and independent mortality predictor in chronic HF. Patients with a RAR ≥3.31 have a 48% increase in all cause-death in the long term; the increase in risk is of 27% per each unit rise in the ratio. Our results reinforce the importance of inflammation in chronic HF pathophysiology and progression.

Abstract 16635: Cost Effectiveness Analysis of the Percutaneous Revascularization for Ischemic Left Ventricular Dysfunction REVIVED Trial Data

Introduction. Evidence on survival benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with severe ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ILVD) is scant. The REVIVED trial showed that, compared to optimal medical therapy (OMT), revascularisation by PCI did not reduce the incidence of death from any cause or heart failure hospitalization (HF); it also failed to provide sustained improvements in health-related quality of life. REVIVED data are used to evaluate the economic consequences and health outcomes of PCI+OMT and OMT alone in HF patients in the UK. Methods. 700 patients with ILVD were randomised to either PCI+OMT or OMT. Healthcare resource use and patient-reported health outcomes data EuroQol on each patient were collected at baseline and over a period of 8 years post randomisation (median follow up of 3.5 years). Health resources were costed using publicly available national unit costs from the perspective of the UK health system. Within trial mean total costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated and incremental cost effectiveness was evaluated. Regression analysis on total costs and total QALYs was used to adjust for clinically relevant baseline covariables. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to reflect parameter uncertainty. Results. Statistical modelling identified gender, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, NYHA grade and previous hospitalisation as the most relevant baseline predictors of costs and benefits. Over the 8 years of fu, patients undergoing PCI yielded, on average, similar health benefits (4.13 QALYs IC [4.10 - 4.16]) at higher costs (£14,674 IC[£14,334 - £15,014]), compared to OMT (4.16 QALYs [4.13 - 4.19]; £5154 IC [£5,034 - £5,273]). Conclusion. We found no difference in total QALYs between arms and PCI+OMT was not cost-effective compared to OMT, given its additional costs. Therefore, a strategy of routine PCI to treat ILVSD does not appear to be a justifiable use of healthcare resources.

Abstract 16558: Revascularization in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and Viability: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: Observational studies have suggested that revascularization improves survival in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) with left ventricular ejection fraction less than less than or equal to 35% and demonstrable myocardial viability compared to medical therapy alone. However, the recent Revascularization for Ischemic Ventricular Dysfunction (REVIVED) trial revealed that among patients with severe ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction receiving optimal medical therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention did not reduce the incidence of major adverse cardiac events. Hypothesis: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of revascularization on patients with ICM and demonstrable myocardial viability, specifically focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to February 8th, 2023. The primary outcome assessed in this study was mortality. A random-effects models were applied to pool effect sizes. Results: Four RCTs involving 1365 patients with ICM and viability met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 684 patients were included in the revascularization group, while 681 patients received optimal medical therapy. In the revascularization group, 232 patients (34%) died, compared to 266 patients (39%) in the medical therapy group. The meta-analysis revealed that revascularization in this patient population was not associated with a significant improvement in survival (pooled odds ratio [OR]: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.59-1.14; p = 0.24). Furthermore, revascularization did not show a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events (pooled odds ratio [OR]: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.27-1.16; p = 0.12). Conclusions: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials does not provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of revascularization in patients with ICM and demonstrable myocardial viability

Abstract 15511: Predictors of Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation in Patients With Stress Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are life-threatening complications of stress cardiomyopathy (SCM) that occur in 2-10% of patients with SCM. Hypothesis: To identify which social and medical factors are associated with an increased risk of PVT and VF in patients with SCM. Methods: All consecutive patients meeting the InterTAK (international takotsubo) diagnostic criteria for stress cardiomyopathy at the Hennepin County Medical Center between January 1 st , 2010, and December 31 st , 2022, were identified from electronic medical records. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to identify the best QTc cutoff at admission to predict ventricular arrhythmia. Results: A total of 296 patients were included in the study, of which 27 (9.1%) experienced PVT/VF. Baseline demographics, including gender, race, and age at diagnosis, were similar to patients without PVT/VF (median age 61 years, and 66.7% were females). Patients with PVT/VF were more likely to have a history of stimulant use (22.2% vs. 8.2%, OR =3.20 p =0.023), apical (Takotsubo) variant stress cardiomyopathy (78% vs.56%, OR=2.69 p=0.038), and an ejection fraction (EF) of less than 30% on admission (63% vs. 41.5%, OR=2.39 p=0.032) ( Table 1 ). Admission QTc interval cut-off value of 490 msec had the highest sensitivity and specificity in predicting the risk of ventricular arrhythmia (AUC=0.687). Notably, all PVT/VF events occurred within 17 hours of hospital admission. Conclusion: Nealy 1 in 10 patients with SCM had life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. The presence of severe LV systolic dysfunction, recent stimulant use, apical variant SCM, or prolonged QTc &gt; 490 msec is associated with the occurrence of PVT/VF, with the first day of hospital admission being an especially high-risk period.

Abstract 16293: Subsequent Pregnancies and Long-Term Cardiac Outcomes Among Patients With Prior Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Introduction: Current recommendations for subsequent pregnancies after peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have been based on previously reported ~30% recurrence rates of PPCM, but evidence has evolved along with clinical practice. Research Questions: What is the incidence of repeat pregnancy in patients with PPCM, and what are cardiac outcomes during and after subsequent pregnancies? Methods: Retrospective study of subsequent pregnancies among 110 pregnant patients identified with a confirmed diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) between 1995-2004 in a Kaiser Permanente Norther California (KPNC) cohort. Results: Among 110 women with a diagnosis of PPCM, there were 58 subsequent pregnancies, including 23 live births in 16 women (15%), and 35 therapeutic or spontaneous abortions in 24 women (21%) over a follow-up period of up to 26 years. The live births included one birth for 11 women, two births for 3 women, and three births for 2 women. Among the 32 women with subsequent pregnancies, there was no maternal mortality or need for advanced mechanical circulatory support. There was 1 woman with relapse of PPCM in subsequent pregnancy, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement at the latest follow up. There was no significant differences in LVEF at the latest available echocardiogram among those women with and without subsequent live birth pregnancies (Table 1, X 2 -value 0.901, p=0.95). Only 2 women, both with no documented subsequent pregnancy, had persistent severe LV systolic dysfunction at the end of follow-up. Conclusions: In the KPNC cohort, most patients with PPCM recovered LV function and there were no significant differences in LVEF among those women with and without subsequent live birth pregnancy.

Abstract 17185: Percutaneous Intervention in Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion: Impact on Ventricular Arrhythmia and Mortality Compared to Medical Therapy

Background: The incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in patients with chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO) in the absence of advanced left ventricular dysfunction is not well described. Moreover, little is known about how revascularization may impact VA in this population compared to medical therapy alone. Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort study from January 2010 to January 2019. We identified 100 patients with CTO on cardiac catheterization with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &gt;35% who did not undergo coronary artery bypass surgery following CTO diagnosis. Percutaneous revascularization was performed for 44 patients. The primary outcomes evaluated were VA and mortality rates at end of the study period. Secondarily, cardiovascular outcomes were compared between the intervention and optimal medical therapy (OMT) groups at the end of the study period. Survival analysis was performed via Kaplan Meier calculation for VA and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 15 and R-studio. Results: Mean age was 59.91(± 13.05) and BMI was 31.8(± 7.41). Patients were 66% male, 64% White, and 23% Black. Baseline characteristics, use of antiarrhythmic therapy, baseline LVEF, and the number of CTOs and locations of CTOs were not significantly different between groups. During a median follow-up of 4.1(± 2.54) years, the OMT group experienced higher rates of VA (21.4% vs 7.7 %, p = 0.011), and mortality (37.5% vs 15.9%, p=0.031). Conclusion: CTO in the absence of severe LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF &lt;35%) is associated with a high rate of VA and all-cause mortality, suggesting the need for further study on the impact of CTOs and their revascularization on VA and mortality in patients with LVEF &gt;35%.

Persistence of significant secondary mitral regurgitation post-cardiac resynchronization therapy and survival: a systematic review and meta-analysis : Mitral regurgitation and mortality post-CRT.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) significantly reduces secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. However, uncertainty remains as to whether improvement in secondary MR correlates with improvement with mortality seen in CRT. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the association of persistent unimproved significant secondary MR (defined as moderate or moderate-to-severe or severe MR) compared to improved MR (no MR or mild MR) post-CRT with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and heart failure hospitalization. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases till July 31, 2022 identified studies reporting clinical outcomes by post-CRT secondary MR status. In 12 prospective studies of 4954 patients (weighted mean age 66.8years, men 77.8%), the median duration of follow-up post-CRT at which patients were re-evaluated for significant secondary MR was 6months and showed significant relative risk reduction of 30% compared to pre-CRT. The median duration of follow-up post-CRT for ascertainment of main clinical outcomes was 38months. The random effects pooled hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of all-cause mortality in patients with unimproved secondary MR compared to improved secondary MR was 2.00 (1.57-2.55); p < 0.001). There was insufficient data to evaluate secondary outcomes in a meta-analysis, but limited data that examined the relationship showed significant association of unimproved secondary MR with increased cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalization. The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that lack of improvement in secondary MR post-CRT is associated with significantly elevated risk of all-cause mortality and possibly cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalization. Future studies may investigate approaches to address persistent secondary MR post-CRT to help improved outcome in this population.